Everyday Speech Blog
Social Skill Lesson Plans and Articles
Conversation Stoplight Practice Cards for Elementary Students
Download Activity and Lesson Plan As speech-language pathologists working in elementary settings, we often seek innovative methods to teach effective communication skills. The Conversation Stoplight is a fantastic tool to help students understand the dynamics of...
Free Preschool Switching Tracks Goal Poster
Download Activity and Lesson Plan As preschool teachers, we often encounter situations where our little learners find it challenging to adjust to changes in their routine or plans. Teaching them the concept of 'switching tracks,' or adapting to new situations, is...
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...
Free Middle School Self-Advocacy Interactive Activity
Download Activity and Lesson Plan Welcome to our latest resource for middle school special educators! Today, we're focusing on a vital skill for young learners: self-advocacy. This blog post presents a simple, no-prep lesson plan, centered around a "Free Middle School...
Free Elementary Perspective Taking Goal Poster
Download Activity and Lesson Plan In need of a resource for teaching perspective-taking to your elementary students? Look no further, download our free elementary perspective-taking goal poster! Teaching Perspective Taking to Elementary Students You can successfully...
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...
Free Shifting the Topic Interactive Activity
Download Activity and Lesson Plan The art of conversation is not just about speaking but also about directing and shifting discussions. For middle schoolers, this skill is especially crucial as they enter more mature social and academic settings. As Speech...
No-Prep Activities
Teaching Students to Be Mindful of Others in Shared Spaces
Introduction As educators, it is crucial to teach our students the importance of being mindful of others, especially in shared spaces like classrooms. By incorporating principles of Social-Emotional Learning, we can help students develop empathy, self-awareness, and...
Switching Tracks in a Group: Teaching High School Students to Adapt to Change
Introduction Change can be challenging, especially when working in a group setting. Unexpected changes can make us feel upset or anxious, and learning to adapt is crucial for successful collaboration. This blog post will explore the concept of Switching Tracks, a...
Teaching Kids the Importance of Matching Facial Expressions and Tone of Voice
In this blog post, we will discuss the importance of teaching elementary students how to match their facial expressions and tone of voice to the words they are saying. By doing so, children can effectively communicate their feelings and emotions, avoiding confusion...
Teaching Connected Comments in Conversations for Kindergarten Students
Introduction In social interactions, making connected comments is essential for maintaining meaningful conversations. When we make connected comments, we demonstrate that we are actively listening and engaging with the topic at hand. This skill is crucial for students...
Teaching PreK Students to Stay Calm and Avoid Repetitive Conversations
Introduction Educators working with PreK students often encounter situations where a child gets fixated on a particular topic and repeats it over and over, making others feel uncomfortable. In this blog post, we will explore a no-prep activity, discussion questions,...
Teaching PreK Students to Give Compliments and Start Conversations
As educators, we strive to develop well-rounded students who are not only academically successful but also socially and emotionally competent. One way to foster healthy social interactions is by teaching PreK students the art of giving compliments and starting...
Addressing Cyberbullying: Empowering Students to Stand Up and Support Peers
Cyberbullying is a pervasive issue in today's digital age, and it's essential for educators to equip students with the skills to address it. This blog post will provide an overview of cyberbullying, a no-prep activity to help students understand the impact of their...
Teaching Consequences and Acceptance to PreK Students: Activities and Discussions
Introduction Consequences are an essential part of a child's learning process, shaping their understanding of actions and reactions. They can be either positive or negative, and learning to accept them is a crucial aspect of social-emotional development. This blog...
Switching Tracks in a Group: Handling Change and Fostering Social-Emotional Learning
Introduction Handling change can be challenging, especially when working in a group. Middle school students often experience unexpected changes while collaborating with others, making it crucial for them to learn how to adjust their thoughts and actions accordingly....
Teaching Kindergarten Students to Wait and Read the Room for Help
Introduction Waiting can be a challenging skill for young students, especially when they need help from their teacher. In this blog post, we will discuss strategies for teaching kindergarten students to read the room and recognize when it is a good time to ask for...
Adapting to Change with an Open Mind: Activities for PreK Students
Introduction Change is an inevitable part of life, especially for young students in school. Class schedules, teachers, activities, and locations can change frequently, and it's essential for students to learn how to adapt to these changes. One way to help students...
Teaching the Social Rule of Showing Interest in Conversations
As educators, we strive to help our students develop essential social skills that will improve their interactions and relationships with others. One such skill is the ability to show interest in conversations, even when the topic might not be personally interesting....
Solve It: Teaching Problem-Solving Skills to Elementary Students
Introduction Teaching problem-solving skills to elementary students can be both engaging and effective with the right approach. One such method is through a game called Solve It. Solve It focuses on teaching students to work through problems step by step, discussing...
Unlocking Conversation Skills with Fork in the Road: A Social-Emotional Learning Activity
Introduction Communication is a fundamental skill that plays a critical role in our lives. In this blog post, we will explore an engaging, interactive activity called "Fork in the Road" to help middle school students develop their conversation skills and navigate...
Fork in the Road: Navigating Social Communication for High School Students
Introduction Social communication is an essential skill for high school students to navigate the complexities of social interactions. Developing effective communication strategies and understanding the impact of their words on others is crucial in forging strong...