Everyday Speech Blog
Social Skill Lesson Plans and Articles
Elementary Task Initiation Lesson
Access FREE SEL materials today Teaching executive functioning strategies to elementary students is crucial for their academic success and overall development. Among these strategies, task initiation and making a plan are foundational skills that can significantly...
Spring SEL Craft for Preschool
Access FREE SEL materials today As spring approaches, it opens a world of possibilities for preschool teachers to explore mindfulness with their learners. Mindfulness, the practice of being present in the moment, can be a fun exploration, especially when paired with...
Using the Relationship Ruler for Middle Schoolers
Access FREE SEL materials today Middle school marks a pivotal time in students' social development, a period characterized by the deepening of friendships, the exploration of personal identity, and the initial navigation of complex social situations. For some special...
Feelings and Facial Expressions Dice Roller Activity
Access FREE SEL materials today In the nuanced world of high school special education, where educators strive to meet diverse learning needs with creativity and compassion, understanding emotions plays a pivotal role. Recognizing and responding to feelings and facial...
Empathy in Early Education: Teaching Pre-K and Kindergarten Students to See Others’ Perspectives
Access FREE SEL materials today In the landscape of early childhood education, fostering empathy is just as critical as teaching the ABCs. Empathy, the ability to understand and share the feelings of another, is a skill that benefits children throughout...
Breathing Exercise for Kids: Teach Calm and Focus with Box Breathing
Helping kids manage their emotions is essential. Deep breathing exercises are a simple yet powerful way to build self-regulation skills, reduce stress, and improve focus. One of the most effective techniques is box breathing—a structured breathing pattern that helps...
High School Games for Speech Therapists
Access FREE SEL materials today Looking for high school games for speech therapists? In the evolving landscape of speech therapy, engaging high school students in the nuances of social communication poses a unique set of challenges. As therapists, we constantly seek...
Middle School Group Compromise Activity
Access FREE SEL materials today Middle school educators face the daily challenge of guiding students through the maze of social interactions, group projects, and collaborative learning. Special educators, in particular, are tasked with the delicate balance of...
Elementary Executive Functioning Games
Access FREE SEL materials today Executive functioning skills are crucial for planning, focusing attention, remembering instructions, and juggling multiple tasks successfully. For elementary students, developing these skills is not only essential for academic success...
No-Prep Activities
Act It Out! Empathy Role-Playing Game for Elementary Students
Introduction Welcome to Act It Out!, a role-playing game designed to help elementary students develop empathy and understand the feelings of others. Empathy is a vital skill in social-emotional learning, allowing students to relate to one another's emotions and...
Teaching Students the Art of Compromise: A Guide for Educators
Introduction As educators, we understand that disagreements are a natural part of human interaction. One of the most valuable skills we can teach our students is the art of compromise. Compromising is a way to find common ground and resolve conflicts while maintaining...
Two Sides: A Social-Emotional Learning Game for Special Education Students
Introduction Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) plays a crucial role in the development of students, particularly in Special Education. One essential skill students need to learn is the ability to adapt to changes and manage their emotions effectively. In this blog post,...
Teaching Kindergarten Students to Keep Calm and Follow the Group
Introduction As educators, we understand the importance of teaching our students how to adapt to different situations and handle their emotions in a healthy way. Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) plays a crucial role in developing these skills. One vital skill for...
Teaching the Self-Controller Scanner: A Tool for Special Education Students
Introduction Controlling our thoughts and feelings is a vital skill for students, especially those in special education. The Self-Controller Scanner is a useful tool that helps students become aware of their emotions and regain control when necessary. This blog post...
Enhancing Communication in Relationships for Special Education Students
Introduction Communication plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy and happy relationships. For students in special education, developing strong communication skills is essential to avoid misunderstandings and foster positive connections with others. This blog...
Teaching Students to Get Attention Respectfully: Activities and Discussions
Introduction One essential skill for students to learn is how to get someone's attention in a respectful and polite way. This is a vital aspect of social-emotional learning, as it fosters positive interactions and relationships among peers and educators. In this blog...
Teaching High School Students to Drive Conversations Forward
Introduction Conversations are an essential part of everyday life, and engaging in meaningful conversations is a crucial skill for high school students to develop. In this blog post, we will discuss how to teach students to drive or keep a conversation going by asking...
Teaching Indirect Communication Skills to Address Mistakes Respectfully
Introduction Everyone makes mistakes, including adults like parents and teachers. It's important for students to learn how to correct someone without being disrespectful or hurting their feelings. This blog post focuses on teaching middle school students the...
Enhancing Connected Play and Social-Emotional Learning in PreK Classrooms
Introduction Connected play is an essential skill for young students to develop strong social-emotional learning foundations. When children learn to connect their play with others, they enhance their communication, cooperation, and empathy skills. This blog post will...
Teaching Effective Communication with the Conversation Stoplight
Introduction Educators working with elementary students often face the challenge of teaching effective communication skills. One effective method to help students develop these skills is the Conversation Stoplight. This concept helps students understand when to start...
Teaching Kindergarten Students to Stay Calm and Focused Amidst Distractions
Introduction As educators, we understand that our young students can easily get distracted, especially when their peers are not following the rules. Teaching them how to stay calm and focused in such situations is an essential skill to help them navigate their...
Changing the Channel on Strong Emotions: Strategies for Special Education Students
Introduction Strong emotions like anger, frustration, or sadness can fill our brain and freeze our decisions. When strong emotions take over, it can feel impossible to think about all our options and choose the right one. To make good decisions, we need positive...
Brain Breaks: Energizing and Relaxing Activities for Improved Focus
In today's fast-paced world, educators are constantly looking for ways to help students stay focused and engaged in the learning process. One effective strategy is to incorporate brain breaks into the classroom routine. These short activities can help students...
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...