Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast The Social Studies Teacher Podcast
| Titre | Date | Durée | |
|---|---|---|---|
| From Standards to Lessons: How to Plan an Entire Social Studies Unit | 26 Oct 2026 | 00:15:36 | |
Where do you start when you have a list of standards but no clear plan for turning them into lessons? In Part 5 of this PD Series, I’m walking you through the process I use to plan an entire social studies unit. We’ll cover how to:
Instead of starting with activities, projects, or TikTok searches, you’ll learn how to begin with what students actually need to know and do! Resources and Links Social Studies Simplified Course Let's Connect! Mentioned in this episode: Leave a Review for The Social Studies Teacher Podcast! Are you loving the podcast? I'd love to hear your feedback! Click the link to leave a review! Free Guided Lesson Sampler for Texas Social Studies Teachers Looking for a ready-to-use social studies lesson for your grade level? Grab a free guided lesson sample created specifically for Texas teachers. Choose from 3rd grade Communities, 4th grade Texas History, 5th grade U.S. History, 6th grade World Cultures, or 7th grade Texas History. Each sampler includes a teacher guide, lesson slideshow, digital version, guided notes, practice activity, exit ticket, answer keys, and more information about the full 36-week guided curriculum program. Download your free sampler and choose your grade level at thesouthernteach.com/lessons | |||
| Stop Grading Everything: 4 Smarter Ways to Assess Social Studies | 19 Oct 2026 | 00:12:23 | |
Pssst - that stack of social studies papers on your desk does not all need a grade! In Part 4 of this special PD Series, we are talking about how to assess student learning without creating unnecessary grading work. In this episode, you’ll learn how to use:
We’ll also talk about the difference between practice and assessment and why not every assignment needs to become another grade in the gradebook. The goal of assessment is to understand what students know, identify misconceptions, and decide what students need next. Sometimes that requires a formal assessment. Other times, one good question tells you everything you need to know. Resources and Links Let's Connect! Mentioned in this episode: Leave a Review for The Social Studies Teacher Podcast! Are you loving the podcast? I'd love to hear your feedback! Click the link to leave a review! Free Guided Lesson Sampler for Texas Social Studies Teachers Looking for a ready-to-use social studies lesson for your grade level? Grab a free guided lesson sample created specifically for Texas teachers. Choose from 3rd grade Communities, 4th grade Texas History, 5th grade U.S. History, 6th grade World Cultures, or 7th grade Texas History. Each sampler includes a teacher guide, lesson slideshow, digital version, guided notes, practice activity, exit ticket, answer keys, and more information about the full 36-week guided curriculum program. Download your free sampler and choose your grade level at thesouthernteach.com/lessons | |||
| 5 Social Studies Lesson Hooks You Can Use in Under 5 Minutes | 12 Oct 2026 | 00:11:19 | |
You do not need an elaborate classroom transformation to get students interested in a social studies lesson. In Part 3 of this PD Series, I’m sharing five simple lesson hooks that can be used in five minutes or less. We’ll explore:
Each strategy can be used across history, geography, government, economics, and world cultures. You’ll also learn how to make sure your lesson hook connects to the actual learning objective instead of becoming a random activity students complete before the “real” lesson begins. Resources and Links Let's Connect! Mentioned in this episode: Free Guided Lesson Sampler for Texas Social Studies Teachers Looking for a ready-to-use social studies lesson for your grade level? Grab a free guided lesson sample created specifically for Texas teachers. Choose from 3rd grade Communities, 4th grade Texas History, 5th grade U.S. History, 6th grade World Cultures, or 7th grade Texas History. Each sampler includes a teacher guide, lesson slideshow, digital version, guided notes, practice activity, exit ticket, answer keys, and more information about the full 36-week guided curriculum program. Download your free sampler and choose your grade level at thesouthernteach.com/lessons Leave a Review for The Social Studies Teacher Podcast! Are you loving the podcast? I'd love to hear your feedback! Click the link to leave a review! | |||
| Your Slideshow Is NOT Your Lesson: Turn Information Into Learning | 05 Oct 2026 | 00:10:53 | |
A slideshow can help you teach social studies, but simply presenting information does not guarantee students are actually learning it. In Part 2 of the PD Series, we are breaking down how to turn an informational slideshow into a complete lesson. You’ll learn a simple lesson structure that includes:
We will also talk about how to avoid rushing through too much information and how to give students opportunities to actually use what they have learned. If your social studies lessons sometimes feel like you are racing through slides before the bell rings, this episode will help you rethink what happens before, during, and after your presentation. Resources and Links Social Studies Mini-Lessons (3-5) Social Studies Mini-Lessons (6-8) Let's Connect! Mentioned in this episode: Free Guided Lesson Sampler for Texas Social Studies Teachers Looking for a ready-to-use social studies lesson for your grade level? Grab a free guided lesson sample created specifically for Texas teachers. Choose from 3rd grade Communities, 4th grade Texas History, 5th grade U.S. History, 6th grade World Cultures, or 7th grade Texas History. Each sampler includes a teacher guide, lesson slideshow, digital version, guided notes, practice activity, exit ticket, answer keys, and more information about the full 36-week guided curriculum program. Download your free sampler and choose your grade level at thesouthernteach.com/lessons Leave a Review for The Social Studies Teacher Podcast! Are you loving the podcast? I'd love to hear your feedback! Click the link to leave a review! | |||
