Everyday Speech Blog
Social Skill Lesson Plans and Articles
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...
Adaptive Games for Kids with Disabilities
I’m always on the hunt for new fun activities to do with my students. I came across an awesome tool to help facilitate games for students who are cognitively or physically impaired. The tool is a spinner made by Ablenet, a company that makes many assistive technology...
Fun Accessible Arts and Crafts
This year I started working in a group home for people who have multiple disabilities. Working with this new population who are more physically handicapped has forced me to adapt my usual activities and lessons. I want to share some of these fun ideas! These...
New Technology in the Classroom: TAPit
Staying up to date on the newest technological resources in education can be overwhelming! Blogs and Pinterest can be great sources of information to stay in the loop. I recently started using a new piece of equipment, the TAPit. TAPit (Touch Accessible Platform for...
No-Prep Activities
Teaching Kindergarten Students the Restaurant Rules for Social-Emotional Learning
Introduction Eating at a friend's house is an enjoyable and special experience. Regardless of whether we are eating at someone's home or a restaurant, there are certain rules to follow. These rules, called the Restaurant Rules, help in developing self-control,...
Golden Rules for Kindergarten Students to Play and Connect with Others
Playing with others is an essential part of a child's development, contributing to their overall well-being. For kindergarten students, learning how to make friends and engage in social interactions can significantly impact their confidence and problem-solving...
Helping Students Cope with Rejection: Strategies for Special Education
Introduction Rejection is a part of life that we all experience at some point. In the context of social-emotional learning, it's essential for educators to help students understand and manage feelings of rejection. This blog post will discuss strategies for teaching...
Teaching Students to Be Tuned In: Strategies for Special Education
Introduction Being tuned in is a crucial skill for students to develop, as it allows them to be more aware of their actions and the actions of others. By understanding the importance of the time and place for certain behaviors, students can make better decisions and...
Teaching Kindergarten Students How to Answer Questions in Class
Introduction Developing appropriate social skills is an essential part of a child's educational journey. One of the first social skills students need to learn is how to answer questions in class. This involves understanding and following social rules, such as waiting...
Teaching Kindergarten Students the Importance of Being Tuned In
Introduction Being tuned in is an essential skill for kindergarten students as they navigate through their daily activities and social interactions. This concept involves being aware of one's own actions and the actions of others, ensuring that behaviors are...
Understanding Public and Private Topics: An Activity for Educators
Introduction As educators, it's essential to teach our students the importance of understanding the difference between public and private topics. The ability to recognize and respect the distinction between these two types of topics will help students communicate more...
Teaching Students the Art of Responding to Compliments
Introduction Compliments are a simple way to make others feel good, build positive relationships, and create a supportive environment. Teaching students the importance of responding to compliments is a crucial aspect of Social-Emotional Learning. This blog post will...
Enhancing Communication Skills through Background Briefs
Introduction Effective communication is an essential skill for students to develop. It enables them to express their thoughts and feelings, as well as understand others. One crucial aspect of communication is considering the listener's perspective. When sharing a...
Enhancing Communication in Relationships for Middle School Students
Introduction Healthy and happy relationships are built on effective communication. Clear communication helps to avoid misunderstandings, hurt feelings, and confusion. This blog post focuses on improving communication in relationships for middle school students. We...
Teaching Problem-Solving Strategies and Self-Assessment to Students
Introduction As educators, one of our primary goals is to help students develop problem-solving skills and the ability to assess their own situations. Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) principles can be applied to teach students how to differentiate between big and...
Teaching the Value of Trust: Keeping Secrets in Middle School
Introduction Trust is a fundamental component of any healthy relationship, and it's crucial for students to understand the value of keeping secrets when someone confides in them. When a person shares a secret, they are demonstrating trust in the listener to respect...
Email Etiquette: Teaching Students to Communicate Effectively with Teachers
Introduction Emailing is a fast and common way to communicate with teachers. Learning to properly write emails to teachers and adults is an important skill and will prepare students for future success. We do not want to make a bad impression or leave someone thinking...
Teaching the Self-Controller Scanner: An Activity for Elementary Students
Introduction Teaching children how to manage their thoughts and feelings is a crucial aspect of their development. The Self-Controller Scanner is a tool that helps students recognize when they're losing control and empowers them to choose effective strategies for...
Teaching Special Ed Students to Keep Calm and Follow the Group
Introduction For students in Special Education, navigating social situations can be challenging. Learning how to keep calm and follow the group when things don't go as expected is an essential skill for these students. In this blog post, we will discuss a no-prep...