Everyday Speech Blog
Social Skill Lesson Plans and Articles
Pig Latin, Phonological Awareness, and Dyslexia
Guest post by Margaret Lanning, MS, CCC-SLP, in partnership with eLuma Online Therapy. Did you ever speak in Ig-pay Atin-lay with your elementary school friends? You know, the “language” where you take off the first consonant from the front of a word and move it to...
How to Create an Inclusive Classroom: Choosing Inclusive Teaching Materials
Guest post by Laurel Mendoza, MA, CCC-SLP, in partnership with eLuma Online Therapy. Diversity. Inclusion. Cultural sensitivity. As educators, we're likely very familiar with these terms. Although we may acknowledge their importance, it is another matter entirely...
Does Exercise Make You Happy? Science Says Yes
Temperatures are on the rise, the days are longer, and our weekend plans are full of barbecues with friends and family consist of barbecues with family – all sure signs that summer is here! With many more sunny and warm days ahead, why not get outside and get some...
Zoom & Video Meeting Activities
The pandemic changed many things about our day-to-day lives. It especially changed how we interact with one another! With many schools transitioning to hybrid or fully remote learning models over the past year, virtual meetings have become the new normal. Last year,...
May Content Update: What’s New This Month?
This month's new content features videos and activities about being flexible. This includes videos to help students understand when and how to use direct vs. indirect language and how to deal with unexpected changes to their routine. We also included two special...
How to Confront Your Personal Biases
Guest post by Lacey Carter, CCC-SLP, in partnership with eLuma Online Therapy. As professional educators, it’s easy to get too comfortable telling others how to learn and grow without holding ourselves to the same standard. We should be more like the children we...
Incorporating Social-Emotional Learning into After-School Programs
One of the hardest adjustments for students last year was the loss of extracurricular programs. Not only do after-school programs and activities present an additional way to learn and improve on various interests, but they are also the perfect opportunity to boost...
Everyday Speech Featured on Common Ground Education Podcast!
We have exciting news! Brittany Brunell, M.S. CCC-SLP and Everyday Speech Co-founder, was featured in the latest episode of the Common Ground podcast! The episode focuses on progressive education, mental health resources, and multi-disciplinary collaboration with the...
Recognizing Unconscious Bias in Ourselves
Guest post by Megan Beaver, M.S., CCC-SLP, in partnership with eLuma Online Therapy. No matter who we are, we have biases. This is because bias is developed through a combination of our upbringing, education, and our many experiences in the world. The way we behave at...
No-Prep Activities
Understanding Others’ Perspectives: A Key Social-Emotional Skill
Introduction Everyone experiences situations differently, and the same event can evoke a range of emotions in different individuals. Developing the ability to see from others' point of view is crucial for building strong relationships and fostering a supportive...
Teaching Body Language Awareness to Elementary Students
In today's world, communication goes beyond just words. Body language plays a significant role in conveying emotions and messages. For children, understanding and interpreting body language can be a crucial skill in building positive relationships and effective...
The Power of Eye Contact: A Skill for PreK Students
Introduction Eye contact is a crucial aspect of communication, especially for young learners. It shows attentiveness, interest, and respect during a conversation. This skill is an essential component of Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) and helps in building positive...
Teaching Cyber Skills for Online Messaging to Elementary Students
Introduction As educators, one of our primary goals is to help our students develop healthy communication habits. In today's digital age, this includes teaching them how to communicate safely and effectively online. This blog post will discuss the importance of Cyber...
Teaching Students the Art of Joining a Group Respectfully
Introduction Joining a group of friends or classmates can be a daunting task for elementary students. It is essential for them to learn how to approach and engage with a group respectfully without disrupting ongoing conversations or activities. This skill is an...
Reading the Room: Teaching Students to Adapt in New Situations
In this blog post, we will explore the importance of teaching students in Special Education to read the room, or adapt their behavior according to the social context they find themselves in. This skill is crucial for navigating social situations and fostering positive...
Teaching Active Listening Skills to Kindergarten Students
Introduction Listening is an essential skill that plays a vital role in everyday communication. In the context of social-emotional learning, it is crucial to teach kindergarten students the importance of active listening. By showing interest and attentiveness, they...
Teaching Students How to End Conversations: A Guide for Special Education Educators
Introduction Teaching students how to end conversations is an essential life skill, especially in Special Education settings. Students need to learn the proper way to leave a conversation as it helps them build better relationships and promotes effective...
Wiggle and Jump Break: A Fun PreK Activity for Releasing Energy and Fostering Social-Emotional Learning
Introduction When working with PreK students, it's important to provide opportunities for them to release energy and learn how to self-regulate. This blog post introduces a fun, engaging, and no-prep activity called Wiggle and Jump Break, which helps students release...
Using the Conversation Stoplight to Join Conversations at the Right Time
Introduction One important aspect of social-emotional learning is teaching students how to effectively join conversations. The Conversation Stoplight is a valuable tool that helps students identify the appropriate time to join in. By understanding when it's best to...
Animal Breathing Techniques for Calm and Focus in Special Education
Introduction Teaching students how to manage their emotions and maintain focus is an essential part of their education, especially for those in special education programs. Incorporating Social-Emotional Learning principles into everyday activities can help students...
Teaching Students to Ask for Help and Develop Problem-Solving Skills
Introduction As educators, we understand that students may not always know how to approach a problem or ask for help. By incorporating principles of Social-Emotional Learning, we can teach them to recognize when they need assistance and develop the confidence to seek...
Teaching Direct and Indirect Language Skills to Elementary Students
Introduction Communication is a vital life skill, and teaching students the difference between Direct and Indirect Language can help them navigate social situations more effectively. Direct Language is used when we have a serious problem or need something urgently,...
Teaching PreK Students the Importance of Covering Sneezes for Social-Emotional Growth
Introduction In this blog post, we will explore the importance of teaching PreK students about proper sneezing etiquette and hygiene practices as part of their social-emotional learning journey. By helping young learners understand the significance of covering their...
Teaching Hygiene Skills to Kindergarten Students: A Guide for Educators
Introduction Hygiene is an essential aspect of our daily lives, and it is crucial to teach young children the importance of maintaining good hygiene habits. For kindergarten students, understanding the concept of hygiene and its benefits can significantly impact their...
