Everyday Speech Blog
Social Skill Lesson Plans and Articles
Free Middle School Self-Advocacy Worksheet: Honoring My Strengths
Middle schoolers are at a turning point—not quite kids, not quite teens. At this age, self-esteem can dip, peer comparison increases, and students begin to define themselves more clearly through both strengths and struggles. That’s why this Honoring My Strengths...
Free Middle School Self-Advocacy Worksheet: Speaking Up With Friends
Middle school friendships can be tricky. From group projects to text threads, students are navigating a lot of unspoken social dynamics—while also trying to figure out who they are. It’s no surprise many struggle to speak up when something feels off. The Speaking Up...
Free High School Self-Advocacy Worksheet: Advocating for Yourself
By the time students reach high school, we often expect them to speak up for themselves—to share opinions, ask for support, and self-advocate in challenging situations. But many teens still struggle with this. Whether it’s nerves, self-doubt, or a lack of tools, they...
Free Elementary Self-Advocacy Worksheet: Speaking Up at School
Some students have no trouble asking for what they need. Others might freeze, whisper, or say nothing—even when they’re struggling. Learning to speak up at school is a foundational self-advocacy skill that helps students build independence, confidence, and trust in...
Free Self-Advocacy Poster for Elementary, Middle, and High School Classrooms
Whether it’s asking for a break, getting clarification, or speaking up when something doesn’t feel right, self-advocacy is one of the most important life skills students can build. But many students—especially those with communication challenges or social-emotional...
How to Write IEP Goals: Example Goals for EVERY Skill
IEP goals shape the daily experience of students receiving special education services. They aren’t just legal requirements—they’re commitments. Each goal is a reflection of what the team believes the student can learn, how they’ll get there, and how success will be...
How to Build Student Agency: Resources & Strategies
Empowering students to take charge of their own learning is one of the most impactful things educators can do. When students develop agency, they build the skills needed to set goals, make decisions, and navigate challenges with confidence. In today’s educational...
Free Middle School Self-Esteem Poster: Strategies to Build Confidence
Middle school is one of the most formative stages for shaping how students see themselves. Every interaction, success, and setback influences how they think about their value—and whether they believe they’re capable of growth. The Building Confidence goal poster from...
How Everyday Speech Supports Balanced Screen Time in Schools
As more districts move to reduce screen time in schools, the challenge isn’t just about limiting how long students are on screens—it’s about making sure that technology use is intentional and impactful. District leaders are navigating how to maintain the benefits of...
No-Prep Activities
Teaching Kindergartners the Power of Eye Contact and Conversation Skills
Introduction In the early stages of a child's development, learning to communicate effectively is a critical skill. For kindergarten students, understanding the importance of eye contact during conversations is essential for building strong social-emotional skills....
Helping Kindergarten Students Transition Back to School After a Break
Introduction Transitioning back to school after a vacation can be challenging for Kindergarten students. They may have enjoyed their free time and now find it difficult to adapt to the school routine. This blog post focuses on helping educators teach students the...
Teaching Students to Be Mindful of Others in Shared Spaces
Introduction As educators, it is crucial to teach our students the importance of being mindful of others, especially in shared spaces like classrooms. By incorporating principles of Social-Emotional Learning, we can help students develop empathy, self-awareness, and...
Fork in the Road: Navigating Social Communication for High School Students
Introduction Social communication is an essential skill for high school students to navigate the complexities of social interactions. Developing effective communication strategies and understanding the impact of their words on others is crucial in forging strong...
Overcoming Nervousness When Meeting New People: Strategies for Special Education Students
Introduction Meeting new people can be a daunting experience for students in Special Education, who may feel scared or nervous. However, there are several strategies that can help alleviate these feelings and make the process of meeting new people less intimidating....
Developing Problem-Solving Skills in Elementary Students
Introduction Problem-solving is an essential skill that students need to develop in order to navigate the challenges they face in school and life. This blog post focuses on helping educators teach elementary students how to effectively work with their teachers to...
Teaching Problem-Solving Skills to Special Education Students
Introduction Problem-solving is an essential skill for students of all ages, particularly for those in special education settings. It empowers students to face challenges, make informed decisions, and communicate effectively with others. In this blog post, we will...
Teaching PreK Students the Importance of Hygiene and Smelling Good
Introduction Hygiene is a fundamental aspect of our daily lives, and teaching young children about the importance of maintaining good hygiene is crucial. In this blog post, we will discuss the significance of how we smell as part of our hygiene routine. Good hygiene...
Teaching Conversation Measuring Cup: A Game for Kindergarten Educators
Welcome to a blog post designed to help educators teach kindergarten students the concept of the Conversation Measuring Cup. This skill helps young learners understand how much to talk during a conversation, ensuring they don't say too much or too little. By mastering...
Teaching PreK Students to Recognize Sarcasm and Disguised Thoughts
In this blog post, we'll explore the concept of sarcasm and disguised thoughts, and how educators can teach PreK students to recognize these communication forms. Sarcasm is a type of disguised thought, where a person says something but means the opposite. People often...
SEL Skills for Educators: Staying Calm and Focused Amidst Chaos
Introduction In the classroom, it's not uncommon for students to encounter situations where others may not be following the rules or behaving appropriately. As educators, it's essential to teach students how to stay calm, ignore distractions, and focus on their work...
Talking the Talk: Teaching Small Talk Skills to Elementary Students
Introduction: Small talk is a crucial social skill that enables children to engage in polite conversations, build relationships, and develop their communication abilities. By incorporating principles of Social-Emotional Learning, this blog post aims to help educators...
Reading the Room: A Skill for Adapting Behavior in Middle School
As educators, we understand the importance of teaching our students valuable life skills alongside academics. One such skill is the ability to read the room, which helps students adapt their behavior in different situations. In this blog post, we will explore the...
Enhancing Connected Play Skills in Special Education
Introduction Connected play is an essential skill in social-emotional learning, especially for students in special education. It involves sharing an imagination, understanding the emotions and actions of others, and engaging in collaborative play. Developing connected...
Teaching Students Calming Strategies: Deep Breaths and More
As educators, we recognize the importance of helping our students develop effective strategies to manage their emotions and maintain a positive learning environment. In this blog post, we will explore a specific calming strategy - taking deep breaths and counting them...
