Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast The Social Studies Teacher Podcast
| Titre | Date | Durée | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 Important Things to Teach Upper Elementary Students about Black History Month | 10 Feb 2025 | 00:12:05 | |
While it’s easy to focus on well-known figures like Martin Luther King Jr. or Rosa Parks, Black History Month is an opportunity to go deeper and share a more comprehensive understanding of Black history and culture. Today, I’m sharing three important things to focus on with your students during Black History Month that can spark meaningful conversations, build empathy, and promote a greater understanding of history. Episode Highlights
Resources and Links My Black History Month unit has all of these elements ready to go for you - check it out here Try the Webquest about the Civil Rights Movement here Let's Connect! Mentioned in this episode: Grab the Back to School Social Studies Pack! Get your upper elementary students excited to start the school year using these low-prep back to school social studies getting to know you worksheets! With 20 pages of engaging activities targeting geography, history, and classroom community building, it makes a great back to school resource for the first week or first month of school! Learn more about the Back to School Social Studies Resource 5 Social Studies Guided Notes Get guided notes covering 5 common social studies topics that are low-prep and easy to use as reference guides, anchor charts, and more! | |||
| What if I Get it Wrong? Tips to Teach Sensitive Social Studies Topics | 03 Feb 2025 | 00:15:53 | |
If you’ve ever felt a knot in your stomach thinking, What if I get it wrong? What if I offend someone or give the wrong information?—you’re not alone. Teaching sensitive topics can be daunting, but it’s also incredibly important. Whether it’s discussing historical injustices, social movements, or cultural differences, these lessons help students understand the world, think critically, and develop empathy. In this episode, I’m going to share strategies for approaching these discussions with care, ensuring accuracy and student engagement, and avoiding common pitfalls. By the end of this episode, I hope you’ll feel more confident and prepared to tackle sensitive topics without fear. Episode Highlights
Resources and Links https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/the-southern-teach https://thesouthernteach.com/blog/primary-sources/ Let's Connect! Mentioned in this episode: Grab the Back to School Social Studies Pack! Get your upper elementary students excited to start the school year using these low-prep back to school social studies getting to know you worksheets! With 20 pages of engaging activities targeting geography, history, and classroom community building, it makes a great back to school resource for the first week or first month of school! Learn more about the Back to School Social Studies Resource 5 Social Studies Guided Notes Get guided notes covering 5 common social studies topics that are low-prep and easy to use as reference guides, anchor charts, and more! | |||
| 4 Easy Ways to Teach History Without Boring Your Students | 02 Dec 2024 | 00:10:08 | |
Taking complex or traditionally dry social studies topics and transforming them into simple, fun lessons your students will love can be a challenge. Whether it’s trying to explain the complexities of government or the timeline of ancient civilizations, some social studies content can feel daunting for our students—and for us! But don’t worry, I’ll share some techniques for breaking these topics down and making them not only digestible but also enjoyable for upper elementary students. Episode Highlights
Resources and Links Multiple Intelligences Resource Let's Connect! Mentioned in this episode: 5 Social Studies Guided Notes Get guided notes covering 5 common social studies topics that are low-prep and easy to use as reference guides, anchor charts, and more! Grab the Back to School Social Studies Pack! Get your upper elementary students excited to start the school year using these low-prep back to school social studies getting to know you worksheets! With 20 pages of engaging activities targeting geography, history, and classroom community building, it makes a great back to school resource for the first week or first month of school! | |||
| 8 Special Holiday Celebrations to Teach Your Students | 25 Nov 2024 | 00:11:54 | |
While we may have our favorite holidays that we celebrate, it's also key for our students to learn about different traditions. It’s a great way to help build awareness and respect for the diversity of cultures and celebrations around the world. So today, I’m going to share 8 special holidays from different cultures that your students may or may not have heard about! Episode Highlights
Resources and Links Easily incorporate these holidays into your classroom using this resource! Take a closer look at the Holiday Webquest Bundle mentioned in this episode as well as the Daily Passages. Let's Connect! Mentioned in this episode: Grab the Back to School Social Studies Pack! Get your upper elementary students excited to start the school year using these low-prep back to school social studies getting to know you worksheets! With 20 pages of engaging activities targeting geography, history, and classroom community building, it makes a great back to school resource for the first week or first month of school! Learn more about the Back to School Social Studies Resource 5 Social Studies Guided Notes Get guided notes covering 5 common social studies topics that are low-prep and easy to use as reference guides, anchor charts, and more! | |||
| 6 Ways to Prioritize Busy Times of the Year | 18 Nov 2024 | 00:14:03 | |
Ready or not, the holiday season is upon us! As teachers, this busy season can make it feel like we’re stretched too thin in both our work and personal lives. Today, we’re talking about how to prioritize your time and optimize your daily schedule to alleviate some of that holiday stress. I’ve got six simple strategies to help you avoid burnout and ensure you’re biting off just the right amount to chew during this hectic time of year. Resources and Links For more support, take a closer look at my 20 Time Management Strategies resource Let's Connect! Mentioned in this episode: Grab the Back to School Social Studies Pack! Get your upper elementary students excited to start the school year using these low-prep back to school social studies getting to know you worksheets! With 20 pages of engaging activities targeting geography, history, and classroom community building, it makes a great back to school resource for the first week or first month of school! Learn more about the Back to School Social Studies Resource 5 Social Studies Guided Notes Get guided notes covering 5 common social studies topics that are low-prep and easy to use as reference guides, anchor charts, and more! | |||
