Everyday Speech Blog
Social Skill Lesson Plans and Articles
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...
From Compliance to Empowerment: Neurodiversity-Affirming Practices for Student Support Teams
An SCSS Teacher Shares How Everyday Speech Reduced Prep Time & Burnout
For educators like Maci Allee, a Social Communication Support and Services (SCSS) teacher at Leander Independent School District, lesson planning used to be a time-consuming, energy-draining process. Before discovering Everyday Speech, she spent hours searching the...
How to Bring Everyday Speech to Your District
Everyday Speech transforms the way you teach social skills, helping students thrive while saving you valuable time. If you’re looking for ways to make this resource available to your entire team, we’ve got you covered. In this guide, we’ll share strategies to help you...
How Everyday Speech Empowers Student Support Teams
Student Support Teams play a critical role in fostering the social and behavioral growth of students. Everyday Speech is here to make this work simpler and more effective. With a no-prep social skills curriculum designed for busy professionals, we reduce prep time,...
No-Prep Activities
Teaching PreK Students to Stay Calm and Solve Problems
Introduction When problems arise, it is natural for young children to become upset or act out. However, it is important for them to learn how to stay calm and make good decisions in challenging situations. This blog post will discuss a no-prep activity for educators...
Teaching Kindergarten Students the Importance of Getting Attention Before Speaking
Introduction One essential skill for young students to learn is the importance of getting someone's attention before speaking to them. This ensures that the listener is aware and prepared to engage in the conversation. This blog post will provide educators with a...
Teaching PreK Students the Art of Conversation: The Conversation Stoplight
Introduction The Conversation Stoplight is a valuable concept for teaching PreK students effective communication skills. It helps them understand when to talk and when to listen, both in one-on-one conversations and group settings. By learning to recognize "stoplight"...
Teaching PreK Students How to Join a Group: An Engaging No-Prep Activity
Introduction Joining a group can be a challenging task for PreK students, especially when they are learning how to navigate social situations. Educators can help students develop the necessary skills to join groups without disrupting ongoing conversations. This blog...
Effective Conversation Skills for Special Education Students
Introduction When teaching students with special needs, it's important to help them develop the skills necessary to engage in productive conversations. By learning how to ask questions, make comments, and switch topics, students can become active participants in...
Kindergarten Skills: Staying Home and Organizing Time for Growth
Introduction In times of social distancing and staying home to prevent the spread of a virus, it's essential to help our Kindergarten students understand the importance of organizing their time and making the most of this unique situation. By incorporating...
Enhancing Communication Skills for Special Education Students
Introduction Communication is an essential life skill that plays a vital role in the social-emotional development of students, especially those in Special Education. Effective communication helps students express their thoughts, feelings, and needs, while also...
Step-by-Step Problem Solving with the Solve It Game: A Guide for Special Education Educators
Introduction Teaching problem-solving skills to students in special education can be a challenging yet rewarding experience. The Solve It game is an engaging and effective way to help students develop these essential skills. In this game, students work through...
Teaching Elementary Students the Skill of Being Tuned In
Introduction Being Tuned In is a valuable skill for elementary students to develop, as it fosters awareness of their actions and the actions of others around them. By teaching students to ensure their actions fit the situation they are in, we can help them avoid...
Teaching Social Chameleon Skills in Special Education
Introduction Being a Social Chameleon means adapting to various social situations by observing and understanding the context, emotions, and behaviors of others. This skill is critical for students in Special Education, as it helps them navigate different environments...
Teaching Conversation Skills to Elementary Students: A No-Prep Activity
Introduction Effective conversation skills are essential for children to form strong social connections and engage with others. By teaching these skills to elementary students, educators can help them become better communicators and enhance their social-emotional...
Teaching Students to Be Social Chameleons: A Guide for Educators
Introduction Being a Social Chameleon means blending in and adapting to any situation, no matter what is happening around you. It involves tuning into your surroundings, reading people's moods, and adjusting your actions to fit in with the time and place. This skill...
Thriving at Home: Social-Emotional Learning for PreK Students
Introduction With the current global situation urging people to stay home and practice social distancing, it is essential for PreK students to continue learning and growing. Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) is a crucial aspect of child development that can be nurtured...
Teaching Problem-Solving Skills: A Guide for High School Educators
Introduction Teaching problem-solving skills to high school students is an essential part of their education. It empowers them to handle various situations independently and with confidence. This skill plays a vital role in social-emotional learning, as it helps...
Teaching Kindergarteners to Respect Diverse Interests and Conversations
Introduction Teaching young children to respect diverse interests and engage in a variety of conversations is an essential skill for social-emotional development. It helps them understand that not everyone shares the same passions, and it's vital to consider and...
