Special education (SPED) teachers play a critical role in equipping students with the social, academic, and functional skills they need to succeed in and beyond the classroom. From fostering self-regulation to supporting interpersonal growth, SPED teachers address a wide range of student needs in dynamic, diverse environments, including Tier 3 interventions for students who require the most intensive support.
We know how challenging it can be to pull together materials from disparate sources or create your own—while also tracking progress and managing reporting. That’s why Everyday Speech offers a no-prep social skills curriculum designed to simplify this work.
With a curriculum tailored to the unique challenges SPED teachers face, we make it easier to build skills in key areas:
- Self-regulation
- Academic readiness
- Friendship skills
- Adaptive skills
Everyday Speech’s curriculum also includes features like Student Profiles, Mark as Seen, and Interactive Video Review. These tools help SPED teachers measure student progress, save time on IEP reporting, and easily track what materials have been covered.
“The Everyday Speech videos and activities are interesting and engaging. The curriculum teaches social skills in ways that the students understand. The videos have children that model how to use each social skill in scenarios and they use thought bubbles to show what each child is thinking as the students interact. I feel the videos help the students see how they would apply each social skill which is far better than just having a group discussion.”
Gina Green, Special Education Teacher
Boise ISD, Idaho
Below, we outline specific skills and resources in Everyday Speech designed to help SPED teachers create meaningful outcomes for their students.
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Self-Regulation
Self-regulation is the foundation of emotional and behavioral control. It enables students to recognize their emotions, behaviors, and impulses and equips them with strategies to navigate challenging situations with confidence. By mastering these skills, students can manage their reactions, maintain focus, and succeed in academic and social environments.
Example Self-Regulation Goals in Everyday Speech
Managing Stress empowers learners to identify stress triggers and apply calming strategies. Students practice recognizing stressful situations, exploring practical techniques for self-regulation, and developing the ability to stay calm and focused, even under pressure.
Using Your Self-Controller develops self-awareness of thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations. Students learn strategies to manage impulses early, fostering the ability to remain calm, composed, and in control across various situations.
Being Mindful teaches learners to focus on the present moment by becoming more aware of their thoughts, feelings, and surroundings. Through mindfulness practice, students build skills to manage stress, improve concentration, and respond thoughtfully to challenges.
Executive Functioning focuses on planning, organizing, and self-monitoring skills. Students strengthen their ability to manage time, complete tasks efficiently, and stay focused on long-term goals, enhancing both academic and personal growth.
Self-Regulation Resources for SPED Teachers
To bring self-regulation skills to life, Everyday Speech offers engaging resources that provide actionable tools and real-world practice opportunities. Below are a few examples of how these resources support students.
Video Lesson: Choosing Calm
- Goal: Managing Stress
- Grade: Middle & High School
This video lesson reviews the concept of “thinking before you act” to help learners use responsible decision-making skills, even when emotions run high.
Download the companion worksheet →
Video Lesson: The Power of Breath
- Goal: Being Mindful
- Grade: Middle & High School
This lesson teaches students how to harness the power of deep breathing as a tool for self-regulation and staying in control during challenging moments.
Download the companion worksheet →
Interactive Game: Operation Pizza
- Goal: Executive Functioning
- Grade: Elementary School, Middle & High School
Through the creation and delivery of pizzas, students will race against the clock and work together to apply their executive functioning skills and knowledge.
Play it online with your students here!
Academic Readiness
Academic readiness encompasses the essential skills students need to thrive in a classroom setting. These foundational skills—spanning cognitive, social, and emotional competencies—help students pay attention, remember instructions, and engage effectively in academic learning. By strengthening these abilities, students build the confidence and preparedness needed to succeed in a structured environment.
Example Academic Readiness Goals in Everyday Speech
Classroom Routine helps students understand and navigate daily classroom routines with confidence. By making these frameworks clear and accessible, students become empowered to participate independently and successfully manage transitions throughout the school day.
Working with Others focuses on collaboration, teamwork, and communication. Students practice skills like sharing ideas, taking turns, and balancing responsibilities to foster positive group dynamics and complete tasks effectively.
Behavior Management equips students with self-regulation techniques to ensure safe and respectful interactions. They learn to recognize when they feel overwhelmed and apply strategies to stay calm and maintain control, supporting a positive classroom environment for all.
Showing Respect emphasizes treating others with kindness, empathy, and consideration. Students practice understanding diverse perspectives, honoring boundaries, and using respectful communication to build strong, positive relationships and a sense of community.
