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91

Last updated

16 August 2026

docx, 6.18 MB
docx, 6.18 MB
pptx, 36.32 MB
pptx, 36.32 MB
docx, 18.57 KB
docx, 18.57 KB

Why Is Change So Hard? Flexible Thinking & Executive Function Skills

Why is change so hard — and what can we do when things don’t go according to plan?

This ready-to-teach Brain Boss lesson helps pupils understand flexible thinking and gives them practical strategies for dealing with unexpected changes, disappointment and situations where their first idea doesn’t work.

Rather than simply telling pupils to “be more flexible”, the lesson teaches them how to recognise stuck thinking, consider different perspectives, generate alternative solutions and move from Plan A to Plan B.

Pupils learn that flexible thinking doesn’t mean they have to be happy when something changes. They can feel disappointed or frustrated and still find another way forward.

Skills developed
Flexible thinking and adaptability
Coping with unexpected change
Problem-solving
Managing frustration and disappointment
Perspective-taking
Generating alternative solutions
Moving from Plan A to Plan B
Executive function and self-management

The lesson introduces the Brain Boss Flexible Thinking Toolkit:

Stop & Notice → Remember the Goal → Find Options → Try Plan B → Check & Adjust

Includes a full teaching PowerPoint and matching student workbook/activities.

Suitable for PSHE, SEND, SEMH, executive function intervention, pastoral support, tutor time or whole-class teaching.

This lesson works on it’s own or as lesson 7 in the Brain Boss series.

Get this resource as part of a bundle and save up to 50%

A bundle is a package of resources grouped together to teach a particular topic, or a series of lessons, in one place.

Bundle

Brain Boss – Complete 10-Lesson Executive Functioning Programme

Brain Boss – Complete 10-Lesson Executive Functioning Programme A complete 10-lesson executive functioning programme helping pupils understand how their Brain Boss works and develop practical strategies for starting, focusing, remembering, organising, planning, adapting, self-monitoring and managing emotions. Rather than simply telling pupils to “focus,” “get organised” or “calm down,” Brain Boss teaches them what to do when these things are difficult. The 10 Lessons Meet Your Brain Boss – Introduction to Executive Functioning Task Initiation – Getting Started Attention Control – Managing Focus & Distractions Working Memory – Holding & Using Information Organisation – Creating Systems & Routines Planning & Prioritising – Breaking Down Tasks & Deciding What Comes First Flexible Thinking – Adapting When Things Change Self-Monitoring – Checking Progress & Noticing What’s Working Emotional Control – Managing Big Feelings & Choosing Your Response Be the Boss of Your Brain – Bringing Everything Together & Building a Personal Toolkit What’s Included? Each lesson uses engaging Brain Boss characters, real-life scenarios, challenges and practical strategies, supported by student activities and reflection tasks. Across the programme pupils build their own Brain Boss Toolkit, learning to: NOTICE THE PROBLEM → IDENTIFY THE SKILL → CHOOSE A TOOL → TRY IT → CHECK IF IT WORKED The final lesson brings everything together, helping pupils recognise their own strengths, challenges, warning signs and most useful strategies. Ideal for SEND/SEN, ADHD, ASD, support, SEMH, PSHE, pastoral intervention, study skills, learning support, small groups, 1:1 work or whole-class teaching. Core message: You won't always get everything right — that's why you have tools. NOTICE WHAT YOU NEED. CHOOSE YOUR TOOL. TRY IT. CHECK IF IT WORKED. BE THE BOSS OF YOUR BRAIN.

£8.99

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