Everyday Speech Blog
Social Skill Lesson Plans and Articles
Free Elementary Thanksgiving Craft
Download Activity and Lesson Plan Thanksgiving isn't just about feasts and parades; it's a time for reflection and gratitude. Special educators can bring this spirit into their classrooms with a fun and meaningful craft activity from Everyday Speech. Check out this...
Elementary School Perspective Taking Goal Poster: Understanding Others’ Point of View
Fostering perspective taking is a cornerstone of healthy peer interactions, classroom harmony, and long-term interpersonal growth in elementary-aged students. With early learners, foundational skills such as seeing situations from another person’s point of view are...
Preschool Feelings Detective Activity
Download Activity and Lesson Plan As early childhood and preschool educators, one of the most challenging aspects of the job is helping students navigate big feelings. Despite the challenge, one of the greatest gifts we can give our students is the beginning...
Free Interactive Job Interview Practice for High School Students
Download Activity and Lesson Plan Navigating the job market can be daunting for high school students, particularly those in special education programs. As educators, it's our role to demystify the process and prepare our students for success. This comprehensive guide...
Teaching Empathy in Middle School: Free Lesson Plan & Scenario Cards
Empathy is a key skill that helps middle school students navigate social interactions, build strong relationships, and foster a supportive school environment. In this blog post, we will delve into a lesson plan designed to teach middle school students the power of...
Elementary School Staying Calm Activity: Emotion and Solution Choice Bar
Download 20+ Self-Regulation Activities for PK-12 No-prep tools to teach students how to stay calm, make thoughtful choices, and build emotional awareness. Download activities The elementary school years are a pivotal time for developing foundational skills that allow...
Free Elementary Halloween Social Skills Craft
Download Activity and Lesson Plan The thrill of Halloween extends beyond costumes and candy. It offers a unique opportunity for students to engage in rich conversations. Special educators can tap into this festive enthusiasm, guiding elementary students on how to...
Pre-K & Kindergarten Listening in School Activity: My Listening Toolbox
Developing strong listening skills is an essential part of early school success. This is particularly true for Pre-K and Kindergarten students who are just beginning to navigate the group environment of a classroom. Young children benefit greatly from guided support...
Free Visual Hygiene Weekly Tracker
Download Activity and Lesson Plan Personal hygiene is an essential life skill that not only affects one's health but also interpersonal relationships and self-esteem. For high schoolers with special needs, understanding and maintaining good hygiene habits can...
No-Prep Activities
Teaching Students to Think About Others Before Speaking: A Guide for Educators
In this blog post, we will discuss the importance of teaching students to think about others before speaking, a key skill in social-emotional learning. By remembering others' interests and preferences, students can develop better communication skills and foster...
Using Topic Radar: Engaging Conversations for Kindergarten Students
Introduction Topic Radar is a valuable social-emotional learning skill that helps young children develop meaningful and engaging conversations. By focusing on others' interests and finding common ground, students can create more enjoyable interactions and build...
Helping Students Navigate One-Track Conversations: Activities and Tips for Educators
Introduction As educators, we often encounter students who get fixated on one topic, and it becomes the center of their conversations. This can make social interactions challenging for them and their peers. In this blog post, we will discuss a no-prep activity to help...
Teaching Elementary Students How to Make Plans with Friends
Introduction As educators, one of our primary goals is to help students develop valuable life skills that they can carry into their future relationships. One such skill is learning how to effectively make plans with friends. In this blog post, we will explore a...
Understanding and Responding to PreK Students’ Feelings
As educators, it's important to help young students develop their social-emotional skills. One essential skill is understanding and responding to the feelings of others. In this blog, we will discuss a no-prep activity that educators can use to teach PreK students...
Helping Middle School Students Find Friends Who Are a Good Fit
Introduction Friendship plays a crucial role in the social-emotional development of middle school students. Finding friends who are a good fit can be challenging, but it is essential for nurturing healthy relationships. In this blog post, we'll discuss the importance...
Enhancing Conversation Skills: A Guide for Educators of Middle School Students
Introduction As educators, we play a crucial role in helping our students develop strong social skills. One vital aspect of this is teaching them how to participate in conversations effectively. In this blog post, we will discuss the concept of Conversation Drivers...
Teaching Students to Be Social Chameleons: Adaptability in Any Situation
Being a Social Chameleon means you blend in and adapt to any situation, no matter what’s going on around you. You are able to tune into what’s happening and watch how others are acting. This helps you figure out how you should act. We change the way we behave...
Teaching Respect: Fostering an Inclusive and Accepting Environment
Introduction Respect is an essential aspect of social-emotional learning that empowers students to treat others in a way that makes them feel valued. By promoting respect, educators can create an inclusive and accepting environment where every student, regardless of...
Empowering Students Through Goal Setting: Strategies for Educators
In today's blog post, we will discuss the importance of setting goals and how it can empower students to take charge of their learning and personal growth. Goals are an essential part of social-emotional learning, as they encourage self-awareness, self-management, and...
Exploring Self-Controller Scanner Strategies for Students
In this blog post, we will be discussing the Self-Controller Scanner, a powerful tool that helps students stay in control of their feelings when they experience strong emotions. By understanding their feelings and choosing the best strategy to regain control of their...
Teaching Smooth Conversations: Riding the Wave of Topics | Blog
Introduction Conversations should flow naturally, transitioning from one topic to another with ease. For students in Special Education, understanding this concept can be challenging. Just like surfing, conversations require us to ride one wave or topic until it's...
Teaching PreK Students Self-Regulation in Class Discussions
Introduction As educators, we know the importance of teaching self-regulation skills to our PreK students in order to create a positive learning environment. Self-regulation is the ability to manage one's thoughts, feelings, and behaviors in order to achieve a goal or...
Understanding Bullying: Types, Consequences, and Empathy-Building Activities
Introduction Bullying is a harmful behavior that negatively impacts the lives of students, especially those in special education settings. Understanding the different types of bullying and their consequences is crucial for educators to promote a safe and nurturing...
Teaching PreK Students Conversation Drivers for Better Communication
Introduction As educators, it's crucial to teach our PreK students the importance of effective communication. Conversation Drivers are actions that make others feel comfortable and happy while talking with us. These behaviors drive or keep a conversation going, and...