| Using Charts, Tables, and Graphs in Social Studies | 11 Nov 2024 | 00:13:21 | |
Whether you’re teaching geography, history, or economics, visual tools can simplify complex information and help your students develop critical thinking skills. In today's episode I’ll be sharing tips on how to integrate charts, tables, and graphs into your lessons to make learning more interactive and engaging. Episode Highlights
Resources and Links Let's Connect! Mentioned in this episode: Grab the Back to School Social Studies Pack! Get your upper elementary students excited to start the school year using these low-prep back to school social studies getting to know you worksheets! With 20 pages of engaging activities targeting geography, history, and classroom community building, it makes a great back to school resource for the first week or first month of school! Learn more about the Back to School Social Studies Resource 5 Social Studies Guided Notes Get guided notes covering 5 common social studies topics that are low-prep and easy to use as reference guides, anchor charts, and more! | |||
| Making Social Studies Personal For Your Students | 04 Nov 2024 | 00:14:11 | |
We're diving into one of my absolute favorite ways to bring social studies to life for our students: making it personal. Episode Highlights
Resources and Links Let's Connect! Mentioned in this episode: 5 Social Studies Guided Notes Get guided notes covering 5 common social studies topics that are low-prep and easy to use as reference guides, anchor charts, and more! Grab the Back to School Social Studies Pack! Get your upper elementary students excited to start the school year using these low-prep back to school social studies getting to know you worksheets! With 20 pages of engaging activities targeting geography, history, and classroom community building, it makes a great back to school resource for the first week or first month of school! | |||
| Teaching Students About the Electoral College | 28 Oct 2024 | 00:13:42 | |
The electoral college is a complex system that can be tricky to explain to students. However, understanding this unique aspect of American democracy is essential for fostering informed citizens. In this episode, we'll break down what the electoral college is, share some fun facts, and offer tips on how to teach this concept to 3rd-5th graders. Episode Highlights
Resources and Links https://thesouthernteach.com/blog/presidential-election Let's Connect! Mentioned in this episode: Grab the Back to School Social Studies Pack! Get your upper elementary students excited to start the school year using these low-prep back to school social studies getting to know you worksheets! With 20 pages of engaging activities targeting geography, history, and classroom community building, it makes a great back to school resource for the first week or first month of school! Learn more about the Back to School Social Studies Resource 5 Social Studies Guided Notes Get guided notes covering 5 common social studies topics that are low-prep and easy to use as reference guides, anchor charts, and more! | |||
| Do Your Students Know Important U.S. National Leaders? | 21 Oct 2024 | 00:14:10 | |
Learning about our national leaders isn't just about memorizing names and dates. It's about understanding the people who make decisions that affect our lives! Episode Highlights
Resources and Links A copy of this activity is ready to use in your classroom. Check it out! https://www.senate.gov/states/ https://www.house.gov/representatives/find-your-representative https://www.supremecourt.gov/about/biographies.aspx Let's Connect! Mentioned in this episode: Grab the Back to School Social Studies Pack! Get your upper elementary students excited to start the school year using these low-prep back to school social studies getting to know you worksheets! With 20 pages of engaging activities targeting geography, history, and classroom community building, it makes a great back to school resource for the first week or first month of school! Learn more about the Back to School Social Studies Resource 5 Social Studies Guided Notes Get guided notes covering 5 common social studies topics that are low-prep and easy to use as reference guides, anchor charts, and more! | |||
| Teaching Social Studies in Longer Blocks of Time | 14 Oct 2024 | 00:18:45 | |
If you’re lucky enough to have extended time for your social studies block, you’re in for a treat! More time means more opportunities to dive deeper into topics, engage students with diverse activities, and make learning even more dynamic. Whether you have a 60-minute or 90-minute block, here are some structured schedules and creative ideas to help you make the most of your time. Episode Highlights
Resources and Links Check out my social studies resources! Let's Connect! Mentioned in this episode: Grab the Back to School Social Studies Pack! Get your upper elementary students excited to start the school year using these low-prep back to school social studies getting to know you worksheets! With 20 pages of engaging activities targeting geography, history, and classroom community building, it makes a great back to school resource for the first week or first month of school! Learn more about the Back to School Social Studies Resource 5 Social Studies Guided Notes Get guided notes covering 5 common social studies topics that are low-prep and easy to use as reference guides, anchor charts, and more! | |||
| Teaching Social Studies in Shorter Blocks of Time | 07 Oct 2024 | 00:15:38 | |
Teaching social studies in short time blocks can be a challenge, but with the right strategies, you can still deliver impactful lessons and keep your students engaged. Whether you have just 10 or 20 minutes, here are some practical ideas to make the most of your time and ensure meaningful learning experiences for your upper elementary students. Episode Highlights
Resources and Links Check out my social studies resources! Let's Connect! Mentioned in this episode: Grab the Back to School Social Studies Pack! Get your upper elementary students excited to start the school year using these low-prep back to school social studies getting to know you worksheets! With 20 pages of engaging activities targeting geography, history, and classroom community building, it makes a great back to school resource for the first week or first month of school! Learn more about the Back to School Social Studies Resource 5 Social Studies Guided Notes Get guided notes covering 5 common social studies topics that are low-prep and easy to use as reference guides, anchor charts, and more! | |||
| 6 Lesson Ideas About the Presidential Election | 30 Sep 2024 | 00:13:53 | |
Putting aside our personal beliefs, we have an important opportunity to guide students through a very exciting election process with some age-appropriate activities! Today I'm sharing 6 go-to activities for navigating election season with upper elementary students. Feel free to mix and match these activities throughout the election season and share this episode with a teacher friend! Episode Highlights
