Everyday Speech Blog
Social Skill Lesson Plans and Articles
![Kindergarten Readiness Toolkit: Build Confidence, Independence, and Classroom Readiness [Download]](https://everydayspeech.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/bus-behavior-1-400x250.png)
Kindergarten Readiness Toolkit: Build Confidence, Independence, and Classroom Readiness [Download]
How to Write IEP Goals: Example Goals for EVERY Skill
IEP goals shape the daily experience of students receiving special education services. They aren’t just legal requirements—they’re commitments. Each goal is a reflection of what the team believes the student can learn, how they’ll get there, and how success will be...
How to Build Student Agency: Resources & Strategies
Empowering students to take charge of their own learning is one of the most impactful things educators can do. When students develop agency, they build the skills needed to set goals, make decisions, and navigate challenges with confidence. In today’s educational...
Free Middle School Self-Esteem Poster: Strategies to Build Confidence
Middle school is one of the most formative stages for shaping how students see themselves. Every interaction, success, and setback influences how they think about their value—and whether they believe they’re capable of growth. The Building Confidence goal poster from...
How Everyday Speech Supports Balanced Screen Time in Schools
As more districts move to reduce screen time in schools, the challenge isn’t just about limiting how long students are on screens—it’s about making sure that technology use is intentional and impactful. District leaders are navigating how to maintain the benefits of...
![Crisis Support Resources: Help Students Recover with Resilience [Download]](https://everydayspeech.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/video-thumbnail-400x250.png)
Crisis Support Resources: Help Students Recover with Resilience [Download]
Free Elementary Activity: Teach the Difference Between Teasing and Bullying
For elementary students, teasing and bullying can be confusing. Hurtful moments may be brushed off as jokes, and students may not always know when to speak up—or how to describe what they’re experiencing. The Bullying vs. Teasing worksheet from Everyday Speech helps...
How Everyday Speech Supports the New Massachusetts IEP
The new Massachusetts IEP brings a major shift in how schools approach individualized education plans, with a stronger emphasis on student-centered learning, self-advocacy, and transition planning. These updates are designed to ensure that students take a more active...
The Best No-Prep Problem-Solving Activities for PK-12 Students
Problem-solving is an essential skill that helps students navigate challenges in academics, relationships, and daily life. Whether working through a math problem, resolving a disagreement, or making a decision about time management, problem-solving encourages critical...
No-Prep Activities
Two Sides: A Game to Teach Flexibility and Emotional Management
Introduction In the ever-changing world we live in, it is essential for students to learn how to adapt and manage their emotions in different situations. The Two Sides game is a fun and engaging activity designed to teach students the concepts of being flexible and...
Teaching Compromise: A Guide for Special Education Educators
Introduction In the realm of social-emotional learning, teaching students the importance of compromise is crucial. Compromise helps maintain positive relationships and resolves conflicts quickly. This blog post will provide educators with an easy-to-implement, no-prep...
Teaching Personal Space: A No-Prep Activity for PreK Educators
Introduction Personal space is an essential concept for young children to learn, as it helps them develop a sense of boundaries, respect, and empathy for others. By teaching students the importance of personal space, educators can help them build strong...
Social-Emotional Learning Strategies for Parties: Topic Radar, Restaurant Rules, and Self-Controller
Introduction Helping middle school students develop essential social skills can be challenging, especially in dynamic social settings like parties. This blog post will discuss three Social-Emotional Learning strategies to help students navigate parties and social...
Humor in PreK Friendships: Activities and Tips for Educators
Humor plays a crucial role in the development of friendships and social connections among PreK students. As educators, it's important to teach our young students the appropriate use of humor and help them navigate different social situations with ease. In this blog...
Changing the Channel on Strong Emotions: Strategies for High School Students
Introduction Strong emotions like anger, frustration, or sadness can sometimes cloud our judgment and hinder our decision-making abilities. In order to make better decisions, it is crucial to learn how to manage these emotions and shift our focus to positive thoughts....
Teaching Students in Special Education to Act Interested When They’re Not
Introduction As educators, we strive to teach our students various social-emotional skills that will help them succeed in life. One such skill is learning how to act interested when someone is talking about something that may not be particularly engaging. It's...
PreK Party Skills: Topic Radar, Restaurant Rules, and Self-Controller
Introduction Attending parties and social events can be both exciting and challenging for PreK students. To help them navigate these situations, we can teach them three essential skills: Topic Radar, Restaurant Rules, and Self-Controller. These skills enable students...
Teaching Students to Stay Calm and Solve Problems Effectively
Introduction When students face problems or conflicts, it's common for them to feel upset and frustrated. However, reacting emotionally can turn small issues into bigger ones, affecting their relationships with peers. In this blog post, we'll discuss an...
Teaching Students to Adapt Their Behavior in Social Settings
Introduction As educators, one of our primary goals is to help our students develop and grow in their social skills. One essential skill in this area is the ability to adapt behavior according to the social context. This includes observing others, interpreting social...
Unlocking Self-Control: The Power of the Self-Controller Scanner
Introduction Self-control is a vital skill that allows us to manage our feelings and behaviors, even in challenging situations. It helps us resist impulsive actions and prevent our emotions from taking over our minds and actions. The Self-Controller Scanner is a...
Teaching PreK Students to Observe and Understand Others’ Emotions
As educators, it's essential to help our young students develop the ability to understand and respond to the emotions of others. This skill plays a crucial role in forming healthy relationships and fostering a positive learning environment. In this blog post, we will...
Teaching Students to Be Tuned In: Strategies for Special Education
Introduction Being tuned in is a crucial skill for students to develop, as it allows them to be more aware of their actions and the actions of others. By understanding the importance of the time and place for certain behaviors, students can make better decisions and...
Enhancing Communication Skills through Background Briefs
Introduction Effective communication is an essential skill for students to develop. It enables them to express their thoughts and feelings, as well as understand others. One crucial aspect of communication is considering the listener's perspective. When sharing a...
Enhancing Communication in Relationships for Middle School Students
Introduction Healthy and happy relationships are built on effective communication. Clear communication helps to avoid misunderstandings, hurt feelings, and confusion. This blog post focuses on improving communication in relationships for middle school students. We...
