Everyday Speech Blog
Social Skill Lesson Plans and Articles
How Washington County Improved Special Education Outcomes with Everyday Speech
Supporting students with social, behavioral, and communication challenges in special education requires strategic, scalable solutions that empower both educators and administrators. At Washington County School District, Special Education Teacher Markay Thorkelson...
Five Key Strategies for Effective Tier 2 and Tier 3 Support
Supporting students with targeted and intensive needs requires strategies that address real challenges and deliver measurable results. Effective Tier 2 and Tier 3 interventions aren’t just about adding support; they require a structured, data-driven approach that...
New Year’s Goal Class Bulletin Board
Access FREE SEL materials today The start of a new year offers the perfect chance to unite your classroom under a shared goal. Everyday Speech’s New Year's Goal Class Bulletin Board activity encourages students to think collectively while also reflecting on their...
New Year Goal SEL Activity
Access FREE SEL materials today The start of a new year is the perfect opportunity to teach students the importance of goal-setting. Everyday Speech’s New Year Goal SEL Activity provides a fun and interactive way for students to set meaningful, personal goals. This...
Countdown to the New Year Craft
Access FREE SEL materials today The start of a new year is the perfect time for reflection and growth. Everyday Speech’s Countdown to the New Year Craft offers a creative way for students to think about their aspirations for the year ahead. This activity encourages...
Elementary New Year Goal Setting Activity
Access FREE SEL materials today Kickstart the new year with an engaging way to teach students about setting and achieving meaningful goals! Everyday Speech’s Elementary New Year Goal Setting Activity encourages young learners to think about their aspirations for...
Calming Winter Self-Regulation Activity for Elementary Students
Access FREE SEL materials today Winter can bring a lot of excitement and, at times, sensory overload for students. For elementary special education teachers, finding strategies to help students manage emotions and maintain focus is crucial. Enter the Calming...
Winter Break Question & Answer for Middle School SLPs
Access FREE SEL materials today The holiday season is the perfect time to help middle schoolers strengthen their conversation skills. Everyday Speech’s Winter Break Question & Answer for Middle School SLPs provides a simple yet effective way for students to...
Winter Social-Emotional Class Reflection Prompts
Access FREE SEL materials today The holiday season is the perfect time to inspire students with activities that foster self-esteem, collaboration, and kindness. Everyday Speech’s Winter Social-Emotional Class Reflection Prompts activity, Heartwarming Sweater, is an...
No-Prep Activities
Teaching Problem-Solving Skills with the Solve It Game
Introduction Problem-solving is a crucial life skill that helps children navigate through various challenges they may encounter. The Solve It game is a fun and interactive way to teach elementary students how to tackle problems step by step. This game focuses on...
Teaching Effective Communication Skills to Special Education Students
Introduction Effective communication skills are essential for students in Special Education. One of the key aspects of communication is learning how to get someone's attention before speaking to them. This not only helps ensure that the listener is paying attention...
Encouraging an Open Mind in Kindergarten Students | Social-Emotional Learning
Introduction Change is a constant in school, especially for kindergarten students. They experience changes in schedules, teachers, activities, and locations. Helping students adapt to these changes is essential for their growth. One way to foster adaptability is by...
Teaching Special Education Students to Make Plans with Friends
Introduction Helping students in Special Education develop their social skills is a crucial aspect of their learning journey. One important skill that fosters better communication and collaboration is the ability to make plans with friends. This blog post will provide...
Developing Empathy: Understanding Others’ Feelings – A Guide for Educators
Introduction Empathy is a crucial skill for students to develop in order to build strong relationships and navigate social situations effectively. It involves understanding and sharing the emotions of others, even when we haven't experienced the same situation...
Teaching Flexibility vs. Rigidity to Kindergarten Students – A Fun & Engaging Activity
Introduction When working with Kindergarten students, it's essential to help them understand the difference between being rigid and being flexible. Being rigid means getting upset anytime plans change, while being flexible means we can adapt to changes without getting...
Collaborating with Co-Workers: Strategies for Special Education Educators
Introduction In the workplace, collaborating with co-workers is essential for success. This is true not only for the professionals but also for their students, who must learn how to work effectively with others. In special education settings, fostering teamwork and...
Teaching Middle School Students to Stay Calm and Solve Problems
Introduction Social-emotional learning is essential for middle school students, as it helps them develop healthy relationships and manage their emotions. One essential skill is learning to stay calm and address problems effectively. When students get upset, they can...
Helping Special Education Students Manage Stress: A No-Prep Activity
Introduction Stress management is an essential skill for students, especially those in special education. Educators play a crucial role in helping students develop strategies to handle stress and foster a positive learning environment. In this blog post, we will...
Teaching the Importance of Following Rules in Games for Kindergarten Students
Introduction Playing games is an essential part of childhood, and it provides an excellent opportunity for students to develop their social-emotional skills. One crucial aspect of playing games is understanding and following the rules. This blog post will explore the...
Teaching the Five Golden Rules of Play: Activities and Discussions
Introduction Playing with others is an essential aspect of a child's social-emotional development. To ensure that everyone has fun and feels included, it's important to teach students the Five Golden Rules of Play. These rules promote positive interactions,...
Box Breathing: A Calming Technique for Elementary Students
Introduction Deep breathing is a powerful technique that can help students manage their emotions and maintain a calm state of mind. By practicing deep breathing exercises, such as Box Breathing, students can learn to control their worries, angers, and fears, allowing...
Teaching Students to Ask Friends to Play: A Guide for Special Education Educators
Introduction Asking friends to play is an essential social skill that students need to develop, especially in Special Education. This blog post will guide educators through an activity that requires no preparation, designed to help students practice asking friends to...
Teaching Adaptability and Flexibility: An Engaging No-Prep Activity for Educators
Introduction Adaptability and flexibility are essential skills for students to develop in order to navigate the ever-changing social landscape. As educators, it's our responsibility to help our students learn how to smoothly handle changes in plans and social...
Teaching Fair Play and Rule Following Through Social-Emotional Learning
Introduction Games and group activities are excellent opportunities to teach students the importance of fair play and following rules. By incorporating principles of social-emotional learning, educators can help students develop a better understanding of how their...