Resources and Links Amy Groesbeck Election Results Map Let's Connect! Mentioned in this episode: 5 Social Studies Guided Notes Get guided notes covering 5 common social studies topics that are low-prep and easy to use as reference guides, anchor charts, and more! Grab the Back to School Social Studies Pack! Get your upper elementary students excited to start the school year using these low-prep back to school social studies getting to know you worksheets! With 20 pages of engaging activities targeting geography, history, and classroom community building, it makes a great back to school resource for the first week or first month of school! | |||
| A Behind the Scenes Look at the Smart and Simple Social Studies Guided Curriculum | 27 Jan 2025 | 00:28:35 | |
Take a look inside my guided curriculum today. I'll be sharing characteristics of each 36-week program, student and teacher features available (and what makes the guided curriculum SO great), some reviews from teachers who use this curriculum, and also a sneak peek of what related products are coming soon! Resources and Links 3rd Grade Communities Guided Curriculum 4th Grade Texas History Guided Curriculum 5th Grade U.S. History Guided Curriculum Let's Connect! Mentioned in this episode: Grab the Back to School Social Studies Pack! Get your upper elementary students excited to start the school year using these low-prep back to school social studies getting to know you worksheets! With 20 pages of engaging activities targeting geography, history, and classroom community building, it makes a great back to school resource for the first week or first month of school! Learn more about the Back to School Social Studies Resource 5 Social Studies Guided Notes Get guided notes covering 5 common social studies topics that are low-prep and easy to use as reference guides, anchor charts, and more! | |||
| How to Use Choice Boards in the Upper Elementary Classroom | 23 Sep 2024 | 00:10:47 | |
Once you get to know your students, use that knowledge to allow them the power to choose the best way to demonstrate their learning! It's a win-win and today's episode will make it easy to get started. Episode Highlights
Resources and Links Multiple Intelligences Choice Boards Reading Response Choice Board Bundle Let's Connect! Mentioned in this episode: Grab the Back to School Social Studies Pack! Get your upper elementary students excited to start the school year using these low-prep back to school social studies getting to know you worksheets! With 20 pages of engaging activities targeting geography, history, and classroom community building, it makes a great back to school resource for the first week or first month of school! Learn more about the Back to School Social Studies Resource 5 Social Studies Guided Notes Get guided notes covering 5 common social studies topics that are low-prep and easy to use as reference guides, anchor charts, and more! | |||
| Using Multiple Intelligences in the Elementary Classroom | 16 Sep 2024 | 00:16:44 | |
When we explore multiple intelligences as a classroom community, everyone wins! Teachers learn about the types of activities that are best for each student AND big kids learn about how they learn best. Join me as we discuss characteristics and best ways to support students in the elementary classroom with a theory that supports the diverse learning styles and personalities of your students! Episode Highlights
Resources and Links Multiple Intelligences for Big Kids Let's Connect! Mentioned in this episode: 5 Social Studies Guided Notes Get guided notes covering 5 common social studies topics that are low-prep and easy to use as reference guides, anchor charts, and more! Grab the Back to School Social Studies Pack! Get your upper elementary students excited to start the school year using these low-prep back to school social studies getting to know you worksheets! With 20 pages of engaging activities targeting geography, history, and classroom community building, it makes a great back to school resource for the first week or first month of school! | |||
| 6 Steps of the Problem-Solving Process in Social Studies | 09 Sep 2024 | 00:11:46 | |
When you hear the term" PBL" you likely think about project-based learning! Today we're going to dive into problem-based learning to give you some ideas on how to bring real-world scenarios into your social studies block. Episode Highlights
Let's Connect! Mentioned in this episode: Grab the Back to School Social Studies Pack! Get your upper elementary students excited to start the school year using these low-prep back to school social studies getting to know you worksheets! With 20 pages of engaging activities targeting geography, history, and classroom community building, it makes a great back to school resource for the first week or first month of school! Learn more about the Back to School Social Studies Resource 5 Social Studies Guided Notes Get guided notes covering 5 common social studies topics that are low-prep and easy to use as reference guides, anchor charts, and more! | |||
| Field Trip Ideas for Students in Texas | 02 Sep 2024 | 00:15:18 | |
If you're struggling to make time for social studies in your school day, maybe it's time for some fresh field trip ideas to support your curriculum! Today's episode shares some of my favorite field trips from around the Lone Star State. I also share with you some tips for where to look for even more ideas that your upper elementary students will love (whether you're in Texas or not)! Resources and Links Let's Connect! Mentioned in this episode: Grab the Back to School Social Studies Pack! Get your upper elementary students excited to start the school year using these low-prep back to school social studies getting to know you worksheets! With 20 pages of engaging activities targeting geography, history, and classroom community building, it makes a great back to school resource for the first week or first month of school! Learn more about the Back to School Social Studies Resource 5 Social Studies Guided Notes Get guided notes covering 5 common social studies topics that are low-prep and easy to use as reference guides, anchor charts, and more! | |||
| 4 Classroom Read-Aloud Tips for Grades 3-5 | 26 Aug 2024 | 00:11:35 | |
Rich, thought-provoking discussions are in your future because this year class read-alouds are IN for upper elementary students. In this episode I'm sharing all my tips for class read-alouds with big kids. Episode Highlights
Resources and Links Let's Connect! Mentioned in this episode: Grab the Back to School Social Studies Pack! Get your upper elementary students excited to start the school year using these low-prep back to school social studies getting to know you worksheets! With 20 pages of engaging activities targeting geography, history, and classroom community building, it makes a great back to school resource for the first week or first month of school! Learn more about the Back to School Social Studies Resource 5 Social Studies Guided Notes Get guided notes covering 5 common social studies topics that are low-prep and easy to use as reference guides, anchor charts, and more! | |||
