Everyday Speech Blog
Social Skill Lesson Plans and Articles
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. Related resources: See our full list of social skills lessons....
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. dh These updates are designed to ensure that students take a more...
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...
Problem-Solving Activities for PK-12: Worksheets, Activities, and Lesson Plans [Download]
5 Proactive Strategies to Reduce Disproportionality in Special Education
Special education services are essential for students who need them, but systemic disparities in how students are identified and placed can lead to disproportionality. In many schools, certain student groups—particularly students of color, English language learners,...
Building Student Agency: Strategies for Managing Anxiety and Mental Health
The Principal’s Guide to Strengthening Behavior and School Culture with Social Skills Supports
As a principal, you’re always looking for ways to improve student behavior, build a positive school culture, and support teachers—but time and resources are limited. When classrooms struggle with behavior challenges, it affects learning, teacher morale, and the...
No-Prep Activities
Teaching Students to Stay on Topic in Conversations: A Guide for Special Education Educators
Introduction As educators, we often work with students who may struggle with staying on topic during conversations. Helping them develop this essential social skill can greatly improve their ability to connect with others and navigate social situations. This blog post...
Teaching PreK Students to Observe and Adapt Behavior in Group Settings
Introduction Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) is essential for young children to develop the necessary skills to navigate social situations effectively. One crucial aspect of SEL is teaching children to observe others' actions and adapt their behavior accordingly. This...
Helping Elementary Students Stay Calm and Solve Problems
When problems arise, it's common for children to get upset and frustrated. However, it's essential for them to learn how to stay calm and think about solving the problem. This blog post will explore a no-prep activity for educators to help elementary students learn...
Teaching PreK Students Effective Communication: Gaining Attention
Effective communication is an essential skill for children to develop as they grow. For PreK students, learning how to gain someone's attention is a fundamental aspect of communication. By teaching children to approach others and say their name, we can help them...
Teaching Compromise in Special Education: A No-Prep Activity for Educators
Introduction In a world filled with diverse ideas and desires, disagreements are inevitable. One essential skill to navigate these situations is compromise. Compromise involves giving up a part of what you want to allow someone else to have a part of what they want....
Teaching Students to Be Their Own Decision Makers: A Guide for Special Education Educators
Introduction In life, we are constantly faced with choices and decisions, ranging from simple everyday tasks to more complex situations. For students in Special Education, learning how to be their own decision makers is an essential skill. As educators, we can help...
Enhancing Social-Emotional Learning for Middle School Students through Group Projects
Introduction When working with middle school students, it's essential to incorporate principles of Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) into their daily activities. Group projects can be an effective way to practice SEL skills, such as collaboration, listening, and...
Enhancing Conversation Skills in PreK Students: Activities and Questions for Educators
Introduction As educators, one of our primary goals is to help our students develop effective communication skills. A key aspect of communication is the ability to engage in meaningful conversations. For PreK students, learning to drive a conversation or keep it...
Teaching Elementary Students Mindfulness with Counting Breaths
Introduction Everyone experiences stress and overwhelming thoughts at times, and children are no exception. In fact, they may need even more guidance in managing their thoughts, especially at school or while trying to fall asleep. One effective technique to help...
Teaching Conversation Share: A Social-Emotional Skill for Elementary Students
Introduction Conversation Share is a crucial social-emotional skill that helps students communicate effectively, build positive relationships, and develop empathy. By learning to share conversations, students can engage in meaningful exchanges with their peers and...
Teaching PreK Students to Line Up: A Social-Emotional Learning Activity
Introduction Lining up is a common routine in PreK classrooms, and it's an excellent opportunity to teach young students valuable social-emotional skills. When students learn to line up correctly, they practice patience, cooperation, self-regulation, and respect for...
Helping PreK Students Regain Self-Control: Activities and Tips for Educators
Introduction Teaching young children self-control is an essential aspect of their social-emotional development. It helps them understand their emotions, manage their actions, and develop healthy coping mechanisms. This blog post will discuss an easy no-prep activity...
Teaching Compromising Skills to Kindergarten Students through Guess What Happens Next Activity
Compromising is an essential skill for building healthy relationships and fostering a sense of teamwork among students. In this blog post, we will explore the Guess What Happens Next activity, which helps Kindergarten students develop their compromising skills and...
Changing the Channel on Big Emotions for Elementary Students
Introduction Emotions and feelings are an integral part of everyone's life, including children. Elementary students experience a vast range of emotions, from positive to negative, and from big to small. Big, negative feelings such as anger, frustration, and sadness...
Teaching PreK Students to Transition to New Activities: No-Prep Activity and Discussion
Introduction Transitioning to a new activity is an essential skill for PreK students to learn. It helps them develop the ability to stop, listen, and change tasks when instructed by a teacher or parent. This skill plays a significant role in their social-emotional...
