Everyday Speech Blog
Social Skill Lesson Plans and Articles
Why Gratitude Matters
What are you grateful for? You’ve probably heard this question multiple times over the years, likely at a Thanksgiving dinner. Take a moment and think about what you’re grateful for now. Got it? Now, how do you feel? Chances are you feel a little more content,...
Teaching Students Social Awareness
Learners who are socially aware can take others’ perspectives, identify how others may be feeling, and recognize and respect individuals from diverse backgrounds. Why is social awareness important for social-emotional learning? Teaching students to empathize with...
Teaching Students Self-Awareness
Teaching students self-awareness will help them to better understand themselves, their emotions, thoughts, values, and cultural identities. It's a skill that addresses the question we all have: “Who am I?” Why teaching students self-awareness is important for...
Student Mindfulness Exercises
Take a deep breath. You did it! You made it through quite possibly one of the most challenging Septembers of your life as an educator. Transitioning from a year and a half of virtual learning to in-person learning has its challenges, to say the least. You and your...
October Content Updates
Take a look at our October content updates! This month, just in time for Halloween, we're bringing you and your students a free (and adorable) printable candy corn emotions puzzle. Plus, be sure to check out the updates to some of our classic Everyday Speech videos...
ADHD and Social Skills
It’s not uncommon to have an IEP student (or two, or three, or four) on your caseload who has attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) AND a social skills goal. A lot goes into a successful social interaction! Students diagnosed with ADHD may also struggle with...
Five Ways to Support Neurodivergent Students in SEL
In 1998, Judy Singer, an Australian sociologist on the autism spectrum, coined the term "neurodiversity" to challenge the idea of autism as a disability. The neurodiversity viewpoint is that brain differences are normal and that these variations should be celebrated...
How to Support SEL for Preschoolers
For many three- and four-year-olds, preschool is the first opportunity to be a student in a classroom setting. It’s a crucial time for development, not only academically but also socially and emotionally. By supporting our preschoolers with social-emotional learning...
How to Cultivate an SEL Community at Your School
The idea of implementing a social-emotional learning (SEL) curriculum into your school building or district may feel daunting. While all 50 states have social-emotional learning standards, oftentimes these standards don’t include tangible steps for school leaders...
No-Prep Activities
Teaching Listening Skills: A Guide for Special Education Educators
Introduction As educators, we understand that listening skills are crucial for students' success in school. This is especially true for Special Education students who may require additional support in developing their listening abilities. By teaching these skills, we...
Teaching Middle School Students the Art of Small Talk
Introduction Small talk is an essential social skill that helps people engage in quick, casual conversations. It often includes asking questions or making comments about the other person's day, the weather, or upcoming events. Teaching middle school students the art...
Teaching Students to Get Attention Without Touching: An Essential Social Skill
Introduction As educators, we understand the importance of teaching our students how to communicate effectively and respectfully with others. One essential social skill is learning how to get someone's attention without touching or hurting them. This skill is crucial...
Teaching Effective Communication Skills to Special Education Students
Introduction Effective communication is a crucial life skill that every student should learn. For students in Special Education, understanding their emotions and communicating their needs can be particularly challenging. In this blog post, we will discuss an...
Teaching Conversation Skills to Middle School Students: Engaging Activities and Discussions
As educators, we recognize the importance of teaching our students not only academic skills but also social-emotional learning skills that will help them navigate through life. One such skill is the ability to participate in conversations effectively. This blog post...
Polite Communication Skills for Addressing Annoying Behaviors
Introduction High school students often share spaces with others, and inevitably, they will encounter situations where someone is doing something they find distracting or annoying. In these situations, it's essential to equip students with the skills to address the...
Understanding Others’ Feelings Through Body Language and Facial Expressions
Introduction As educators, we recognize the importance of teaching our students not just academic skills, but also social-emotional skills that will help them thrive in life. One essential skill is understanding how others feel by reading their body language and...
Understanding Time and Place: Two Sides Activity for Students
Introduction In today's fast-paced world, it is essential for students to develop the ability to adapt their behavior and language according to the context they are in. This skill is crucial not only for their personal interactions but also for their future...
Teaching Personal Space to Kindergarten Students: Activities and Tips
Introduction Teaching personal space to Kindergarten students is a crucial aspect of Social-Emotional Learning. It helps young children understand and respect the boundaries of others while fostering a comfortable and safe environment. This blog post will provide...
Teaching the Think It or Say It Skill to High School Students
Introduction As educators, one of the key skills we want to impart to our students is the ability to discern when it is appropriate to share their thoughts and when it is best to keep them to themselves. This important social-emotional learning skill, often referred...
Teaching Middle Schoolers to Express Attraction Respectfully
As educators, it is essential to teach middle school students how to express their feelings towards others in a respectful and appropriate manner. This blog post will explore the principles of Social-Emotional Learning in the context of students expressing attraction,...
Teaching Body Language Awareness through Guess What Happens Next
Introduction: Body language plays a crucial role in our everyday interactions, often conveying more meaning than our spoken words. In this blog post, we will explore an engaging activity that helps students develop their body language awareness and understand how it...
Whole Body Listening: A Key Social Skill for High School Students
Introduction When it comes to effective communication, listening is just as important as speaking. However, truly attentive listening goes beyond just using our ears. Whole body listening is the act of engaging our entire body to show we are genuinely interested in...
Background Brief: A Social-Emotional Learning Game for High School Students
Introduction Communication is an essential skill that students need to develop for success in academics, relationships, and their future careers. One important aspect of effective communication is providing sufficient background information when sharing stories or...
Staying with the Group: A Social-Emotional Learning Skill for Kindergarten Students
Introduction Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) plays a crucial role in the development of kindergarten students. One essential skill to foster in young learners is the ability to stay with the group during playtime and other activities. This skill promotes a sense of...
