To be successful our kids must maximize their skills in social emotional learning (SEL). SEL is considered by many to be an executive function. However, in order to chunk down the information on this site, I have it separated out from all of the executive functioning information.
Looking for free friendship coloring pages that older kids will actually use? Not babyish. Not cartoon-y. These printable friendship coloring pages are designed for tweens, teens, and adults, with more detailed designs that feel age-appropriate (and not embarrassing to be seen using). Created with older students in mind, including those who need low-pressure ways to…
Your child is mostly fine at school…until it’s time to switch activities. Or leave the classroom, or walk into school, or deal with a substitute teacher. Or, or, or. For many kids with IEPs, transitions are one of the hardest parts of the day. Transitions are one of the biggest triggers for kids with IEPs,…
Emotional self-regulation is a necessary executive functioning skill that all kids need to develop. Some will require direct instruction.
If you’re searching for social emotional IEP goals, you’re probably not just looking for conversation starters or skills. You’re looking for help with frustration, shutdowns, anxiety, impulsive reactions, or a student who struggles to manage big feelings in a school environment. Social-emotional goals are not the same as social skills goals. (And that link is…
Many kids struggle to tell the difference between someone who is being friendly and someone who is actually a friend. This matters more than most adults realize. I work with families whose children assume that anyone who talks to them, sits near them, or jokes with them is a friend. Sometimes that misunderstanding leads to…
If you’re looking for social skills IEP goals, you’re probably trying to solve something specific: peer conflict, missed social cues, difficulty starting or maintaining friendships, or a child who struggles to work in groups. This page is a categorized goal bank of social skills IEP goals, organized by skill domain so you can find what…
If you’ve been looking for a simple December activity that doesn’t add stress—or sugar—to your month, a Kindness Advent Calendar might be exactly what you need. Instead of toys or treats, each day focuses on a small, meaningful act of kindness that kids can do at home, in school, or out in the community. It’s…
Parents often tell me that their child’s reactions at school aren’t the original problem—it’s how adults respond in the moment that makes things unravel. Behavior concerns come up in nearly every advocacy case I take on. I’ve read hundreds of behavior plans, and many rely on vague, surface-level strategies that aren’t used consistently or meaningfully….
Whether you’re teaching social-emotional learning or just want to spark meaningful reflection, these kindness-themed writing prompts encourage kids (and adults!) to think about empathy, gratitude, and the power of small acts that make the world better. Kindness Writing Prompts