Special educators, general educators, and specialists know that clear, consistent language is key to helping students build communication, social, and behavioral skills. That’s where Everyday Speech comes in. Our curriculum includes a unique library of concepts designed to make abstract social concepts more concrete and teachable.

In this post, we’re breaking down some of our most popular concepts—what they mean, why they matter, and how to seamlessly integrate them into your instruction. 

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Everyday Speech Concepts & How to Use Them

Whether you’re a seasoned pro or new to the EDS curriculum, these terms will help you create a common language that empowers students and enhances learning.

1. Conversation Stoplight

The Conversation Stoplight supports learners in recognizing the natural flow of conversations, helping them understand when to speak and when to listen. By noticing cues like pauses or facial expressions, they can engage in conversations in a way that feels respectful and connected while honoring their own communication style.

Video modeling example of the Conversation Stoplight:

Tips for Integration:

• Print our Conversation Stoplight Cutout to provide learners with a visual cue to know when to talk and when to listen.
• Role-play different scenarios where students determine whether to listen (red light), look for clues (yellow light), or take a turn talking (green light).
• Reinforce the idea during class discussions by prompting students to use their  “Conversation Stoplight.”

2. Conversation Drivers & Stoppers

Conversation Drivers are behaviors that help keep a conversation going by showing interest and engagement in the topic. Conversation Stoppers, on the other hand, can make it harder for a conversation to continue. By understanding these patterns, learners can make choices that support meaningful and enjoyable interactions while staying true to their communication style.

Video modeling example of Conversation Drivers:

Tips for Integration:

• Create a list of Conversation Drivers (e.g., asking questions, making Connected Comments) and Conversation Stoppers (e.g., interrupting, ignoring).
• Practice identifying drivers and stoppers in role-play activities.
• Reinforce by having students self-reflect on conversations they have throughout the day.

3. Conversation Share

Conversation Share helps learners navigate the flow of conversation by recognizing when to speak and when to listen. Some individuals may naturally talk more or less, and this skill encourages balanced participation in a way that fosters engagement and connection for everyone involved.

Video modeling example of Conversation Share:

Tips for Integration:

• Use a talking stick or visual timer to help students practice sharing conversation time equally.
• Reinforce by modeling turn-taking in class discussions.
• Provide sentence starters to help students contribute meaningfully.

4. Changing the Channel on Feelings

This concept teaches students that feelings are important and can give them helpful information, but they don’t have to let them take over completely. When big feelings come up, students can notice them and take steps to cope or “Change the Channel”.

Video modeling example of Changing the Channel:

Tips for Integration:

• Print our, “Smile You’re on TV” PDF, which features a remote control visual to reinforce the idea. Have students “press a button” to name a new feeling they want to switch to.
• Pair this concept with self-regulation techniques like one of our mindfulness videos that feature deep breathing exercises and movement breaks. 
• Model the concept in real-time when students are struggling (“I see you’re feeling frustrated—what strategy can help you Change the Channel?”).

5. On Purpose Plan

Some learners may find it challenging to interpret the intentions of others and distinguish between accidental and intentional actions. This concept helps build understanding and reduces conflicts, especially in close relationships like those between siblings, by fostering clearer communication and perspective-taking.

Video modeling example of On Purpose Plan:

Tips for Integration:

• Print the On Purpose Plan goal poster to hang in your classroom or therapy room as a visual reinforcement for students.
• Lay the foundation for this concept by encouraging students to use their perspective-taking skills to consider their peer’s points of view.

6. Empathy Essentials

Empathy is understanding how someone else feels and then taking an extra step to show them we care. The Empathy Essentials concept teaches learners to take another’s perspective by accessing all the information they know about that person and applying it to the current situation

Video modeling example of Empathy Essentials:

Tips for Integration:

• Use read-alouds and discussion prompts to explore empathy in stories.
• Practice perspective-taking with role-playing activities.
• Reinforce by recognizing and celebrating empathetic behaviors in the classroom.

7. Switching Tracks (Handling Change)

Switching Tracks grows a student’s capacity for accepting change when they’re thrown a deviation from a schema, or plan. This could be a change in routine, schedule, expected person, or environment. Switching Tracks encourages trying new ideas and thoughts until old schemas that once felt unbendable can be bent and changed.

Video modeling example of Switching Tracks:

Tips for Integration:

• Use train track visuals to contrast a change in plans.
• Practice switching tracks with fun, low-stakes changes (e.g., change in seating arrangement).
• Reinforce by praising students when they cope well to changes.

8. Using Your Self-Controller

Maintaining self-control over impulsive emotions requires an awareness of one’s mental and physical states. Learners will scan their bodies to acquaint themselves with their own internal state so that they can apply calming strategies early in the process as a way of maintaining dignity and composure.

Video modeling example of Using Your Self-Controller:

Tips for Integration:

• Walk through students how they can complete a “body scan” to help them tune in to their emotions.
• Role-play scenarios where students practice using their Self-Controller Scanner.
• Incorporate the use of mindfulness materials, like one of our Self-Regulation Academy.

9. Reading the Room

Whether entering a house, classroom, meeting, or gathering, students can approach new situations with an awareness of the group’s dynamics. Learners will develop the ability to observe and understand the environment, allowing them to engage in a way that feels authentic to them while respecting the flow of the space.

Video modeling example of Reading the Room:

Tips for Integration:

• Use picture scenarios to discuss how different environments have different social rules or expectations.
• Walk around the school building to different areas (i.e., library, cafeteria) to observe and discuss social cues in real-time.
• Reinforce by prompting students to “Read the Room” before speaking or acting.

10. Social Chameleon

A Social Chameleon navigates different environments by developing awareness of their surroundings and the actions of others. With supportive strategies, learners can make informed choices about how to engage in a way that feels comfortable and authentic while respecting the social context of any setting.

Video modeling example of Social Chameleon:

Tips for Integration:

• Compare different social settings (e.g., classroom vs. playground) and discuss behavior expectations.
• Practice role-playing different social scenarios.
• Reinforce by encouraging students to reflect on how they adjust to various situations.

Conclusion

Everyday Speech concepts provide a consistent and effective way to teach social and behavioral skills. By integrating these simple, powerful terms into your classroom, you’ll create a shared language that helps students navigate social situations with confidence.

Try introducing one concept at a time and reinforcing it through modeling, visuals, and practice. Over time, you’ll see students internalizing these concepts, leading to more self-regulation, social awareness, and positive interactions.