Flexible Thinking in Fall

Melissa Fernandes

Tier 1

Lesson Plan

Flexible Thinking in Fall

Understanding flexible vs stuck thinking

This lesson introduces fourth-grade students with autism to the concepts of flexible thinking and stuck thinking using a fall theme. Through engaging activities, a video, and discussions, students will learn to identify these thinking patterns and explore appropriate next steps. This lesson is important as it helps students develop critical thinking skills and adaptability, which are essential for problem-solving and emotional regulation.

Audience

Fourth-grade students with autism

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Experiential Learning, Game-Based Learning, Active Learning

Materials

Video: Developing a Growth Mindset, Worksheet: Flexible vs Stuck Thinking, Reading: Fall-Themed Scenarios, Discussion: Flexible Thinking Examples, and Activity: Leaf Sorting Game

Step 1

Introduction

5 mins

Begin with a brief introduction to the concept of flexible thinking versus stuck thinking.
Explain that flexible thinking helps us adapt to new situations, while stuck thinking can make it hard to solve problems.

Step 2

Video Viewing

5 mins

Show the Developing a Growth Mindset video.
Ask students to pay attention to how the characters demonstrate flexible thinking.

Step 3

Reading and Discussion

5 mins

Distribute the reading material with fall-themed scenarios.
Read aloud and discuss each scenario, asking students to identify examples of flexible and stuck thinking.

Step 4

Worksheet Activity

5 mins

Hand out the worksheet on flexible vs stuck thinking.
Guide students through the worksheet, encouraging them to think of their own examples.

Step 5

Leaf Sorting Game

5 mins

Organize a game where students sort paper leaves into 'Flexible Thinking' and 'Stuck Thinking' piles based on scenarios you read aloud.
Encourage teamwork and discussion during the activity.

Step 6

Closure

5 mins

Recap the key points of the lesson.
Ask students to share one thing they learned about flexible thinking.
Encourage them to practice flexible thinking in their daily lives.

Discussion

Flexible Thinking Examples

A discussion to help students identify and understand examples of flexible thinking in everyday situations.

What is an example of flexible thinking you saw in the video?

Encourage students to recall specific moments from the video where characters adapted to challenges.

Can you think of a time when you used flexible thinking?

Guide students to share personal experiences where they adapted to a new situation or solved a problem creatively.

Worksheet

Flexible vs Stuck Thinking

A worksheet to help students differentiate between flexible and stuck thinking through examples and personal reflection.

Describe a situation where you used flexible thinking.

Think about a time you had to change your plan or try something new.

What is an example of stuck thinking from the reading?

Look for a scenario where someone had trouble adapting to a change.

Reading

Fall-Themed Scenarios

A reading passage with scenarios set in a fall theme to illustrate flexible and stuck thinking.

Scenario 1: Jamie wanted to go apple picking, but it started to rain. Instead of being upset, Jamie decided to bake apple pie at home.

Scenario 2: Alex was upset because the leaves were not falling as expected for his art project. He refused to use any other materials and didn't complete the project.

Scenario 3: Mia planned a picnic in the park, but it was too windy. She decided to have the picnic indoors and invited her friends to join her.

Scenario 4: Sam was looking forward to the fall festival, but it was canceled. He chose to organize a small gathering with his family at home, creating his own fun activities.

Scenario 5: Lily was excited to carve pumpkins, but they were all sold out. She decided to paint some gourds instead, creating unique decorations.

Scenario 6: Ben wanted to play in the leaves, but they were too wet. He decided to build a leaf fort with the dry leaves he found under the trees.