Everyday Speech Blog
Social Skill Lesson Plans and Articles
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...
A Guide to Neurodiversity-Affirming Practices in Schools
For years, social skills instruction in schools has been built around compliance—teaching neurodivergent students to conform to neurotypical expectations. While often well-intended, this approach can inadvertently encourage masking, increase anxiety, and erode...
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...
