22 ADHD Coping Skills That You Need to Try
In a world that rewards peak productivity and efficiency, living with ADHD can f...
In a world that rewards peak productivity and efficiency, living with ADHD can f...
Do you ever find yourself putting off tasks until the last minute, misplacing yo...
It’s often said that there’s nothing that can fully prepare you for becoming a p...
Sep 03, 2020
The previous several months have required all of us to wrap our minds around necessary changes that have been essential to public health and our general well-being. Between mandated social distancing, stay at home executive orders, working remotely and virtual schooling, our understanding of the world we live in had to ultimately shift. Many of these changes have required that we do the same things a bit differently. Instead of using Chromebooks at their desks in school, students are using tablets at their kitchen tables at home. Instead of attending meetings in a conference room at work, parents are scheduling Zoom calls in their living rooms. Instead of using SmartBoards to teach lessons in their classrooms, teachers are using Google Classroom to send videos and assignments from their dining room. Same, but different.
Somehow, we are doing it. We make these shifts. We get through the chaos. We are able to shift our thinking in order to do what was necessary. Here, I’d like to build upon our last blog article that emphasized flexible thinking as one way to help meet our current demands in extraordinary circumstances. Cognitive flexibility can be defined as the brain’s ability to switch back and forth between two different ideas, while synthesizing multiple thoughts about new information. This is a skill; it takes learned practice and application over time to develop a system of fluid perspective. It's normal for children to have some challenges in thinking flexibly.
As a teacher and Executive Function coach who now works remotely, I spend a lot of time online with students and clients. As we prepared for the new school year, and all of its unknowns, I heard a common question: “How am I supposed to say hi to my friends, when it’s safe to see them again?” My answer? “The same way you always have, just differently. The "same" part is that you'll still be able to greet your friends. The "different" part is that you need to come up with a way to do it that doesn't involve touching."
The World Health Organization (WHO) recently released a fun video graphic below titled, “Alternatives to Handshakes, Hugs, and High Fives”. It's a great visual starting point for these social concerns that students are voicing. Students often respond with, "I can think of some other ways, too!" This helps them practice their flexible thinking along with preparing them to be safe when they are allowed to see their friends.
Here are 4 easy, practical examples of how you, as parents, can begin to foster initial skills for cognitive flexibility at home:
Like any new skill, developing cognitive flexibility takes a mindful and patient approach. Students with learning differences can find it extra challenging to consider new ideas and perspectives but with our support, they can thrive and be successful in our ever-changing world.
Photo by pixpoetry on Unsplash
Elissa Kingsley is a certified Reading Specialist and English teacher with over 10 years of public and private classroom experience. Elissa studied English and Education at SUNY Oneonta and obtained her Masters in Literacy through the College of New Rochelle. At Beyond BookSmart, Elissa is a Coaching Coordinator, Executive Function Coach, and is a member of the Hiring Team. She currently resides in New Jersey with her husband and son.
Download our newest infographic with tips for parents on how to shift language, approaches, and measuring success in order to reduce friction at home.
Elissa Kingsley is a certified Reading Specialist and English teacher with over 10 years of public and private classroom experience. Elissa studied English and Education at SUNY Oneonta and obtained her Masters in Literacy through the College of New Rochelle. At Beyond BookSmart, Elissa is a Coaching Coordinator, Executive Function Coach, and is a member of the Hiring Team. She currently resides in New Jersey with her husband and son.
Executive function coaching for students online throughout the U.S. and internationally.
Copyright © 2021 Beyond BookSmart, Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
We will connect with you as soon as possible.
Comments