Everyday Speech Blog
Social Skill Lesson Plans and Articles
Quick iPad Tips for Efficient Speech & Language Therapy
As an SLP, it's pretty much a given now that you're working with an iPad. At times, the iPad can be a great tool and opens us up to a world of possibilities. Other times, it can be frustrating to try to figure out what the hundreds of different settings do! Today I'm...
Fresh Ideas for Summer Speech Lessons
For those of you working over the summer, I’ve been brainstorming some fun thematic speech lessons. One of the schools I work in over the summer selects a theme for each classroom, ranging from outer space, countries, to ocean animals, etc. Bouncing ideas off of the...
Using Readily Available Material for Speech and Language Sessions
As SLP’s we’re always on the hunt for new materials to use. Instead of spending time that we probably don’t have searching, I’ve been trying to use my time wisely and take advantage of materials that are ready to go. Local online newspaper sites are the perfect go-to...
Fun Book Series for Speech and Language Development!
This spring I was introduced to an adorable book series by a co-worker. Will Hillenbrand’s Bear and Mole stories are the perfect go-to book for literacy or speech activities. They were written for 4-6 year olds but I use them with older students, ages 7-9, who have...
The Importance of Teaching Social Skills
A huge part of my job as a speech therapist is teaching social skills to children and young adults. People are often surprised at that and ask me why a speech therapist would teach social skills. The biggest reason we work on them is because they are an integral part...
Apps + Websites for the Visually Impaired
UPDATE: We've released an eBook - "The Ultimate Guide to the iPad for Speech Pathology and Special Education". It has all the tips and tricks you need to become an iPad master. Best of all, it's FREE. Grab your copy here. Hey everyone, we're back from a couple week...
Adventures in AT: Switch Accessible Websites
For a long time I didn’t have many resources for switch users in my SLP bag of tricks. I’ve recently devoted more time to finding new websites that are switch accessible (can be controlled by a switch) and want to share them! The following websites have great free...
Introducing Spritz: How Will Speed Reading Affect Assistive Technology?
There’s a lot of buzz about a new type of software designed to increase the speed of reading. Boston-based startup Spritz has developed software that completely changes the way we read. The software is a textbox that flashes words at you from speeds of 250-500...
Resources for Teaching Social Intimacy & Relationships to Students with Communication and Emotional Differences
When working with adolescents and young adults who have communication, social, and emotional differences, concerns arise around the issue of social and sexual intimacy and health. Students at the high school level are very much interested in dating, just like their...
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...
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....
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...
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...
