Introduction

Change is an inevitable part of life, especially in school settings. Students in Special Education often face schedule changes, teacher switches, and varying activities. It is essential for educators to help these students develop an Open Mind to adapt to these changes and grow more mature and capable. An Open Mind encourages students to say yes to new ideas, stay calm during transitions, and embrace changes. In contrast, a Closed Mind can lead to feelings of worry and distress. In this blog post, we will explore a no-prep activity, discussion questions, and related skills to help students cultivate an Open Mind in Special Education settings.

No-Prep Activity: The Change Game

This simple activity requires no materials or preparation and encourages students to practice adapting to change. Begin by having students stand in a circle. The educator will then announce a series of changes, such as switching places with the person next to them, hopping on one foot, or clapping their hands. Students must quickly adapt to each change, using their Open Mind to stay calm and try new things. After several rounds, discuss how students felt during the activity and how they used their Open Mind to adapt.

Discussion Questions

1. How did you feel when you were asked to make a change during the activity? Did you use your Open Mind to stay calm and adapt?
2. Can you think of a time when you had to use your Open Mind to adapt to a change in your school routine? How did you handle it?
3. Why is it important to have an Open Mind when facing changes at school? How can it help us grow and learn?
4. What are some strategies you can use to remind yourself to have an Open Mind when you’re faced with a change?
5. How can having an Open Mind benefit you outside of school, in your daily life?

Related Skills

There are several related skills that can help students in Special Education settings to better adapt to change and practice their Open Mind:

• Self-talk: Encourage students to use positive self-talk, such as “I can try new things with my Open Mind,” to help them stay calm and focused during transitions.
• Calming strategies: Teach students various calming strategies, like deep breathing or counting, to help them stay relaxed when faced with change.
• Problem-solving: Help students develop problem-solving skills to find solutions when dealing with unexpected changes or challenges.
• Embracing diversity: Encourage students to appreciate and learn from the differences in their peers, as this can help them be more open to change and new experiences.

Next Steps

Now that you have learned about the importance of an Open Mind in Special Education and explored a no-prep activity, discussion questions, and related skills, it’s time to put this knowledge into practice. To access free samples of materials related to this skill and others, sign up at Everyday Speech. By incorporating these principles into your classroom, you can help your students embrace change, grow more mature, and become capable individuals.