Practice Flexibility: Build Flexible Thinking in High School Students

Posted In Application On March 20, 2025

In today’s fast-paced learning environment, the ability to adapt to change is crucial for student success. Teaching executive function skills, such as flexibility, helps students navigate transitions, solve problems creatively, and engage with diverse perspectives. When students practice flexibility, they enhance their executive function learning, improve academic performance, and build resilience. This blog post will outline practical strategies for high school teachers to integrate executive function instruction into their classrooms, empowering students to develop essential flexibility skills.

Practice Flexibility by Reflecting on Change in the Classroom

Change is an inevitable part of life, and students often struggle with adapting to new circumstances. Over the coming weeks, notify students of upcoming changes in the classroom and give them time to reflect on their reactions. Ask them to rate their initial responses to the changes and compare them to how they feel once the changes are implemented. By reviewing these experiences, students gain insight into their emotional responses and build confidence in managing change.

• This exercise fosters student self-regulation, an essential component of executive function instruction.

Practice Flexibility by Shifting Negative Thoughts to Positive Ones

A key component of executive function intervention is helping students develop a growth mindset. Over an agreed-upon period, have students document five or more instances where they transformed a negative thought into a positive one. Encourage them to pay attention to how they managed this shift and create a plan for handling persistent negative thoughts.

• This strategy not only supports student behavior management but also strengthens their ability to regulate emotions and improve their overall performance in the classroom.

Practice Flexibility by Understanding Different Perspectives

Empathy and perspective-taking are crucial executive function strategies. Ask students to record three situations in which they had a different perspective from someone else. They should document the other person’s viewpoint and consider at least one reason why it differs from their own. Encourage students to reflect on the importance of understanding different perspectives, which strengthens social skills and prepares them for real-world interactions.

• Teaching executive function skills like perspective-taking promotes student engagement and enhances classroom discussions.

Practice Flexibility by Exploring Multiple Solutions to Problems

Problem-solving is an essential skill in executive function learning. Over an agreed-upon time, have students document two problems they encountered and ask two other people how they would solve them. Then, students should record how they ultimately chose to resolve the problem. Reflecting on multiple solutions helps students recognize the value of considering different approaches.

• This strategy fosters an executive function system that enhances student confidence and supports their ability to adapt to challenges.

Practice Flexibility Using Transition Tools for Preparedness

Transitions can be difficult for many students, but executive function tools can ease the process. For an agreed-upon number of transitions, challenge students to use more than one transition tool—such as deep breathing, progressive relaxation, visual schedules, or time management techniques—to help themselves feel prepared. Have students record the transition, the tools they used, and whether or not they found them effective.

• This exercise provides valuable insights into which strategies work best for their individual learning needs, leading to improved academic performance and self-regulation.

The Impact of Teaching Flexibility

When students practice flexibility, they build resilience, improve their executive function skills, and become more engaged learners. Implementing these practical applications helps them navigate academic challenges, develop problem-solving skills, and manage transitions with confidence. By incorporating executive function instruction into daily lessons, teachers create a supportive learning environment that empowers students to succeed.

For additional strategies to develop flexibility in different grade levels, check out these resources:

• Flexibility Strategies for Grades 1-4
• Flexibility Strategies for Grades 5-8

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Explore Cerebrate’s executive function lessons to integrate a comprehensive executive function curriculum into your classroom and help students improve their academic performance.

By prioritizing executive function instruction and encouraging students to practice flexibility, educators can equip students with the tools they need to navigate learning challenges and build a foundation for lifelong success.