Everyday Speech Blog

Social Skill Lesson Plans and Articles

How Everyday Speech Supports Balanced Screen Time in Schools
How Everyday Speech Supports Balanced Screen Time in Schools

As more districts move to reduce screen time in schools, the challenge isn’t just about limiting how long students are on screens—it’s about making sure that technology use is intentional and impactful. District leaders are navigating how to maintain the benefits of...

How Everyday Speech Supports the New Massachusetts IEP
How Everyday Speech Supports the New Massachusetts IEP

The new Massachusetts IEP brings a major shift in how schools approach individualized education plans, with a stronger emphasis on student-centered learning, self-advocacy, and transition planning. These updates are designed to ensure that students take a more active...

The Best No-Prep Problem-Solving Activities for PK-12 Students
The Best No-Prep Problem-Solving Activities for PK-12 Students

Problem-solving is an essential skill that helps students navigate challenges in academics, relationships, and daily life. Whether working through a math problem, resolving a disagreement, or making a decision about time management, problem-solving encourages critical...

Free Preschool Problem-Solving Activity: Who Can Help?
Free Preschool Problem-Solving Activity: Who Can Help?

Preschoolers are still learning how to navigate everyday challenges—whether it’s tying their shoes, feeling sad, or losing a favorite toy. At this age, one of the most important problem-solving skills they can develop is knowing who to ask for help in different...

No-Prep Activities

Enhancing Communication Skills with the Background Brief Activity
Enhancing Communication Skills with the Background Brief Activity

Introduction Effective communication is an essential life skill that students need to develop. For students in Special Education, learning to provide adequate background information while telling a story or engaging in a conversation is crucial. The Background Brief...

Stretching Breaks: Calming Minds and Bodies for Elementary Students
Stretching Breaks: Calming Minds and Bodies for Elementary Students

As educators, we know the importance of incorporating Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) principles into our teaching strategies. One simple yet effective way to achieve this is by introducing stretching breaks in the classroom. In this blog post, we will discuss the...

Enhancing Communication Skills with the Conversation Stoplight
Enhancing Communication Skills with the Conversation Stoplight

Introduction The Conversation Stoplight is an effective tool to help middle school students develop their communication skills and foster positive social interactions. The Stoplight concept teaches students to listen carefully, share the conversation, and speak only...

Helping Students Advocate for Themselves in the Classroom
Helping Students Advocate for Themselves in the Classroom

Introduction One of the most important skills for students to develop is the ability to advocate for themselves in the classroom. This is especially true for students in Special Education. By teaching students how to effectively communicate their needs and emotions,...

Teaching Students to Be Mindful of Others in Shared Spaces
Teaching Students to Be Mindful of Others in Shared Spaces

As educators, it's essential to teach our students how to be considerate and respectful when sharing spaces with others. By incorporating principles of Social-Emotional Learning, we can help students develop empathy, self-awareness, and social awareness. This blog...

Teaching Kindergarten Students Classroom Behavior with Bingo
Teaching Kindergarten Students Classroom Behavior with Bingo

In this blog post, we will explore a fun and engaging activity to teach kindergarten students about proper classroom behavior. Using the game of bingo, children can learn about different behaviors that help them and their classmates have a positive learning experience...