Everyday Speech Blog
Social Skill Lesson Plans and Articles
Teaching High Schoolers Self-Advocacy Skills
Access FREE SEL materials today High school is a critical time for students to learn self-advocacy skills, especially for those with unique learning needs. Self-advocacy empowers students to understand their preferences, communicate effectively, and access support...
Bus Safety Discussion Prompts
Access FREE SEL materials today For many elementary students, riding the school bus is a daily experience and often one of their first steps toward independence. However, bus safety can be a challenge for young learners, who may not fully understand the importance of...
Solving Problems on the Bus Activity
Access FREE SEL materials today Riding the school bus is often one of the first independent experiences for elementary students. However, it also presents unique challenges. Knowing how to handle common bus issues—like friends talking too loudly or disagreements over...
Gratitude Activity for November
Access FREE SEL materials today November is the perfect time to teach gratitude, especially with Thanksgiving around the corner. Gratitude is more than saying "thank you"; it’s about recognizing and appreciating the kindness around us. For elementary students,...
Thinking About Others Social Skills Goal Poster
Access FREE SEL materials today Empathy is a crucial skill that helps children understand and respect others' feelings. For young learners, especially those with unique learning needs, developing empathy requires guidance and structured practice. Special educators...
Preparing Elementary Students for Group Work
Access FREE SEL materials today Group work is a vital skill that students need to succeed in school and beyond. For elementary students, especially those with unique learning needs, understanding how to be a good group member is crucial. Special educators play an...
Helping High Schoolers Manage Crushes
Access FREE SEL materials today Crushes are an exciting, sometimes confusing part of teenage life. For high school students, especially those with unique learning needs, understanding how to handle these emotions can be a challenge. As a special educator, you play a...
Problem-Solving Worksheet for Halloween
Access FREE SEL materials today Halloween is an exciting time for students, full of costumes, candy, and spooky fun. But it's also a great opportunity to weave in important social-emotional learning (SEL) concepts. With Everyday Speech’s Problem-Solving Worksheet for...
Halloween Behavior Activity for Middle School
Access FREE SEL materials today Halloween is an exciting time for students, but it can also bring challenges when it comes to behavior. Costumes, candy, and heightened excitement can make it difficult for students to regulate their emotions and stay on task. For...
No-Prep Activities
Teaching Problem-Solving Skills to Elementary Students: A Guide for Educators
Introduction Problem-solving is a vital skill that helps students navigate the challenges they face in their daily lives. As educators, it is crucial to teach our students the steps to effectively solve problems, enabling them to become more independent and...
Teaching Problem-Solving Skills to High School Students
Introduction Problem-solving skills are essential for high school students as they navigate academic, social, and emotional challenges. By teaching students to identify problems, evaluate their size, and find solutions, educators can help them develop the ability to...
Small Talk: Building Connections in Special Education
In this blog post, we will discuss the importance of small talk for students in special education settings and introduce a no-prep activity that educators can use to help their students develop this essential social skill. We will also provide discussion questions and...
Teaching Mindfulness in Special Education: Activities and Discussions
Integrating mindfulness into the special education classroom can greatly benefit students by helping them develop self-awareness, focus, and coping skills. This blog post will explore the concept of mindfulness, provide a no-prep activity for educators, and offer...
Teaching the Importance of Tone of Voice to Elementary Students
Introduction Our tone of voice plays a crucial role in how others perceive our message. When we use a condescending tone, we may unintentionally make the listener feel inferior or discouraged. It's essential to teach elementary students the importance of using an...
A Calming Corner for Kindergarten: Wiggling Body Scan Activity
Introduction Teaching young children how to recognize and manage their emotions is a crucial aspect of their development. In this blog post, we will explore a fun and simple activity called the Wiggling Body Scan that helps Kindergarten students learn how to check...
Emotions Bingo: A Fun Activity for Elementary Students
Introducing Emotions Bingo, a captivating and enjoyable game that helps children learn to recognize and understand various emotions. In this blog post, we'll explore an activity that requires no preparation, discussion questions to stimulate further conversation,...
Two Sides: A Social-Emotional Learning Activity for Special Education Students
Introduction In today's world, it is essential for students to develop a strong understanding of how their actions impact others. This is particularly true for special education students, who may need additional support in developing social-emotional skills. In this...
Teaching Kindergarten Students the Power of Positive Thinking and Perseverance
Introduction As educators, we often encounter situations where our kindergarten students find something difficult and feel frustrated. It is crucial to teach them the importance of perseverance and positive thinking in overcoming challenges. By fostering an...
Understanding and Managing Emotions: A Guide for Educators
Introduction As educators, we often encounter situations where students struggle with their emotions. Helping them understand and manage their feelings can be a challenging task. This blog post focuses on guiding students to recognize when their emotions are starting...
Teaching PreK Students to Show Respect to Adults
Introduction Respect is an essential skill for young children to learn, as it helps them develop positive relationships with their teachers and peers. In school, showing respect to adults is crucial for maintaining a productive learning environment. By listening,...
Teaching Students to Understand Sarcasm: An Essential Social Skill
Introduction Sarcasm is a form of verbal irony where a person says something but means the opposite, often to be humorous or emphasize a point. It can be confusing, especially for students who are still developing their social-emotional skills. Recognizing and...
Act It Out! Role Playing Game for Teaching Empathy to Middle School Students
Introduction Empathy is a crucial skill for students to develop as they navigate the complexities of social interactions. As educators, we strive to help them understand and relate to the emotions of others. Welcome to Act It Out!, a role playing game designed to...
Teaching Kindergarten Students How to Join a Group Without Disrupting
Joining a group can be a challenging task for young children, especially when they are still developing their social skills. In this blog post, we will explore a no-prep activity that educators can use to teach Kindergarten students how to join a group without...
Guiding Special Education Students to Success in the Workplace
Teaching students the skills they need to become successful employees is an essential part of their education. In this blog post, we'll discuss strategies and activities that will help students understand the expectations and responsibilities of being an employee, as...