| Using Bell-Ringers and Warm Ups in Grades 3-5 | 19 Aug 2024 | 00:16:59 | |
Those first 10-15 minutes of the block are so important. Let's talk about my favorite ways to make the most of the classroom warm-up time. Episode Highlights
Resources and Links Social Studies Daily Passage Warmups 3rd Grade Daily Language Warmups 4th Grade ELA Spiral Review Warmups 5th Grade Daily Language Warmups Let's Connect! Mentioned in this episode: 5 Social Studies Guided Notes Get guided notes covering 5 common social studies topics that are low-prep and easy to use as reference guides, anchor charts, and more! Grab the Back to School Social Studies Pack! Get your upper elementary students excited to start the school year using these low-prep back to school social studies getting to know you worksheets! With 20 pages of engaging activities targeting geography, history, and classroom community building, it makes a great back to school resource for the first week or first month of school! | |||
| Breaking Down the TEKS: Texas Social Studies Standards for Grades 3-5 | 12 Aug 2024 | 00:20:00 | |
If reading the newly updated TEKS is making your head spin, let's break it down together and make a game plan before the new school year begins. Episode Highlights
Resources and Links Additional reading on this topic is available on the TEA website For more information about the 2024 update, here is a helpful YouTube video: Let's Connect! Mentioned in this episode: 5 Social Studies Guided Notes Get guided notes covering 5 common social studies topics that are low-prep and easy to use as reference guides, anchor charts, and more! Grab the Back to School Social Studies Pack! Get your upper elementary students excited to start the school year using these low-prep back to school social studies getting to know you worksheets! With 20 pages of engaging activities targeting geography, history, and classroom community building, it makes a great back to school resource for the first week or first month of school! | |||
| 6 Fun and Engaging Class Meeting Ideas | 05 Aug 2024 | 00:15:16 | |
Using morning meeting every day can be an important tool in building social emotional learning skills. And even though it's only a short time each day, it can make a lasting impact at how students interact with others. Today I'm sharing 6 fresh ideas for your morning meeting block. Episode Highlights
Resources and Recommended Links Morning Meeting Discussion Cards Check out my classroom community FREE podcast series Let's Connect! Mentioned in this episode: Grab the Back to School Social Studies Pack! Get your upper elementary students excited to start the school year using these low-prep back to school social studies getting to know you worksheets! With 20 pages of engaging activities targeting geography, history, and classroom community building, it makes a great back to school resource for the first week or first month of school! Learn more about the Back to School Social Studies Resource 5 Social Studies Guided Notes Get guided notes covering 5 common social studies topics that are low-prep and easy to use as reference guides, anchor charts, and more! | |||
| Smart and Simple Social Studies Membership Q&A | 29 Jul 2024 | 00:25:56 | |
Today I'm answering all the questions you might have about the Smart and Simple Social Studies Membership. Here's a peek into what I'll be answering in this week's episode!
Resources and Links Multiple Teacher License Discounts Let's Connect! Mentioned in this episode: Grab the Back to School Social Studies Pack! Get your upper elementary students excited to start the school year using these low-prep back to school social studies getting to know you worksheets! With 20 pages of engaging activities targeting geography, history, and classroom community building, it makes a great back to school resource for the first week or first month of school! Learn more about the Back to School Social Studies Resource 5 Social Studies Guided Notes Get guided notes covering 5 common social studies topics that are low-prep and easy to use as reference guides, anchor charts, and more! | |||
| New Changes to the TEKS Social Studies Standards in 2024 | 22 Jul 2024 | 00:13:55 | |
In November of 2022, the State Board of Education in Texas approved significant revisions to the Social Studies Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) for implementation in the 2024-2025 school year. Let’s dive into what’s changing, what’s staying the same, and how you can implement these standards in your classroom. Episode Highlights
Resources and Links Source: https://tea.texas.gov/academics/subject-areas/social-studies Join the Social Studies Bootcamp Using Primary Sources Blog Post Using Secondary Sources Blog Post Let's Connect! Mentioned in this episode: 5 Social Studies Guided Notes Get guided notes covering 5 common social studies topics that are low-prep and easy to use as reference guides, anchor charts, and more! Grab the Back to School Social Studies Pack! Get your upper elementary students excited to start the school year using these low-prep back to school social studies getting to know you worksheets! With 20 pages of engaging activities targeting geography, history, and classroom community building, it makes a great back to school resource for the first week or first month of school! | |||
| 5 Fun Book Project Ideas for Upper Elementary | 20 Jan 2025 | 00:15:51 | |
Book projects don't just help students learn, they inspire them to explore, create and share their voices, and it's a great way to integrate ELA and social studies altogether. Let's explore 5 of my favorite project options! Episode Highlights
Resources and Links Chapter Book Series Recommendations Using Multiple Intelligences in the Classroom Multiple Intelligences Choice Boards Let's Connect! Mentioned in this episode: Grab the Back to School Social Studies Pack! Get your upper elementary students excited to start the school year using these low-prep back to school social studies getting to know you worksheets! With 20 pages of engaging activities targeting geography, history, and classroom community building, it makes a great back to school resource for the first week or first month of school! Learn more about the Back to School Social Studies Resource 5 Social Studies Guided Notes Get guided notes covering 5 common social studies topics that are low-prep and easy to use as reference guides, anchor charts, and more! | |||
| 5 Social Studies Activity Ideas for the 2nd Week of School | 15 Jul 2024 | 00:15:30 | |
Once you've established rules and routines and built that important classroom community, it's time to move into teaching social studies curriculum! Today's episode shares 5 activities you can use in this important transitional time that takes place around the 2nd week of school. Episode Highlights
