Everyday Speech Blog
Social Skill Lesson Plans and Articles
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Executive Functioning: Strengthen Organization, Planning & Task Initiation [Download]
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Mindfulness Activities & Resources for Kids [Download]
Strengthening Executive Functioning in Students: Lessons, Strategies, and Resources
Executive functioning skills are critical for student success, particularly for those receiving support through special education, counseling, and intervention services. These skills impact a student's ability to stay organized, regulate emotions, follow multi-step...
Nonverbal Communication Activity: Visual Referencing for Middle School
Download Activity and Lesson Plan As special educators, we understand the unique challenges middle schoolers face, particularly when it comes to nonverbal communication. Many students in this age group struggle with making eye contact during social interactions. While...
Free Tone of Voice Activity for High School Students
Download Activity and Lesson Plan Many high school students struggle with nonverbal communication, particularly in understanding and using tone of voice effectively. Whether it’s detecting sarcasm, expressing emotions appropriately, or adjusting their tone based on...
Nonverbal Communication Activity: Visual Referencing for Elementary
Download Activity and Lesson Plan Visual referencing is a key nonverbal communication strategy that helps students engage in conversations without the pressure of direct eye contact. Often referred to as social referencing, this skill allows learners to observe and...
Mindfulness Activities for Kids: Fun & Simple Ways to Teach Calm and Focus
Helping kids develop mindfulness skills is one of the most powerful ways to support their emotional well-being, focus, and self-regulation. Whether at home, in the classroom, or in therapy sessions, mindfulness activities provide children with the tools they need to...
10 Self-Regulation Strategies for Elementary Students
Self-regulation isn’t just about controlling emotions—it’s about developing the skills to navigate challenges, focus attention, and manage impulses. In elementary school, building these skills is essential for fostering independence and creating a positive learning...
How to Help Students Manage Big Emotions with the Big Feelings Toolbox
Helping young students navigate big emotions is one of the most important and challenging aspects of teaching. Many students struggle to express feelings like frustration, disappointment, or anxiety in a productive way, leading to classroom disruptions or withdrawal....
No-Prep Activities
Helping PreK Students Recognize Stress & Learn Calming Strategies
In this blog post, we will explore the importance of helping PreK students recognize stress and learn calming strategies. We will discuss a no-prep activity for educators to use, provide discussion questions to stimulate further conversations, and mention related...
Teaching Elementary Students to Be Social Chameleons: Adapting to Different Situations
Introduction Being a Social Chameleon means that students can adapt and blend into any situation, no matter what is happening around them. This skill is essential for developing healthy relationships and effective communication. By tuning into their surroundings,...
Building Friendships: Strategies for Special Education Students
Introduction Friendship is a fundamental aspect of life, providing support, trust, and shared experiences. For students in special education, building friendships can be particularly beneficial for their overall well-being and social-emotional growth. This blog post...
Teaching PreK Students to Ask for Breaks and Calm Down: Strategies and Discussions
Introduction As educators, we understand the importance of teaching our PreK students to recognize and manage their emotions. One essential skill to help students cope with challenging situations is learning to ask for a break and find appropriate ways to calm down....
Teaching Conversation Drivers and Stoppers: Activities and Tips for Middle School Educators
Introduction For middle school students, learning the art of conversation is an important part of their social-emotional development. Conversation Drivers are behaviors that keep a conversation going, while Conversation Stoppers are behaviors that can make a...
Adapting to Change: Helping PreK Students Switch Tracks When Plans Change
Change is a natural part of life, but for young children, it can be challenging and unsettling. In this blog post, we will explore the concept of adapting to change and provide educators with a no-prep activity, discussion questions, and related social-emotional...
Enhancing Conversations with Conversation Drivers: A Guide for Special Education Educators
Introduction Effective communication plays a crucial role in building relationships and fostering social-emotional learning. As educators, it is essential to teach students the importance of Conversation Drivers, which are behaviors that help drive a conversation...
Teaching Problem Solving Skills to Students: A Guide for Educators
As educators, we strive to teach our students valuable life skills that will help them navigate the world with confidence. One such skill is problem-solving, which enables students to identify, analyze, and resolve issues they may encounter. In this blog post, we will...
Tuning In: Building Awareness and Compassion in Elementary Students
Introduction Tuning in is a crucial skill that involves paying attention to our own needs and the needs of others. By developing this ability, we can better understand and respond to our emotions, as well as empathize with those around us. This blog post will explore...
Uncovering Disguised Thoughts: Activities and Strategies for Special Education
Introduction In everyday conversations, understanding the true meaning behind someone's words is essential for effective communication. For students in special education, recognizing and interpreting Disguised Thoughts can be particularly challenging. Disguised...
Teaching PreK Students to See from Others’ Point of View
Introduction Understanding that everyone has their own thoughts and feelings is a crucial skill for young learners. By teaching PreK students to see from others' point of view, we can help them develop empathy, problem-solving abilities, and stronger social...
How We Act in School Bingo: A Fun Activity for Middle School Educators
Introduction Welcome, educators! Today, we will be discussing a fun and engaging activity to help middle school students understand the importance of positive classroom behaviors. By incorporating principles of Social-Emotional Learning, this activity will promote an...
Teaching PreK Students to Ask for What They Need: Activities and Tips for Educators
Introduction As educators, it is essential to teach young students the importance of asking for what they need. This skill empowers children to communicate their needs effectively and helps them develop healthy relationships with their peers and adults. In this blog...
Staying Calm and Following the Group: Essential Skills for Elementary Students
In this blog post, we will explore the importance of teaching elementary students the valuable skills of staying calm and following the group when faced with unexpected situations or challenges. Through these skills, students can develop resilience, adaptability, and...
Teaching Students to Become Social Chameleons: Adapting to Different Situations
In today's world, the ability to adapt to different social situations is essential for success. This is especially true for students in Special Education, who may face unique challenges when navigating various environments. By teaching them to become Social...
