Student Talk: Flexibility a Key Executive Function Skill for High School

Posted In Discussion On January 5, 2025

Student Talk Question 1: Reflecting on Frustration and Change

Frustration is a universal experience, especially during times of unexpected change. Ask students to recall a situation where they needed to prepare for a change, such as a favorite manager switching shifts or a shift in their role on a team. Encourage them to describe their thoughts and actions during that situation. Then, guide them to reflect on how they might handle it differently if given another chance.

This exercise not only promotes self-awareness but also strengthens students’ flexibility, self-regulation, and problem-solving abilities. By revisiting these moments, students learn to identify patterns in their behavior and develop executive function strategies for future challenges.

Student Talk Question 2: Helping Peers Practice Flexibility

Peer support is a valuable tool for reinforcing executive function learning. Pose a scenario: a classmate struggles with flexibility during a group project or schedule change. Ask students to brainstorm how they could help that peer use flexibility strategies. Suggestions might include sending a subtle signal, like a hand gesture, or offering words of encouragement.

This activity not only fosters a sense of community but also builds empathy and teamwork—key components of student social skills. It also empowers students to take an active role in solving executive function challenges among their peers.

Student Talk Question 3: Improving the Classroom Environment

The classroom atmosphere can be significantly enhanced when students practice flexibility. Ask your students to envision how their classroom would change if everyone adapted to new plans or respected differing perspectives. Encourage them to share why they believe flexibility is sometimes difficult and how it could improve student engagement and behavior.

Highlighting these insights helps students understand the broader implications of their actions and fosters an environment conducive to collaboration and mutual respect.

Student Talk Question 4: Assessing Personal Growth in Flexibility

Self-assessment is a cornerstone of student empowerment. Prompt students to evaluate their strengths and areas for improvement in flexibility. Encourage them to describe specific scenarios where enhancing their flexibility skills could lead to better outcomes, such as during group projects or when transitioning between subjects.

This reflective exercise allows students to identify growth opportunities and reinforces the importance of working on specific executive function tools and strategies to improve their academic performance.

Students use student talk to discuss flexibility skills in a classroom.

Why Flexibility Matters in Executive Function Instruction

Flexibility’s role in executive function instruction cannot be overstated. It equips students to navigate life’s inevitable changes with resilience and confidence. Teaching executive function skills like flexibility also addresses student learning needs and improves students’ academic performance by fostering adaptability and critical thinking.

To maximize the impact of these lessons, consider incorporating flexibility-focused activities into your broader executive function curriculum. Use executive functioning tools like visual aids, role-playing exercises, and journaling prompts to help students internalize these concepts. A structured approach to teaching flexibility can transform your classroom into a space where students are prepared to tackle challenges head-on.

Additional Resources

Looking for more ways to support flexibility development in your classroom? Check out the links below:

• Discussion Questions for Grades 1-4
• Discussion Questions for Grades 5-8
• Sign Up for Our Newsletter
• Learn More About Our Executive Function Curriculum

By prioritizing executive function instruction and integrating these student strategies into your teaching, you can empower your students to become more adaptable, confident, and successful learners.