Academic Readiness Resources for SPED Teachers
To help students build academic readiness, Everyday Speech provides resources that translate these skills into actionable and practical learning opportunities. Here are a few examples of the curriculum materials in Everyday Speech designed to support these goals:
Video Lesson: Following Directions
- Goal: Classroom Routine
- Grade: Elementary School
This video focuses on teaching learners the essential skills needed to follow multi-step directions effectively. Through engaging examples and clear guidance, students will learn how to listen carefully, break down tasks into manageable steps, and stay focused while completing instructions.
Download the companion worksheet →
Video Lesson: Working in Groups Introduction
Goal: Working with Others
Grade: Middle & High School
This video lesson models how students can work effectively in a group setting. Students will learn specific language to focus on group work, show acceptance of others’ ideas, and encourage participation from others.
Download the companion worksheet →
Interactive Game: Problem-Solving Quiz Show
Skill: Problem Solving
In this all-time classic, players play a Jeopardy-style game in which they answer questions to get more points! The questions are focused on problem-solving to help students practice this skill.
Play it online with your students here!
“The video modeling lessons captivate Kindergarten to sixth graders. The videos are just long enough and provide enough “think time” for both GE and special education students. The thought and speech bubbles reinforce problem-solving skills. My students also enjoy the interactive games. Currently, we are in distance learning mode and this program has helped make online sessions engaging and fun.”
Ann Lewis, Special Ed Teacher
Fresno Unified School District, California
Friendship Skills
Friendship skills are the social competencies students need to build and sustain healthy peer relationships. These skills—such as sharing, taking turns, and understanding social cues—enable students to connect meaningfully with others, fostering a sense of belonging and mutual respect. By mastering these skills, students develop the tools to navigate social interactions and maintain positive, lasting friendships.
Example Friendship Goals in Everyday Speech
Playing with Others: Teaches essential social skills for successful and enjoyable group play. Learners build confidence in initiating interactions, explore the importance of inclusivity, and practice cooperative play to ensure positive group dynamics.
Empathy Essentials: Focuses on understanding and connecting with others’ feelings. Students practice perspective-taking by considering others’ experiences and emotions, then adjusting their behavior to align with those insights. These skills foster stronger relationships and emotional connections.
Maintaining Friendships: Strengthens relationships by helping students practice communication, empathy, and conflict resolution. Learners explore ways to show care, stay connected, and address challenges to ensure friendships remain strong and meaningful.
Handling Teasing and Bullying: Equips students with strategies to respond confidently to unkind behaviors. Through practicing assertiveness, seeking support, and knowing when to involve a trusted adult, learners build resilience and create safer, more inclusive environments.
Friendship Skills Resources for Special Education Teachers
Everyday Speech offers engaging resources that transform these skills into practical learning experiences, helping students develop the tools to form meaningful connections. Below is an example of Everyday Speech curriculum material designed to support these goals:
Video Lesson: Ways to Show Kindness
- Goal: Empathy Essentials
- Grade: Elementary School
In this video, students will explore ways to show kindness to others – helping to foster an empathetic and supportive classroom environment for everyone.
Download the companion worksheet →
Adaptive Skills
Adaptive skills are the practical abilities students need to navigate daily life successfully. These skills empower learners to make informed decisions, advocate for themselves, and establish routines that support their overall well-being. By mastering adaptive skills, students gain the confidence and independence needed to thrive both in and outside the classroom.
Example Adaptive Skills Goals in Everyday Speech
Advocating for Yourself: Empowers students to express their needs, set boundaries, and stand up for their rights with confidence and respect. Learners practice using clear, assertive communication to seek support and take charge of their personal and academic goals.
Making Decisions: Helps students evaluate options, weigh consequences, and make thoughtful choices. By practicing decision-making, learners build confidence in their problem-solving abilities and take responsibility for their actions in various situations.
Healthy Habits: Focuses on developing routines and behaviors that support physical, mental, and emotional health. Students learn the importance of self-care—such as healthy eating, exercise, and sleep—while exploring strategies to manage stress and maintain balance in their daily lives.
Adaptive Skills Resources for Special Education Teachers
Everyday Speech provides resources designed to help students build these essential life skills through engaging and actionable activities. Here is an example Everyday Speech video aligned to adaptive skills:
Video Lesson: Understanding My IEP
- Goal: Making Decisions
- Grade: Middle & High School
This video guides students through understanding their Individualized Education Program (IEP), highlighting its purpose, components, and the importance of self-advocacy in customizing their educational experience.
Download the companion worksheet →
Special Education Teachers & Everyday Speech
SPED teachers face unique challenges in supporting students with diverse needs, and Everyday Speech is here to help. With targeted lessons and tools designed specifically for SPED classrooms, we make it easier for teachers to foster self-regulation, academic readiness, and essential life skills in their students.
To get started, you can:
- Sign up for a free 30-day trial.
- Have your team join you in a free 8-week pilot – sign up here!
- Schedule a live demo with our team.
