top of page

Flexible Thinking

Writer's picture: Chelsea InmanChelsea Inman

Yes! No! Yes! No! Yes! No! Anyone familiar with young children have probably heard a disagreement boil down to these two words; red-faced, neither party budging. Often the argument reaches a boiling point where the next strategy is a physical one, like a push or hit. When children get to this place, we want to be able to acknowledge first that they are in fact trying to solve a problem with words - a huge leap from toddler problem solving strategies. Then we want to help them get to the next place, in actually coming up with ways to solve the problem.


We have noticed this style of problem solving more frequently in the preschool and chose a book, The Zax by Dr. Seuss, to act as a “mentor text” for children to read and experience together. In the book, two Zax are heading on a path in opposite directions and when they meet neither wants to budge. We describe their thinking as “stuck thinking.” They each have one idea and when it doesn't work they can't think of another way to solve the problem. Then in circle time, the children had an opportunity to try and solve the Zax’s problem. The children tried out their “flexible thinking brain” by coming up with as many ways to solve the problem as possible.


Next we tried out a real life problem to solve: What can two kids do if they both want to use the playground swing?

“They could just get in at the same time and just swing with their feet,” O

“Instead they could go to the grass,” C

“ or instead climb,” D

“They could take turns, one could be by theirselves till it's their turn,” B


         When we worked in the studio, E wanted to try out drawing what this might look like. He draws two children that both want one teddy bear. “When they were fighting over the teddy bear - stuck- then they found another toy to play with,” 


         Being able to use flexible thinking is a lifelong habit of mind, it can challenge even us adults. Practicing outside of conflict can give children the kinds of ideas they might not be able to come up with when they are in the heat of an emotional disagreement. We hope to try out this strategy more and more when we hear the Yes! No! Yes! No! in the future.


-Chelsea


12 views0 comments

Recent Posts

See All

Comments


Safe Space All Are Welcome Here.png

© 2024 Nest Community School

Provider ID# 2197277

  • White Instagram Icon
  • White Facebook Icon

Where every child, family, and teacher belongs—embracing diversity, fostering inclusion, and celebrating community.

bottom of page