Resources and Links Back to School Social Studies Pack Multiple Intelligences Book Companion Let's Connect! Mentioned in this episode: Grab the Back to School Social Studies Pack! Get your upper elementary students excited to start the school year using these low-prep back to school social studies getting to know you worksheets! With 20 pages of engaging activities targeting geography, history, and classroom community building, it makes a great back to school resource for the first week or first month of school! Learn more about the Back to School Social Studies Resource 5 Social Studies Guided Notes Get guided notes covering 5 common social studies topics that are low-prep and easy to use as reference guides, anchor charts, and more! | |||
| 5 Social Studies Activity Ideas for the 1st Week of School | 08 Jul 2024 | 00:15:20 | |
If you're starting to make plans for the start of the next school year, this episode is for you! These 5 activities are related to community building since you're getting to know your students, probably not necessarily diving right into your social studies curriculum. We'll talk about great icebreaker activities and ways to build a positive classroom community in your homeroom or your social studies classroom. Episode Highlights
Resources and Links Back to School Social Studies Pack Our Class is a Family Book Companion Let's Connect! Mentioned in this episode: 5 Social Studies Guided Notes Get guided notes covering 5 common social studies topics that are low-prep and easy to use as reference guides, anchor charts, and more! Grab the Back to School Social Studies Pack! Get your upper elementary students excited to start the school year using these low-prep back to school social studies getting to know you worksheets! With 20 pages of engaging activities targeting geography, history, and classroom community building, it makes a great back to school resource for the first week or first month of school! | |||
| Should I Start a Summer Side Hustle on TPT? | 28 May 2024 | 00:17:11 | |
Have you ever been curious about the process of turning your Google Drive of teaching resources into a Teachers Pay Teachers store? I made this episode just for curious teachers itching to start a summer side hustle! Episode Highlights
Resources and Links Listen to my podcast for Teacher Sellers Let's Connect! Mentioned in this episode: Grab the Back to School Social Studies Pack! Get your upper elementary students excited to start the school year using these low-prep back to school social studies getting to know you worksheets! With 20 pages of engaging activities targeting geography, history, and classroom community building, it makes a great back to school resource for the first week or first month of school! Learn more about the Back to School Social Studies Resource 5 Social Studies Guided Notes Get guided notes covering 5 common social studies topics that are low-prep and easy to use as reference guides, anchor charts, and more! | |||
| 6 Memorable Moments in My Teaching Career and What I Learned From Them | 21 May 2024 | 00:41:56 | |
I'm getting personal on the podcast today and sharing some of the hardest moments of my teaching career. These teachable moments help us grow and create connections with other teachers. If you're going through a hard time as a teacher, know you aren't alone. Episode Highlights
Resources and Links Let's Connect! Mentioned in this episode: Grab the Back to School Social Studies Pack! Get your upper elementary students excited to start the school year using these low-prep back to school social studies getting to know you worksheets! With 20 pages of engaging activities targeting geography, history, and classroom community building, it makes a great back to school resource for the first week or first month of school! Learn more about the Back to School Social Studies Resource 5 Social Studies Guided Notes Get guided notes covering 5 common social studies topics that are low-prep and easy to use as reference guides, anchor charts, and more! | |||
| 7 Easy Ways to Prep for a Substitute Teacher | 14 May 2024 | 00:11:13 | |
Whether you're planning for a day off soon, or you know you need a better solution for next school year, you'll love these realistic tips on preparing for a substitute teacher. Episode Highlights
Resources and Links Let's Connect! Mentioned in this episode: 5 Social Studies Guided Notes Get guided notes covering 5 common social studies topics that are low-prep and easy to use as reference guides, anchor charts, and more! Grab the Back to School Social Studies Pack! Get your upper elementary students excited to start the school year using these low-prep back to school social studies getting to know you worksheets! With 20 pages of engaging activities targeting geography, history, and classroom community building, it makes a great back to school resource for the first week or first month of school! | |||
| 4 PBL Project Ideas That Your Students Will LOVE | 13 Jan 2025 | 00:19:44 | |
Engagement, assessments, and more - here are 4 PBL project ideas that you won't want to miss! Resources and Links Create a Map Project - Map and Globes Unit Adventuring Budgeting Project - Ways to Earn Money Unit Mission and Presidio Project - Early Texas Settlements Unit American Revolution Quilt Project - American Revolution Unit Register for the Winter Education Summit! Let's Connect! Mentioned in this episode: Grab the Back to School Social Studies Pack! Get your upper elementary students excited to start the school year using these low-prep back to school social studies getting to know you worksheets! With 20 pages of engaging activities targeting geography, history, and classroom community building, it makes a great back to school resource for the first week or first month of school! Learn more about the Back to School Social Studies Resource 5 Social Studies Guided Notes Get guided notes covering 5 common social studies topics that are low-prep and easy to use as reference guides, anchor charts, and more! | |||
| Using Novel Studies to Teach Social Studies | 07 May 2024 | 00:37:43 | |
Today you get a sneak peek into one of the trainings from the video vault of the Smart and Simple Social Studies membership. Listen for ways you can use novel studies to teach social studies! Episode Highlights
Resources and Links Get access to more trainings like this one inside my social studies teacher membership Let's Connect! Mentioned in this episode: Grab the Back to School Social Studies Pack! Get your upper elementary students excited to start the school year using these low-prep back to school social studies getting to know you worksheets! With 20 pages of engaging activities targeting geography, history, and classroom community building, it makes a great back to school resource for the first week or first month of school! Learn more about the Back to School Social Studies Resource 5 Social Studies Guided Notes Get guided notes covering 5 common social studies topics that are low-prep and easy to use as reference guides, anchor charts, and more! | |||
