Cognitive flexibility is an executive function that involves the ability to switch from one task to another, or to adjust thinking or behaviour according to changing situations. It is an important cognitive skill that allows us to adapt to different circumstances and solve problems effectively.
What Is Cognitive Flexibility?
Cognitive flexibility is the ability of a person to change his or her thinking and adapt to new situations or problems. This implies the ability to change strategies or approaches when circumstances require it, as well as the ability to consider multiple perspectives and possible solutions. In addition, it is essential for creative and critical thinking, complex problem-solving, and informed decision-making. People with high cognitive flexibility can face new challenges with confidence and develop innovative solutions to unfamiliar situations.
It also plays an important role in both everyday life and learning. In the context of children’s learning, flexibility enables children to learn and adapt to new situations and challenges. In fact, research has shown that this ability is a significant predictor of academic performance, both in mathematics and reading comprehension. In addition, it has been seen how children with learning difficulties (dyslexia and dyscalculia) have greater problems at the level of cognitive flexibility.
The Development of Cognitive Flexibility in Children
Developing this skill in children is critical to their academic and personal success throughout life. Here are some ways parents and educators can help children develop cognitive flexibility:
- Encourage imaginative play: Imaginative play is an excellent way to foster creativity and cognitive flexibility in children. Games that involve problem-solving and exploring new situations can help children develop skills to meet new challenges.
- Encourage curiosity: Children who are naturally curious are more likely to be open-minded and flexible in their thinking. It is important to foster this curiosity through exploration, reading, and exposure to different cultures and perspectives.
- Promote critical thinking: Critical thinking is essential for cognitive flexibility. By asking questions and analysing information, children can develop skills to think more flexibly and creatively.
- Teach problem-solving skills: Problem-solving skills are essential for cognitive flexibility. Children can learn these skills through everyday problem-solving, teamwork, and exploring different solutions.
Flexibility Training with Smartick Brain
This skill can be trained and improved through cognitive training exercises. Feed me! It is one of the Smartick Brain games developed to train children’s mental flexibility.
In particular, this game requires switching ability because it involves the ability to change quickly from one rule to another. Cognitive switching tasks can be used in cognitive training to improve the ability to change and adapt in situations that require cognitive flexibility.
In Feed me! There are carnivorous plants of different types: green, pink, open-mouthed or closed-mouthed. Some of these plants want to eat worms and others flies. Players must remember what each plant wants and give it the right food – but be careful! Because the plants change their minds frequently, and, for example, if the green plant wanted to eat worms before, it may now want to eat flies. Children will need all their cognitive flexibility to meet the needs of these fickle plants.
Kids can play Feed me! And many more games in Smartick’s Virtual World after their daily 15-minute session – sign up and try the Smartick method for free now!
Learn More:
- Educational Games on SmartickBrain, Essential for Learning
- Cognitive Flexibility Games with SmartickBrain
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- Lost Objects: The New SmartickBrain Game to Train Attention
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