Everyday Speech Blog
Social Skill Lesson Plans and Articles
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....
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....
How to Teach Students About Emotions with SocialMojis
Helping students recognize, express, and understand emotions is a crucial part of their social and emotional development. Many young learners struggle to identify their feelings or express them appropriately, which can lead to frustration, misunderstandings, and...
Play This Free Executive Functioning Game with Students
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, work, and daily life. These...
No-Prep Activities
PreK Educators: Enhancing Social-Emotional Skills with ‘Guess What Happens Next’
Introduction Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) plays a crucial role in early childhood education, helping young students build essential life skills. In this blog post, we will explore a fun and engaging activity called 'Guess What Happens Next,' designed to help PreK...
Understanding Bullying: A Guide for Educators of Elementary Students
Introduction Bullying is a pervasive issue that affects children of all ages. As educators, it is crucial to address this topic and help students understand the different forms of bullying, the difference between bullying and teasing, and the impact bullying has on...
Helping Students Stay Calm and Solve Problems: A No-Prep Activity for Special Education
When faced with problems, it's common for students to become upset and frustrated. This can lead to further complications and strained relationships with peers. In this blog post, we will explore a no-prep activity designed for educators working with students in...
Adapting to the New Normal: Back to School with Social-Emotional Learning
Introduction As we go back to school, it will look and feel different, but there are lots of ways we can stay safe and healthy. Everyone will have slightly different rules to follow now. Some people will have school online, some will go in person, and some will do a...
Teaching PreK Students the Right Way to Join a Group
As educators, we strive to help our students develop essential social skills that will benefit them throughout their lives. One important skill is understanding the appropriate way to join a group without interrupting or being rude. In this blog post, we will explore...
Teaching PreK Students Conversation Skills: Activities and Tips for Educators
Introduction Effective communication is a crucial life skill that lays the foundation for meaningful relationships and success in various aspects of life. For PreK students, learning how to start and maintain a conversation can be both exciting and challenging. As...
Social-Emotional Learning Skills for Kindergarten Students at Parties
Introduction When attending parties with family or friends, kindergarten students can develop essential social-emotional learning skills that will benefit them throughout their lives. In this blog post, we will explore three key skills for young children at social...
Understanding Bullying: A Guide for Educators on Types and Prevention
Introduction Bullying is a harmful behavior that not only affects the emotional well-being of students but also hinders a healthy learning environment. To foster positive social-emotional development, it's crucial for educators to understand the different types of...
Teaching PreK Students the Art of Conversation: Activities and Tips
Introduction As educators, we know that helping young learners develop strong conversation skills is essential for their social-emotional growth. In this blog post, we will discuss an engaging no-prep activity that encourages PreK students to practice taking turns in...
Two Sides: A Game to Teach PreK Students Flexibility and Adaptability
Introduction In this blog post, we will explore the skills of being flexible and adaptable, which are essential components of Social-Emotional Learning. Being flexible means that we can adapt to changes and not get upset, while being rigid means that we get frustrated...
Using the Self-Controller Scanner to Regain Control of Thoughts and Feelings
Introduction Teaching students how to manage their thoughts and feelings is crucial for their social-emotional growth. One effective tool is the Self-Controller Scanner, which helps students identify when they are losing control and choose the best strategy to regain...
Cultivating Gratitude: A Key to Happiness and Success for Special Education Students
Introduction Gratitude is a powerful habit that can lead to increased happiness and success in life. It encourages healthier and happier activities while strengthening social connections. In this blog post, we will explore the benefits of gratitude in the context of...
Teaching Problem-Solving Skills: A No-Prep Activity for Educators
Introduction Problem-solving skills are essential for students to navigate through various challenges they may face in their daily lives. By fostering these skills, educators can help students become more resilient and adaptable individuals. In this blog post, we will...
Teaching Students to Follow People’s Eyes for Better Communication
Introduction One of the key aspects of social-emotional learning is understanding the thoughts and feelings of others. By observing people's eyes and following where they are looking, it is possible to gain insights into what they might be thinking about. This skill...
Teaching the Conversation Stoplight: A Guide for Special Education Educators
Introduction The Conversation Stoplight is an essential tool for teaching students effective communication skills, especially in group settings. By understanding when to talk and when to listen, students can develop their social-emotional learning and improve their...