| End of the Year Activity Ideas | 30 Apr 2024 | 00:13:48 | |
Summer break might be just around the corner, but that does not mean classic classroom activities are forgotten. Grab some school supplies, get creative and enjoy the memories made over this past year! Episode Highlights
Resources and Links Let's Connect! Mentioned in this episode: Grab the Back to School Social Studies Pack! Get your upper elementary students excited to start the school year using these low-prep back to school social studies getting to know you worksheets! With 20 pages of engaging activities targeting geography, history, and classroom community building, it makes a great back to school resource for the first week or first month of school! Learn more about the Back to School Social Studies Resource 5 Social Studies Guided Notes Get guided notes covering 5 common social studies topics that are low-prep and easy to use as reference guides, anchor charts, and more! | |||
| Using Journal Prompts in Social Studies | 23 Apr 2024 | 00:20:41 | |
Journal prompts can really help students gain a deeper understanding of a topic. If you are looking for new ways to develop critical thinking and foster academic discussion then you'll love today's episode. Episode Highlights
Let's Connect! Mentioned in this episode: Grab the Back to School Social Studies Pack! Get your upper elementary students excited to start the school year using these low-prep back to school social studies getting to know you worksheets! With 20 pages of engaging activities targeting geography, history, and classroom community building, it makes a great back to school resource for the first week or first month of school! Learn more about the Back to School Social Studies Resource 5 Social Studies Guided Notes Get guided notes covering 5 common social studies topics that are low-prep and easy to use as reference guides, anchor charts, and more! | |||
| 4 Big Mistakes I've Made as a Classroom Teacher | 16 Apr 2024 | 00:12:53 | |
Have you ever felt that you’re just not up to par with all those teachers on social media? They seem to always be doing everything right and are picture-perfect. Can you relate? Today I’m sharing with you 4 big mistakes I’ve made as a teacher, and what I’ve learned from these mistakes. I always strive to be my best and these are some mistakes that I’ve grown from as an educator and have shaped how I teach today. Episode Highlights
Let's Connect! Mentioned in this episode: 5 Social Studies Guided Notes Get guided notes covering 5 common social studies topics that are low-prep and easy to use as reference guides, anchor charts, and more! Grab the Back to School Social Studies Pack! Get your upper elementary students excited to start the school year using these low-prep back to school social studies getting to know you worksheets! With 20 pages of engaging activities targeting geography, history, and classroom community building, it makes a great back to school resource for the first week or first month of school! | |||
| Teaching About the 20th Century | 09 Apr 2024 | 00:31:19 | |
While the 20th century is a fascinating topic to cover, it can be a challenge to find resources that include the correct level of depth for the upper elementary classroom. Let's dive in to unpack this puzzle together. Episode Highlights
Resources and Links The United States in the 20th and 21st Century SS Unit Check out Episode 22 to learn more about Primary Sources Let's Connect! Mentioned in this episode: Grab the Back to School Social Studies Pack! Get your upper elementary students excited to start the school year using these low-prep back to school social studies getting to know you worksheets! With 20 pages of engaging activities targeting geography, history, and classroom community building, it makes a great back to school resource for the first week or first month of school! Learn more about the Back to School Social Studies Resource 5 Social Studies Guided Notes Get guided notes covering 5 common social studies topics that are low-prep and easy to use as reference guides, anchor charts, and more! | |||
| 5 Ways to Make Social Studies Fun | 02 Apr 2024 | 00:15:11 | |
Student engagement is the name of the game, so today I'm sharing 5 activities you can incorporate into your classroom plans to make social students fun for learners! Episode Highlights
Resources and Links Famous Heroes in Communities Unit Texas Historical Commission Virtual Field Trips Anne Frank Secret Annex Virtual Field Trip Episode 32 - Using Literary Nonfiction in Social Studies Episode 18 - 3 Easy Steps to Practicing Research Skills with WebQuests Let's Connect! Mentioned in this episode: Grab the Back to School Social Studies Pack! Get your upper elementary students excited to start the school year using these low-prep back to school social studies getting to know you worksheets! With 20 pages of engaging activities targeting geography, history, and classroom community building, it makes a great back to school resource for the first week or first month of school! Learn more about the Back to School Social Studies Resource 5 Social Studies Guided Notes Get guided notes covering 5 common social studies topics that are low-prep and easy to use as reference guides, anchor charts, and more! | |||
| Enneagram for Teachers - Understanding the 9 Teacher Personality Types | 26 Mar 2024 | 00:13:12 | |
You may have heard of the Enneagram the trending and fun (and scarily accurate) personality test. This episode is going into our teacher world with Enneagram for Teachers! I will be giving you some insights on your Enneagram type with a teacher twist on your strengths, weaknesses, and ways to be your best teacher self. Episode Highlights
Resources and Links I wanted to create this episode as a spin-off on one of my best-sellers - Enneagram for Big Kids (for grades 3-6)! If you don’t know your Enneagram type already, you can go online to take a free Enneagram personality test (google search: free Enneagram test). Personality Path is free and requires no email! Let's Connect! Mentioned in this episode: 5 Social Studies Guided Notes Get guided notes covering 5 common social studies topics that are low-prep and easy to use as reference guides, anchor charts, and more! Grab the Back to School Social Studies Pack! Get your upper elementary students excited to start the school year using these low-prep back to school social studies getting to know you worksheets! With 20 pages of engaging activities targeting geography, history, and classroom community building, it makes a great back to school resource for the first week or first month of school! | |||
| 16 Teacher and Student Test-Prep Tips | 19 Mar 2024 | 00:18:01 | |
Today's test prep-themed episode has 8 tips for you as a teacher and then a special section that you can play for your students as they build a toolbox of test prep strategies. Episode Highlights
