Everyday Speech Blog
Social Skill Lesson Plans and Articles
Free Middle School Self-Advocacy Worksheet: Honoring My Strengths
Middle schoolers are at a turning point—not quite kids, not quite teens. At this age, self-esteem can dip, peer comparison increases, and students begin to define themselves more clearly through both strengths and struggles. That’s why this Honoring My Strengths...
Free Middle School Self-Advocacy Worksheet: Speaking Up With Friends
Middle school friendships can be tricky. From group projects to text threads, students are navigating a lot of unspoken social dynamics—while also trying to figure out who they are. It’s no surprise many struggle to speak up when something feels off. The Speaking Up...
Free High School Self-Advocacy Worksheet: Advocating for Yourself
By the time students reach high school, we often expect them to speak up for themselves—to share opinions, ask for support, and self-advocate in challenging situations. But many teens still struggle with this. Whether it’s nerves, self-doubt, or a lack of tools, they...
Free Elementary Self-Advocacy Worksheet: Speaking Up at School
Some students have no trouble asking for what they need. Others might freeze, whisper, or say nothing—even when they’re struggling. Learning to speak up at school is a foundational self-advocacy skill that helps students build independence, confidence, and trust in...
Free Self-Advocacy Poster for Elementary, Middle, and High School Classrooms
Whether it’s asking for a break, getting clarification, or speaking up when something doesn’t feel right, self-advocacy is one of the most important life skills students can build. But many students—especially those with communication challenges or social-emotional...
How to Write IEP Goals: Example Goals for EVERY Skill
IEP goals shape the daily experience of students receiving special education services. They aren’t just legal requirements—they’re commitments. Each goal is a reflection of what the team believes the student can learn, how they’ll get there, and how success will be...
How to Build Student Agency: Resources & Strategies
Empowering students to take charge of their own learning is one of the most impactful things educators can do. When students develop agency, they build the skills needed to set goals, make decisions, and navigate challenges with confidence. In today’s educational...
Free Middle School Self-Esteem Poster: Strategies to Build Confidence
Middle school is one of the most formative stages for shaping how students see themselves. Every interaction, success, and setback influences how they think about their value—and whether they believe they’re capable of growth. The Building Confidence goal poster from...
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...
No-Prep Activities
Teaching PreK Students to Listen and Follow Directions: A Guide for Educators
As an educator, teaching young students to listen and follow directions is essential for their growth and development. In this blog post, we will explore a no-prep activity that fosters these essential skills, as well as discussion questions and related skills to help...
Teaching Conversation Skills: A No-Prep Activity for Educators
Introduction As an educator, you understand the importance of teaching conversation skills to students. Effective communication is crucial for building relationships and navigating social situations. This blog post focuses on teaching students how to stay on topic...
Building Resilience with Positive Self-Talk in Special Education
Introduction As educators, we understand that learning is a process that involves both successes and setbacks. It's essential for students, especially those in special education, to develop resilience and a growth mindset. One powerful way to help students overcome...
Introducing Solve It: A Step-by-Step Game for Teaching Problem Solving Skills
Introduction Teaching problem-solving skills to elementary students can be a challenging task. As educators, we strive to teach our students how to navigate through everyday challenges and make good decisions. One effective way to teach problem-solving skills is...
Introducing Yourself: A Vital Skill for Special Education Students
Introduction Introducing yourself is an essential skill that students need to develop, especially in special education settings. It is a basic social skill that allows students to make connections and establish relationships with others. In various contexts, such as...
Teaching Students How to Make Plans with Friends: A No-Prep Activity for Educators
Introduction Social-emotional learning (SEL) is essential for students to develop healthy relationships and effectively navigate social situations. One crucial aspect of SEL is teaching students how to make plans with friends. This involves learning to initiate...
Guess What Happens Next: A Social-Emotional Learning Activity for Special Education
Introduction In today's world, it's essential for students to develop strong social-emotional skills that will help them navigate various situations in life. Educators working with students in Special Education can benefit from engaging activities that encourage...
Teaching the Value of an Open Mind: Activities and Discussions for Educators
Introduction Being rigid is the opposite of being flexible. In the context of Social-Emotional Learning, having a Closed Mind means resisting change and not being open to new ideas. This can lead to feelings of frustration, worry, and a lack of adaptability. On the...
Teaching Kindergarteners the Importance of Personal Space in Conversations
Introduction As educators, it's essential to teach our kindergarten students the importance of maintaining an appropriate distance while conversing. This skill is a crucial aspect of social-emotional learning, as it helps children understand the concept of personal...
Understanding Voice Pitch and Tone: A Guide for Educators of PreK Students
Introduction Effective communication is an essential skill for young children as they navigate their social and emotional development. One aspect of communication that is often overlooked is the importance of voice pitch and tone. This blog post will provide educators...
Teaching Good Team Player Skills for Special Education Students
In this blog post, we will explore the importance of being a good team player and provide educators with an easy-to-implement activity to help students develop these essential skills. We will also discuss related skills and provide resources for further learning and...
Observation Skills: Helping Middle School Students Navigate New Situations
Introduction When middle school students encounter new situations or challenges, it can sometimes feel overwhelming or scary. One of the best ways to help them navigate these unfamiliar circumstances is by teaching them effective observation skills. By observing...
Teaching Good Sportsmanship: A Social-Emotional Learning Guide for Elementary Educators
Introduction Learning to accept both victories and defeats with grace is an essential life skill for all individuals. For students, being a good sport not only makes games and activities more enjoyable, but it also helps them develop strong social-emotional skills....
Teaching Problem-Solving and Cooperation Skills to Students
Introduction As educators, we strive to help our students develop essential life skills. Problem-solving and cooperation are two crucial skills that can help students navigate social situations and maintain healthy relationships. In this blog post, we will explore a...
Teaching Conversation Drivers and Stoppers: Guess What Happens Next Activity
Introduction Teaching high school students the importance of Conversation Drivers and Conversation Stoppers is crucial for their social-emotional development. Conversation Drivers are essential for maintaining and progressing a conversation, while Conversation...