Everyday Speech Blog
Social Skill Lesson Plans and Articles
Tier 3 Interventions: Free Academic, Behavioral & Social Supports for Students
In an effective Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS), early intervention and targeted instruction help most students succeed within Tier 1 and Tier 2 supports. However, some students require more intensive, individualized interventions to address persistent...
Tier 2 Interventions That Work: Free Resources to Support Your Students
Providing the right level of support for students is essential for their success in school and beyond. The Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) framework ensures that all students receive the academic, behavioral, and self-regulation support they need. While Tier 1...
Tier 1 Supports That Work: Free Resources to Support Your Students
A strong foundation of support is key to helping all students succeed academically, socially, and behaviorally. The Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) provides a proactive framework that ensures students receive what they need, starting at Tier 1—universal...
Nonverbal Communication Activities & Lessons for the Classroom
Nonverbal communication plays a crucial role in how students express themselves, understand others, and navigate social interactions. From tone of voice to facial expressions and body language, students rely on nonverbal cues to interpret meaning, build relationships,...
Strengthening Executive Functioning in Students: Lessons, Strategies, and Resources
Executive functioning skills are critical for student success, particularly for those receiving support through special education, counseling, and intervention services. These skills impact a student's ability to stay organized, regulate emotions, follow multi-step...
Nonverbal Communication Activity: Visual Referencing for Middle School
Download Activity and Lesson Plan As special educators, we understand the unique challenges middle schoolers face, particularly when it comes to nonverbal communication. Many students in this age group struggle with making eye contact during social interactions. While...
Free Tone of Voice Activity for High School Students
Download Activity and Lesson Plan Many high school students struggle with nonverbal communication, particularly in understanding and using tone of voice effectively. Whether it’s detecting sarcasm, expressing emotions appropriately, or adjusting their tone based on...
Nonverbal Communication Activity: Visual Referencing for Elementary
Download Activity and Lesson Plan Visual referencing is a key nonverbal communication strategy that helps students engage in conversations without the pressure of direct eye contact. Often referred to as social referencing, this skill allows learners to observe and...
Mindfulness Activities for Kids: Fun & Simple Ways to Teach Calm and Focus
Helping kids develop mindfulness skills is one of the most powerful ways to support their emotional well-being, focus, and self-regulation. Whether at home, in the classroom, or in therapy sessions, mindfulness activities provide children with the tools they need to...
No-Prep Activities
Changing the Channel on Big Emotions: A Guide for Educators
Introduction Emotions and feelings are an inherent part of our daily experiences, and they can be both positive and negative. Sometimes, we encounter big, negative emotions like anger, frustration, or sadness, which can dominate our thoughts and impact our...
Teaching Conflict Resolution and Problem Solving Skills to Special Education Students
Introduction Conflicts are a normal part of life, and learning how to navigate them is an essential skill for students in Special Education. In this blog post, we will discuss the importance of teaching students to handle conflicts with friends using the Problem...
5 Golden Rules of Play for Elementary Students: A Guide for Educators
Introduction Playing with others is an essential part of children's development, and establishing a set of guidelines can help ensure that everyone has a positive experience. The Five Golden Rules of Play are designed to help elementary students learn how to interact...
Enhancing Focus and Self-Regulation with the Five Finger Breathing Exercise
Introduction Incorporating Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) into the classroom is essential for fostering healthy emotional development, social skills, and overall well-being in students. One effective way to introduce SEL is by teaching students self-regulation...
Teaching Kindergarten Students the Importance of Asking Permission
Introduction Asking permission is a crucial skill for young learners to develop. It teaches them the importance of respecting others' belongings and personal space, and helps to foster a positive classroom environment. In this blog post, we will discuss the concept of...
Teaching Problem-Solving Skills through Social-Emotional Learning
Introduction Problem-solving skills are essential for students, especially those in special education. These skills can help students navigate their emotions, communicate effectively, and build positive relationships with peers and educators. In this blog post, we'll...
Teaching High School Students the Art of Humility and Avoiding Bragging
Introduction As educators, it's essential to help our high school students develop strong social-emotional skills. One such skill is understanding the importance of humility and how to avoid bragging. Bragging can make others feel annoyed or inferior, and it's crucial...
Understanding Relationships with the Relationship Ruler for PreK Students
Introduction As educators, it's essential to teach PreK students about the relationships they have with different people in their lives. Developing an understanding of these relationships helps them interact appropriately with others and fosters healthy...
Empathy: A Key Skill for Building Strong Friendships in Middle School
Introduction Empathy is the ability to understand how someone else feels and show care for their feelings through words and actions. It forms the foundation of strong relationships and helps us forge bonds with others. In a world where friendships play a crucial role,...
Teaching Kindergarten Students to Walk Slowly and Quietly in the Halls
As educators, we aim to create a respectful and calm learning environment for our students. One essential aspect of this is teaching them how to walk slowly and quietly in the halls. In this blog post, we will explore a no-prep activity to help Kindergarten students...
Teaching Open-mindedness to Elementary Students: Activities and Discussions
Introduction Dealing with change and accepting others' ideas can be challenging for children. When a child has a Closed Mind, they stick to their own ideas and are unwilling to consider other perspectives. This mindset can lead to feelings of worry and frustration and...
Developing Independence: A Guide for Educators of Middle School Students
Introduction Gaining independence is a crucial part of growing up, especially for middle school students. As they grow, students learn to take initiative, do things on their own, and rely less on others for guidance. Developing independence has numerous positive...
Switching Tracks: Adapting to Change in Group Activities
Introduction Switching Tracks is a crucial skill that helps students adapt to change, particularly when working in groups. Change can be challenging, and unexpected alterations in plans can cause feelings of anxiety or upset. To better navigate these situations,...
Teaching PreK Students the Value of Helping Others and Building Friendships
In this blog post, we will explore the importance of teaching young children the value of helping others and building strong friendships. By incorporating principles of Social-Emotional Learning, educators can impart essential life skills that will enable students to...
Teaching Effective Classroom Entry Skills: Activities and Discussions
Creating a positive learning environment starts with how students enter the classroom. Teaching students effective classroom entry skills is an essential aspect of Social-Emotional Learning (SEL). In this blog post, we will discuss an easy-to-implement no-prep...