Let's Connect! Mentioned in this episode: Grab the Back to School Social Studies Pack! Get your upper elementary students excited to start the school year using these low-prep back to school social studies getting to know you worksheets! With 20 pages of engaging activities targeting geography, history, and classroom community building, it makes a great back to school resource for the first week or first month of school! Learn more about the Back to School Social Studies Resource 5 Social Studies Guided Notes Get guided notes covering 5 common social studies topics that are low-prep and easy to use as reference guides, anchor charts, and more! | |||
| 5 Easy Steps to Set Up a Test Prep Power Hour | 12 Mar 2024 | 00:20:34 | |
If your test prep strategies are feeling stale, today I've got a teamwork approach that might just turn things around. Episode Highlights
Resources and Links Nonfiction Reading Comprehension Passages Fiction Reading Comprehension Passages Reading Graphic Organizer Bundle Project Bundle for Elementary Students Multiple Intelligences Project Menu Let's Connect! Mentioned in this episode: Grab the Back to School Social Studies Pack! Get your upper elementary students excited to start the school year using these low-prep back to school social studies getting to know you worksheets! With 20 pages of engaging activities targeting geography, history, and classroom community building, it makes a great back to school resource for the first week or first month of school! Learn more about the Back to School Social Studies Resource 5 Social Studies Guided Notes Get guided notes covering 5 common social studies topics that are low-prep and easy to use as reference guides, anchor charts, and more! | |||
| Launching Enrichment Time Activities for Upper Elementary | 05 Mar 2024 | 00:14:15 | |
It's so easy to just give students free time on their devices, but today I'm sharing some simple tweaks that can help you make the most of those miscellaneous pockets of free time. Adding enrichment time to your classroom might be more simple than you think! Episode Highlights
Resources and Links Grab the Enrichment Time Template! Let's Connect! Mentioned in this episode: 5 Social Studies Guided Notes Get guided notes covering 5 common social studies topics that are low-prep and easy to use as reference guides, anchor charts, and more! Grab the Back to School Social Studies Pack! Get your upper elementary students excited to start the school year using these low-prep back to school social studies getting to know you worksheets! With 20 pages of engaging activities targeting geography, history, and classroom community building, it makes a great back to school resource for the first week or first month of school! | |||
| Why Reviews Matter: Unlocking the Benefits of Leaving Feedback on TPT | 06 Jan 2025 | 00:14:57 | |
Leaving a review on Teachers Pay Teachers (TPT) isn’t just about giving feedback; it’s a simple way to support other educators, improve your own resource library, and earn some nice perks along the way! Here’s a quick guide to the benefits of leaving reviews, how to do it, and why it’s worth your time. Episode Highlights
Resources and Links Review The Southern Teach TPT resources Leave a review on my Website Store Let's Connect! Mentioned in this episode: Grab the Back to School Social Studies Pack! Get your upper elementary students excited to start the school year using these low-prep back to school social studies getting to know you worksheets! With 20 pages of engaging activities targeting geography, history, and classroom community building, it makes a great back to school resource for the first week or first month of school! Learn more about the Back to School Social Studies Resource 5 Social Studies Guided Notes Get guided notes covering 5 common social studies topics that are low-prep and easy to use as reference guides, anchor charts, and more! | |||
| Teaching With and Using Timelines | 27 Feb 2024 | 00:13:40 | |
Visual learner here to share that timelines are extremely helpful tools for understanding the chronological order of events. Today I've got 6 tips to help you effectively incorporate timelines into your upper elementary social studies lessons. Episode Highlights
Resources and Links Let's Connect! Mentioned in this episode: Grab the Back to School Social Studies Pack! Get your upper elementary students excited to start the school year using these low-prep back to school social studies getting to know you worksheets! With 20 pages of engaging activities targeting geography, history, and classroom community building, it makes a great back to school resource for the first week or first month of school! Learn more about the Back to School Social Studies Resource 5 Social Studies Guided Notes Get guided notes covering 5 common social studies topics that are low-prep and easy to use as reference guides, anchor charts, and more! | |||
| Current Events in 5 Minutes | 20 Feb 2024 | 00:09:21 | |
Not sure how you can make time to cover your curriculum AND mix in current events? You'll love today's short and sweet episode. Episode Highlights
Resources and Links Let's Connect! Mentioned in this episode: 5 Social Studies Guided Notes Get guided notes covering 5 common social studies topics that are low-prep and easy to use as reference guides, anchor charts, and more! Grab the Back to School Social Studies Pack! Get your upper elementary students excited to start the school year using these low-prep back to school social studies getting to know you worksheets! With 20 pages of engaging activities targeting geography, history, and classroom community building, it makes a great back to school resource for the first week or first month of school! | |||
| Teaching About Famous People in History | 13 Feb 2024 | 00:16:07 | |
You get to unlock the stories of famous people in history for upper elementary students - what a gift! Today I'm sharing 8 steps for keeping this task simple and effective. Episode Highlights
Resources Using Webquests for Research and Inquiry Let's Connect! Mentioned in this episode: Grab the Back to School Social Studies Pack! Get your upper elementary students excited to start the school year using these low-prep back to school social studies getting to know you worksheets! With 20 pages of engaging activities targeting geography, history, and classroom community building, it makes a great back to school resource for the first week or first month of school! Learn more about the Back to School Social Studies Resource 5 Social Studies Guided Notes Get guided notes covering 5 common social studies topics that are low-prep and easy to use as reference guides, anchor charts, and more! | |||
| Ways to Incorporate Black History Month Year Round | 06 Feb 2024 | 00:11:39 | |
