Everyday Speech Blog

Social Skill Lesson Plans and Articles

Teaching High Schoolers Self-Advocacy Skills
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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 High School Students
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
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 the Importance of Tone of Voice to Elementary Students
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
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
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,...

Understanding and Managing Emotions: A Guide for Educators
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
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
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...

Guiding Special Education Students to Success in the Workplace
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...