Everyday Speech Blog
Social Skill Lesson Plans and Articles
How to Teach Task Initiation in Elementary (Free Lesson Plan & Activity)
Download Free Executive Functioning Resources Teach skills like organization, planning, and task initiation with resources for interventions and whole-class lessons.Task initiation is a fundamental executive functioning skill that helps students start tasks without...
Executive Functioning Goals: Free Middle School Poster & Lesson Plan
Developing executive functioning goals is essential for middle school students, especially those in special education. This blog introduces a free executive functioning poster and lesson plan designed to improve organization, time management, and task prioritization....
How to Teach Executive Functioning in Elementary (Free Lesson & Worksheet)
Download Free Executive Functioning Resources Teach skills like organization, planning, and task initiation with resources for interventions and whole-class lessons.Developing executive functioning skills is essential for elementary students to manage emotions, stay...
Middle School Organizational Skills: Free Video Lesson & Lesson Plan
Download Free Executive Functioning Resources Teach skills like organization, planning, and task initiation with resources for interventions and whole-class lessons.Executive functioning skills are essential for success in school and beyond, and organizational skills...
Creating a Common Language: Using Everyday Speech Concepts in Your Classroom
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...
50+ Examples of Strengths-Based IEP Goals for Students
Download 50+ Example IEP Goals Customizable library of strengths-based goalsIEP goals should empower students. Instead of focusing on eliminating challenges, strengths-based IEP goals emphasize autonomy, self-advocacy, and meaningful skill development. Below are real...
How to Set Neurodiversity-Affirming IEP Goals that Support Autonomy and Authenticity
Download 50+ Example IEP Goals Customizable library of strengths-based goalsToo often, Individualized Education Program (IEP) goals are written with the assumption that neurodivergent students must adapt to neurotypical behaviors. But what if we shifted the focus to...
The Double Empathy Problem: How to Improve Classroom Understanding
Communication is often seen as a skill that neurodivergent students must improve, but what if the challenge lies in mutual understanding? Enter the Double Empathy Problem. What is the Double Empathy Problem? For decades, social skills education for neurodivergent...
Understanding Masking and Supporting Neurodivergent Students
Masking is a common but often misunderstood behavior among neurodivergent students, impacting their well-being and social interactions. In schools, many students feel pressured to suppress their natural behaviors to fit in, but this can take a significant toll on...
No-Prep Activities
Effective Classroom Communication Skills for Educators and Students
Effective communication is a crucial skill for both educators and students in the classroom. It promotes a positive learning environment and fosters successful interactions between teachers and students. This blog post will explore key communication skills, offer a...
Teaching the Importance of Sharing to Elementary Students
Introduction Sharing is a fundamental skill that plays a crucial role in the development of social-emotional learning among elementary students. It is important for children to learn how to share and take turns to cultivate positive relationships and interactions with...
Teaching Kindergarteners to Show Interest and Active Listening
As educators, we understand the importance of teaching social-emotional skills to our kindergarten students. One essential skill is showing interest and active listening in conversations. This not only helps build strong relationships but also creates a positive...
Positive Self-Talk: Helping Middle School Students Embrace Imperfection
Introduction Embracing imperfection is an essential part of the learning process. Middle school students often struggle with the fear of getting something wrong or not performing at their best. As educators, we can help them develop skills like positive self-talk,...
Dealing with Teasing: Tips and Activities for Middle School Educators
Introduction: Teasing is a common experience for everyone, and it can lead to feelings of sadness or anger. As an educator, it's essential to teach students how to cope with teasing effectively. In this blog post, we will discuss strategies that middle school students...
Thinking Before Speaking: A Guide for Educators in Special Education
Introduction As educators, one of our goals is to help students develop essential social skills that will enable them to navigate their social environment. An important aspect of this is teaching students the importance of thinking before speaking. This skill helps...
Teaching Cyber Skills for Online Messaging to Special Education Students
Introduction Online communication has become an essential part of our daily lives, and it's important for students in Special Education to develop their Cyber Skills. These skills help them navigate the digital world safely and effectively while building healthy...
Teaching PreK Students to Recognize Interest in Conversations
Introduction Teaching young children effective communication skills is an essential part of their development. One crucial aspect of communication is the ability to recognize when someone is interested in the conversation. This skill helps students build better...
Teaching Problem Solving Steps to High School Students: A No-Prep Activity
Introduction Problem-solving is an essential skill for navigating everyday challenges faced by high school students at school and at home. Teaching students the Problem Solving Steps can empower them to become better, more independent problem-solvers. This blog post...
Teaching Handwashing Skills: A Practical Activity for Special Education Students
Introduction Handwashing is an essential life skill that promotes health and well-being. For students in special education, learning proper handwashing techniques is crucial. In this blog post, we will discuss an engaging no-prep activity that educators can use to...
Teaching PreK Students Belly Breathing for Emotional Regulation
Introduction As educators, we understand the importance of helping our students develop healthy ways to manage their emotions. One such technique, especially beneficial for PreK students, is belly breathing. This simple yet effective method of deep breathing can help...
Teaching Handwashing Skills in Special Education: A No-Prep Activity
Introduction Handwashing is an essential skill that students need to learn and practice regularly. For students in Special Education, teaching handwashing can also serve as an opportunity to incorporate principles of Social-Emotional Learning (SEL). This blog post...
Teaching Personal Space to Special Education Students: Activities and Discussions
Introduction Educators working with special education students understand the importance of teaching social skills, including respecting personal space. Personal space is the invisible bubble around us that should be maintained when interacting with others. Teaching...
Box Breathing: A Powerful Technique for Middle School Students
Deep breathing is an essential skill that helps students maintain a calm state of mind, allowing them to think clearly and calmly. One such powerful technique is Box Breathing, a simple yet effective method for controlling worries, anger, and fears. In this blog post,...
Teaching Small Talk Skills to Students in Special Education
Introduction Small talk is a crucial social skill that allows individuals to engage in short, polite conversations with others, especially when interacting with strangers or acquaintances. By teaching students in Special Education how to make small talk, we can help...