Everyday Speech Blog
Social Skill Lesson Plans and Articles
Interactive Self-Reflection Practice for High Schoolers
Download Activity and Lesson Plan In today's fast-paced educational environment, it's easy to overlook one of the most powerful tools in our arsenal: self-reflection. As special educators, our mission extends beyond just curriculum-based teaching. We aim to empower...
Free Middle School Emailing Teachers Video Lesson
In an era of digital communication, teaching our students the importance of clear, accurate texting is more crucial than ever. Today, we've included a free middle school emailing teachers video lesson to help middle schoolers learn how to properly email a teacher. As...
Free Self-Regulation Visual Choice Bar
Download Activity and Lesson Plan The foundation of emotional intelligence is built during the elementary years. For students, recognizing their emotions and learning to manage them plays a pivotal role in their overall development. As school-based mental health...
Loving Who You Are Interactive Activity
Download Activity and Lesson Plan High school can be a whirlwind of emotions, peer pressures, academic challenges, and self-discovery. One of the key pillars ensuring students navigate these years confidently is self-esteem. As a school-based mental health...
Free Bullying Prevention Poster
Download Activity and Lesson Plan Bullying is a widespread and deeply concerning issue in schools worldwide. As the realm of middle school involves various transitions—both emotional and physical—students are often more vulnerable. Addressing bullying and educating...
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...
Preschool Listening Toolbox Activity and Lesson Plan
Download Activity and Lesson Plan In the bustling world of preschool classrooms, filled with vibrant colors, storytelling, and playful giggles, there lies a fundamental skill that is often overlooked but holds the key to effective learning: listening. As early...
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...
Free Middle School Handling Change with Friends Worksheet
Download Activity and Lesson Plan Change is inevitable, especially during the formative middle school years. Friendships evolve, and some may drift apart while others strengthen. It's crucial for students to understand these dynamics and handle them with grace and...
No-Prep Activities
Teaching Students to Ignore Distractions and Stay Focused on Learning
Introduction Elementary students often encounter distractions from their peers, making it difficult for them to concentrate on learning. To help students stay focused, educators can teach them the skill of ignoring others' behavior when it's distracting or not...
Helping High School Students Overcome Embarrassment and Build Resilience
Embarrassment is a common emotion that everyone experiences at some point in their life. As educators, it's important to help high school students learn how to cope with embarrassment and develop resilience. In this blog, we'll discuss an easy-to-implement activity,...
Overcoming Nervousness When Meeting New People: Strategies for Special Education Students
Introduction Meeting new people can be a daunting experience for students in Special Education, who may feel scared or nervous. However, there are several strategies that can help alleviate these feelings and make the process of meeting new people less intimidating....
Teaching PreK Students the Importance of Asking for Permission
Introduction Asking for permission is an essential social skill for young children to learn. It helps them understand the importance of respecting others' belongings and personal space, as well as fostering a sense of empathy and cooperation. In this blog post, we...
Volunteering for Middle School Students: Building Confidence and Community
Introduction Volunteering is an excellent way for middle school students to donate their free time to help others and support a good cause. By engaging in activities such as planting trees, collecting food and clothes for those in need, or serving food at a shelter,...
Teaching Calm Classroom Entry: A Guide for Elementary Educators
Introduction As educators, we understand the importance of creating a calm and focused classroom environment. One significant aspect of this is teaching students how to enter the classroom in a quiet and respectful manner. In this blog post, we will explore an...
Teaching Students to Stay Calm and Focused When Others Aren’t Following Rules
Introduction In an elementary classroom, it's essential for students to learn how to stay calm and focused when others around them aren't following the rules. This skill is crucial for maintaining a positive learning environment and ensuring that students can continue...
Teaching Stair Safety and Social-Emotional Learning for Elementary Students
Introduction Teaching stair safety is essential for elementary students to ensure their physical well-being while navigating school hallways. In addition to the practical aspect, stair safety provides an opportunity to introduce social-emotional learning principles,...
Teaching the Art of Apologizing: A Guide for Educators in Special Education
Introduction Apologizing is an essential skill for building and maintaining healthy relationships. It is crucial for students in special education to learn how to sincerely apologize when they have hurt someone's feelings, whether intentionally or unintentionally....
Teaching Special Education Students to Ask for a Break and Calm Down
Introduction In a busy classroom environment, it's essential for students to develop self-regulation skills and learn how to communicate their needs effectively. For Special Education students, this can be particularly challenging. This blog post focuses on teaching...
Teaching Students to Vary Conversation Topics for Stronger Connections
Introduction Helping students understand the importance of varying conversation topics is an essential component of social-emotional learning. When students focus on a single subject, it can be difficult for them to connect with others who have different interests. By...
Enhancing Communication Skills with Visual Referencing for Special Education Students
Introduction Communication is a vital aspect of our daily lives, and being able to effectively engage in conversations with others is crucial. For students in special education, developing strong communication skills can be challenging, particularly when it comes to...
Teaching Collaborative Play Skills to Elementary Students
Introduction Collaborative play is an essential skill that helps children develop positive relationships, empathy, and cooperation. By teaching students how to engage in collaborative play, educators can foster a positive learning environment and promote...
Teaching High School Students the Restaurant Rules for Social Meals
When high school students engage in social meals with family, friends, or at a restaurant, it's essential for them to understand the importance of the Restaurant Rules. These guidelines help students know how to act when eating with others, ensuring a comfortable and...
Developing Problem-Solving Skills in Elementary Students
Introduction Problem-solving is an essential skill that students need to develop in order to navigate the challenges they face in school and life. This blog post focuses on helping educators teach elementary students how to effectively work with their teachers to...