The Bush SchoolAnnouncements
Week 2: Executive Function in Action - Cognitive Flexibility: “Shift Gears”
Over the next few weeks, we’re sharing a short video series highlighting the Executive Function skills Lower School students are learning at school. These “brain tools” help children focus, manage emotions, make thoughtful choices, and build independence.
Missed a previous skill or video? You can catch up anytime to see how this shared language is showing up in classrooms and how you can reinforce it at home:
This week’s focus: Cognitive Flexibility, or as students say, “Shift Gears.”
“Shift Gears” helps children adjust when plans change—whether that’s moving from a preferred activity to something new, trying a different strategy when something isn’t working, or navigating unexpected moments in the day.
Throughout the day, teachers model and practice this language so students can build flexibility and approach change with greater confidence.
Try this at home:
As transitions come up, offer a simple preview:
As transitions come up, offer a simple preview:
“We’re shifting gears now from playtime to dinner.”
Using consistent language helps children anticipate change, adjust more smoothly, and build resilience over time.
If you have any question please reach out to Lower School Learning Specialist, Shannon Salverda, and Lower School Associate Teacher for Learning Support and Social Emotional Learning, Abigail Bidegain.
The Bush School is an independent day school located in Seattle, WA enrolling 745 students in grades K–12. The mission of The Bush School is to spark in students of diverse backgrounds and talents a passion for learning, accomplishment, and contribution to their communities
3400 East Harrison Street, Seattle WA 98112 (206) 322-7978
The Bush School does not discriminate in matters of employment, recruitment, admissions, or administration of any of its programs on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national or ethnic origin, disability, gender, or sexual orientation. In addition, The Bush School does not discriminate in matters of employment on the basis of age or marital status