As a child and a person of color, I often felt embarrassed during February (I explain why in the episode). I don't want that to happen to your students! Today I'm sharing my perspective about navigating Black History Month. I hope your students enjoy these lesson planning ideas as they deepen their understanding of how people in black history have shaped our culture. Episode Highlights
Resources and Links Black History Month Unit for Upper Elementary Black History Biography Bundle Let's Connect! Mentioned in this episode: 5 Social Studies Guided Notes Get guided notes covering 5 common social studies topics that are low-prep and easy to use as reference guides, anchor charts, and more! Grab the Back to School Social Studies Pack! Get your upper elementary students excited to start the school year using these low-prep back to school social studies getting to know you worksheets! With 20 pages of engaging activities targeting geography, history, and classroom community building, it makes a great back to school resource for the first week or first month of school! | |||
| 4 Nonfiction Reading Skills to Teach Before State Testing | 30 Jan 2024 | 00:11:39 | |
Ready or not, here test prep season comes! Let's talk about four common reading skills that students might need us to lean into supporting them with before standardized testing begins. These nonfiction skills pair really well with a variety of social studies topics! Episode Highlights
Resources and Links Reading Graphic Organizer Bundle Reading Comprehension Task Cards Let's Connect! Mentioned in this episode: Grab the Back to School Social Studies Pack! Get your upper elementary students excited to start the school year using these low-prep back to school social studies getting to know you worksheets! With 20 pages of engaging activities targeting geography, history, and classroom community building, it makes a great back to school resource for the first week or first month of school! Learn more about the Back to School Social Studies Resource 5 Social Studies Guided Notes Get guided notes covering 5 common social studies topics that are low-prep and easy to use as reference guides, anchor charts, and more! | |||
| BONUS: FAQs and Reviews for the Smart and Simple Social Studies Guided Curriculum | 26 Jan 2024 | 00:12:47 | |
Wondering if the Smart and Simple Social Studies Guided Curriculum is right for you? Not sure if the units will fit the needs of you and your students? This bonus episode is a must-listen! I get a lot of questions about the guided curriculum, how the growing bundle works, and if the units would be applicable to a state beyond Texas. I answer a few frequently asked questions and share some stellar reviews of upper elementary teachers who are LOVING the guided curriculum and why these are working well for their classrooms. If you're interested in purchasing the growing bundles, they are at a 20% discount. As I add the remaining units each month, the 20% off price will increase. You'll get the current units locked in at a great price and future units and updates for free! Learn more at bit.ly/socialstudiesgrowingbundles Let's Connect! Mentioned in this episode: 5 Social Studies Guided Notes Get guided notes covering 5 common social studies topics that are low-prep and easy to use as reference guides, anchor charts, and more! Grab the Back to School Social Studies Pack! Get your upper elementary students excited to start the school year using these low-prep back to school social studies getting to know you worksheets! With 20 pages of engaging activities targeting geography, history, and classroom community building, it makes a great back to school resource for the first week or first month of school! | |||
| Using Literary Nonfiction with Social Studies | 23 Jan 2024 | 00:21:58 | |
Teaching your students about biographies or autobiographies soon? You don't want to miss out on this jam-packed episode! In this episode, we are going to talk about what literary nonfiction is some characteristics of this genre, some examples of literary nonfiction, some recommendations, why it's important, and also some activity ideas that you can implement in your classroom. Episode Highlights
Resources and Links Literary Nonfiction Graphic Organizers Black History Month Biography Bundle Let's Connect! Mentioned in this episode: 5 Social Studies Guided Notes Get guided notes covering 5 common social studies topics that are low-prep and easy to use as reference guides, anchor charts, and more! Grab the Back to School Social Studies Pack! Get your upper elementary students excited to start the school year using these low-prep back to school social studies getting to know you worksheets! With 20 pages of engaging activities targeting geography, history, and classroom community building, it makes a great back to school resource for the first week or first month of school! | |||
| Using Daily Passages to Teach Social Studies | 16 Jan 2024 | 00:12:00 | |
What if there was an easy way to incorporate social studies skills every day of the week, for just five to 10 minutes a day ---there is! I'll share my method in today's episode. Episode Highlights
Resources and Links Free Daily Passage Curriculum Guide Let's Connect! Mentioned in this episode: Grab the Back to School Social Studies Pack! Get your upper elementary students excited to start the school year using these low-prep back to school social studies getting to know you worksheets! With 20 pages of engaging activities targeting geography, history, and classroom community building, it makes a great back to school resource for the first week or first month of school! Learn more about the Back to School Social Studies Resource 5 Social Studies Guided Notes Get guided notes covering 5 common social studies topics that are low-prep and easy to use as reference guides, anchor charts, and more! | |||
| How to Make Morning Routines Manageable | 09 Jan 2024 | 00:15:17 | |
Are you the teacher with the peaceful and orderly classroom as soon as the day begins? Or do your students noisily enter the room and ask endless questions about what to do next? Starting off right each day is not only beneficial for the students, but the teachers as well. It never feels good to be rushed and frazzled as students come in each day roaming around the classroom or unsure of what to do when they arrive. That's where morning routines come in! This episode is filled with tips to help your mornings move more smoothly! Episode Highlights
Resources and Links
Let's Connect! Mentioned in this episode: 5 Social Studies Guided Notes Get guided notes covering 5 common social studies topics that are low-prep and easy to use as reference guides, anchor charts, and more! Grab the Back to School Social Studies Pack! Get your upper elementary students excited to start the school year using these low-prep back to school social studies getting to know you worksheets! With 20 pages of engaging activities targeting geography, history, and classroom community building, it makes a great back to school resource for the first week or first month of school! | |||