Everyday Speech Blog
Social Skill Lesson Plans and Articles
Tips for Managing Peaks and Valleys
Part 2 of Series: Self-Care for Educators 2020 has certainly brought both personal and professional challenges for educators. There are the typical stressors that often occur with the ‘peaks and valleys’ of our jobs, and then there’s the 2020 survival level of stress...
Halloween is Not Cancelled (2020)
Boo! It’s almost October 31st (how did that happen?) and Halloween is just around the corner. This Halloween, the word ‘mask’ has a whole new meaning *sigh*. Many parents are scratching their heads trying to figure out how to make this Halloween special for their...
Great Games for Remote Learning
One of the problems with remote learning is that all those really fun games that fill the shelves of my school office, the ones that make students stop me in the hall and ask if we can PLEEEEASE play that game this week, all don’t work with e-learning. My secret...
Addressing Signs of Social-Emotional Distress in Children (Part 2)
Now that we know what the physical and behavioral signs of emotional distress looks like in our students, what do we do to help them cope with these feelings? Learning how to cope with stress is an invaluable skill that students of all ages should be equipped with. We...
Signs of Social-Emotional Distress in Children (Part 1)
It is no surprise during these unprecedented times that feelings of stress, worry, and anxiety are at an all-time high for both adults and children. Many children no longer have the predictable routine of 8-3 school days or the consistent social exposure and...
Self-Care Tips for Educators
Image Credit: Heidie Ambrose The beginning of a new school year typically brings a mix of emotions: the bittersweet end to long, hot summer days with a mix of excitement and anticipation for the start of a brand new school year ahead. But there is nothing typical...
Parents Guide: Staying Connected During COVID-19
2020 has brought a whole lot of changes to our day-to-day lives and also our society. Our new ‘normal’ involves masks hanging from our cars’ rear view mirrors, strangers taking our temperatures, and words like Zoom and social distancing becoming a part of our everyday...
Everyday Speech: Equity Statement
We at Everyday Speech, like most of the world, have been saddened, angered, and outright disgusted by the course of recent events including the murder of George Floyd, who is just one victim of the many acts of injustice, brutality, and systemic racism aimed at people...
Remote Learning Checklist
As we teach students how to be students again, we’re boosting their tolerance for challenges, such as working to understand a math concept or having the discipline for non-preferred academics. For this, they need to have a growth mindset; the mindset that skills...
No-Prep Activities
Teaching Kindergarten Students to Think Before They Speak
As educators, one of our key responsibilities is to help our students develop social-emotional skills that will guide them through their lives. In this blog post, we will discuss the importance of teaching kindergarten students to think before they speak, and explore...
Teaching Students the Art of Using a Filter: Think It or Say It Activity
Introduction As educators, we strive to teach our students essential communication skills that will serve them well in life. One such skill is the ability to discern when to say something out loud and when to keep it to oneself. This concept, often referred to as...
Belly Breathing: A Calming Technique for Special Education Students
Introduction In a world full of distractions and stressors, it's essential for educators to equip students with skills to manage overwhelming emotions. One such skill is Belly Breathing, a deep breathing technique that helps calm the body and mind. This blog post will...
Teaching Students the Right Way to Interrupt in Conversations
Interrupting is a common occurrence in conversations, especially among young children who are still learning the art of effective communication. Teaching students the right way to interrupt can help them develop better social skills and foster positive relationships....
Enhancing Problem-Solving Skills in Special Education: Strategies and Activities
Introduction Problem-solving is a vital skill that students need to navigate the complexities of daily life. In special education, teaching problem-solving skills can be particularly important as these students may face unique challenges. This blog post will explore...
Teaching Problem-Solving Skills with the Solve It Game
Introduction Problem-solving is an essential skill for students in Special Education, as it helps them navigate through various challenges in everyday life. The Solve It game is an engaging and interactive way to teach problem-solving skills by guiding students...
Teaching Consequences and Acceptance in Special Education
Introduction Consequences are an essential part of life, and understanding their impact on our actions is crucial for personal growth and development. In the context of Special Education, teaching students about consequences helps them develop better decision-making...
Teaching Conversation Share: Balancing Talk Time for Successful Conversations
Introduction As educators, we know the importance of teaching our students effective communication skills. One crucial aspect of communication is the concept of Conversation Share, which refers to the amount of time each person talks in a conversation. By balancing...
Social-Emotional Learning Strategies for Parties: Topic Radar, Restaurant Rules, and Self-Controller
Introduction Helping middle school students develop essential social skills can be challenging, especially in dynamic social settings like parties. This blog post will discuss three Social-Emotional Learning strategies to help students navigate parties and social...
Teaching Tone of Voice for Effective Communication in Special Education
Introduction Tone of voice is a crucial aspect of communication, as it conveys emotions and intentions behind the words we speak. For students in special education, understanding and using tone of voice effectively can be challenging. This blog post aims to provide...
Building Conversation Skills: Turn-taking and Balance in Middle School Students
In today's interconnected world, effective communication is essential. For middle school students, developing conversation skills is a crucial aspect of social-emotional learning. This blog post will explore an easy-to-implement activity that encourages a balanced...
Teaching Students to Ignore Distracting Behavior: An Essential Skill for Special Education
Introduction For students in special education, staying focused during class can be challenging, especially when their classmates display distracting behavior. Learning to ignore others' behavior is a crucial skill for these students, as it enables them to concentrate...
Act It Out!: A Role-Playing Game for Social Situations in Special Education
Introduction Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) is an essential component of any educational program, especially for students in special education. Role-playing games like Act It Out! offer a fun and engaging way for students to practice essential communication skills...
Finding Friends Who Are a Good Fit: Activities and Discussion for Special Education Students
Introduction Forming strong friendships is a crucial aspect of social-emotional learning for students in Special Education. It's essential to teach them the importance of finding friends who are a good fit, as these friendships can positively impact their overall...
Wiggle and Jump Break: A Fun Approach to Social-Emotional Learning for Special Education Students
Introduction Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) is essential for students, especially those in special education, as it helps them develop crucial life skills. One creative and engaging way to incorporate SEL into the classroom is through activities like the Wiggle and...
