Everyday Speech Blog
Social Skill Lesson Plans and Articles
How To Address Social Skills Loss From the Pandemic
It is hard to believe that it has been nearly three years since the initial COVID-19 lockdowns. And while this time has been challenging for us all, it has been especially difficult for our students who are dealing with social skills loss from the pandemic. What...
The 5 Social-Emotional Learning Skills
Let’s talk about the 5 Social-Emotional Learning Skills (CASEL Competencies)! What are they? And why do they matter? Whether you’re a veteran Speechie or you’re new around here, you’ve probably noticed that the 5 CASEL Competencies (Self-Awareness, Self-Management,...
February 2023 Content Update
Hello Everyday Speechies! We have new material this month! Let’s take a look! We have added three new pieces of material related to Job Skills. The first is a follow-up game for the existing Professional Skills game. The next is an interactive activity for...
How to Use SEL as a Special Ed Teacher
As a special education teacher, you are the connector on campus and hold a unique skill set and perspective in the push for schoolwide social-emotional learning (SEL). Rather than feeling like the outlier of your school community, read on to see how you can position...
How to Use SEL as a School Psychologist
As a school psychologist, you wear many hats and are the glue between general education and special education. You bridge the gap between individual classroom teachers and wider district initiatives. You are ultimately an invaluable resource and leader in the mission...
How to Use SEL as a School Counselor
As a school counselor, you play a huge role in nurturing schoolwide social-emotional learning (SEL). In fact, you serve as the first line of defense in identifying and addressing students’ social and emotional needs within the school setting. With that, it is likely...
How to Best Implement SEL as a Social Worker
As a school social worker, social-emotional learning is, and has always been, the heart of your role. As the link between the home, school, and community, your expertise in SEL is a crucial tool in supporting whole-child development. If you’re reading this, you may be...
Will AI Chatbots Destroy School?
“Please summarize Moby-Dick for my upcoming book report,” I wrote. In under five seconds, ChatGPT had generated an answer that I could turn in for at least a B. Best of all, I didn’t have to read all 427 pages of Moby-Dick. I also didn’t have to research, reflect, or...
The Best Times of Day to Teach SEL
Odds are you’ve heard the buzz around SEL if you’re an educator. And while there’s no denying the importance of teaching SEL and its significant impacts on students’ academic success and well-being, that doesn’t mean it is easy to teach or implement. According to...
No-Prep Activities
Teaching Problem-Solving Skills: Identifying Big & Small Problems
Introduction Problem-solving is a crucial skill for students to develop, as it helps them navigate challenges in their daily lives. One essential aspect of problem-solving is being able to differentiate between big and small problems. This not only allows them to...
Teaching Eye Contact: A Key Skill for Engaging Conversations | Special Education
Eye contact is an essential social skill that plays a crucial role in successful communication. It helps convey interest, attentiveness, and respect, and establishes trust between conversation partners. For students in special education, developing this skill can...
Overcoming Embarrassment: Strategies for High School Students
Introduction Embarrassment is a common emotion that everyone experiences at some point in their lives. High school students, in particular, may face embarrassing situations more frequently due to the social and emotional challenges of adolescence. In this blog post,...
Timing is Key: Teaching Appropriate Humor in Social Situations
Introduction Humor can be a powerful tool for creating connections and building relationships. However, it is essential to teach students the importance of appropriate timing when telling jokes or engaging in humorous activities. This blog post will explore the...
Enhancing Conversation Skills in Special Education: Avoiding Obvious Questions
As educators, we strive to help our students develop effective conversation skills. One key aspect is learning to ask questions that drive conversations forward, rather than asking obvious questions that hinder the flow. This is especially important for students in...
Teaching Proper Hygiene Habits: Sneezing and Coughing Etiquette
Introduction As educators, one of our responsibilities is to teach students essential life skills that will help them become responsible and considerate individuals. Teaching proper hygiene habits is crucial for the well-being of students, their peers, and the...
Showing We Care: Social-Emotional Learning for Educators
Introduction In today's fast-paced world, it's essential for students to develop and practice social-emotional learning skills. One of the most important skills is caring about others and showing empathy. This blog post will explore the concept of caring about others,...
Teaching Students to Recognize and Handle Stress
Introduction Stress is an inevitable part of life, and everyone feels stressed about different things, including students. It's essential to teach them how to recognize when they're feeling stressed and equip them with strategies to calm down and regain control. This...
Understanding Others’ Thoughts and Feelings: A Guide for Middle School Educators
Introduction One of the essential skills that middle school students need to develop is understanding others' thoughts and feelings. This skill fosters empathy, improves communication, and helps resolve conflicts. In the story of Alessandra and Devin, we see how...
Teaching Students to Effectively Follow Directions: Strategies and Activities
As educators, we know that helping students develop the ability to follow directions is crucial for their success in school and beyond. In this blog post, we will explore various strategies and activities to teach students how to follow directions effectively, while...
Introducing Yourself: Building Social Skills for PreK Students
Introducing yourself is a fundamental social skill that helps children establish connections and build relationships. For PreK students, learning to introduce themselves sets the foundation for healthy social interactions. In this blog post, we will explore an easy,...
Teaching Students the Importance of Tone of Voice in Communication
When we speak, our tone of voice plays a significant role in how our message is received by others. In this blog post, we will explore the importance of tone of voice in communication, particularly when interacting with others in a respectful and considerate manner....
Teaching Eye Contact Skills in Conversations: A Guide for Special Education Educators
Introduction Eye contact is an essential component of effective communication. For students in special education, developing and maintaining eye contact during conversations can be challenging. This blog post introduces an easy-to-implement, no-prep activity to help...
Understanding Peer Pressure: Activities and Discussions for Elementary Students
Introduction Peer pressure is a common experience for students in elementary school. It occurs when classmates or friends try to influence someone's decisions or actions. While some instances of peer pressure may be harmless, others can lead to negative consequences,...
Understanding Accidents vs. Intentional Actions: The On Purpose Plan
Introduction As educators, it is crucial to teach our students the importance of understanding the difference between accidents and intentional actions. This awareness can help them regulate their emotions and respond appropriately in social situations. By introducing...