| Are You Overcomplicating Social Studies? 5 Things You Can Stop Doing | 28 Sep 2026 | 00:12:05 | |
Social studies does not have to be complicated to be meaningful. In Part 1 of this special PD series, we'll talk about five things teachers can stop doing to make social studies instruction simpler and more manageable. From trying to make every lesson exciting to grading every single assignment, we will look at common habits that can create extra work without necessarily improving student learning. In this episode, you’ll learn how to:
The goal is not to do less teaching. It is to spend less time on things that do not meaningfully impact student learning. Let's Connect! Mentioned in this episode: Free Guided Lesson Sampler for Texas Social Studies Teachers Looking for a ready-to-use social studies lesson for your grade level? Grab a free guided lesson sample created specifically for Texas teachers. Choose from 3rd grade Communities, 4th grade Texas History, 5th grade U.S. History, 6th grade World Cultures, or 7th grade Texas History. Each sampler includes a teacher guide, lesson slideshow, digital version, guided notes, practice activity, exit ticket, answer keys, and more information about the full 36-week guided curriculum program. Download your free sampler and choose your grade level at thesouthernteach.com/lessons Leave a Review for The Social Studies Teacher Podcast! Are you loving the podcast? I'd love to hear your feedback! Click the link to leave a review! | |||
| Differentiating Social Studies: Real Teacher Challenges + Practical Solutions | 17 Aug 2026 | 00:20:35 | |
Differentiating social studies can feel overwhelming - especially when you're trying to support struggling readers, English learners, students with accommodations, and advanced learners in the same classroom. But differentiation doesn't have to mean creating a completely different lesson for every student. In this episode, I'm breaking down what teachers say they're actually struggling with when differentiating social studies and sharing practical ways to make lessons more accessible without removing the critical thinking. Resources Implementing Guided Notes in Social Studies: https://youtu.be/IgswOEV015E If you want to read more about the major themes and ah-ha moments, check out the blog post! thesouthernteach.com/blog/differentiation-in-social-studies Want to access the replay of the 2026 Bootcamp? Check it out here! https://learn.thesouthernteach.com/offers/q9eD48hg/checkout Let's Connect! Mentioned in this episode: Free Guided Lesson Sampler for Texas Social Studies Teachers Looking for a ready-to-use social studies lesson for your grade level? Grab a free guided lesson sample created specifically for Texas teachers. Choose from 3rd grade Communities, 4th grade Texas History, 5th grade U.S. History, 6th grade World Cultures, or 7th grade Texas History. Each sampler includes a teacher guide, lesson slideshow, digital version, guided notes, practice activity, exit ticket, answer keys, and more information about the full 36-week guided curriculum program. Download your free sampler and choose your grade level at thesouthernteach.com/lessons Leave a Review for The Social Studies Teacher Podcast! Are you loving the podcast? I'd love to hear your feedback! Click the link to leave a review! | |||
| 10 Must-Have Teacher Supplies for the Upper Elementary Classroom | 15 Jul 2026 | 00:19:42 | |
Quick note: This episode is a repost, but it’s perfect to revisit as you start thinking about back-to-school prep, classroom setup and the supplies that actually make teaching easier. Are you ready to refresh your teacher supply list? In this episode, I’m sharing 10 of my favorite teacher supplies for the upper elementary classroom. These are simple, practical items that can help you stay organized, keep students engaged and make your lessons run more smoothly throughout the year. Whether you are a brand-new teacher or a seasoned pro, this episode will give you ideas to add to your back-to-school shopping list. I’ll also share tips for using these supplies during social studies lessons, plus ways they can work across other subjects too. You’ll walk away with practical recommendations, easy classroom ideas and a few supply favorites that can make your teaching life just a little bit easier. And while you’re planning for the new school year, don’t forget to check out my free professional development podcast series on building classroom community. It’s a great next step if you want simple ideas for creating a positive classroom environment from the very beginning of the year. In this episode, you will learn:
Related Resources and Links
Mentioned in this episode: Free Guided Lesson Sampler for Texas Social Studies Teachers Looking for a ready-to-use social studies lesson for your grade level? Grab a free guided lesson sample created specifically for Texas teachers. Choose from 3rd grade Communities, 4th grade Texas History, 5th grade U.S. History, 6th grade World Cultures, or 7th grade Texas History. Each sampler includes a teacher guide, lesson slideshow, digital version, guided notes, practice activity, exit ticket, answer keys, and more information about the full 36-week guided curriculum program. Download your free sampler and choose your grade level at thesouthernteach.com/lessons Leave a Review for The Social Studies Teacher Podcast! Are you loving the podcast? I'd love to hear your feedback! Click the link to leave a review! | |||
| 5 Mistakes New Social Studies Teachers Make (and How to Fix Them) | 08 Jul 2026 | 00:22:33 | |
Teaching social studies for the first time? You're not alone, and you definitely don't have to figure it all out by yourself. In this episode, I'm sharing the five biggest mistakes I made as a new social studies teacher (and the same mistakes I see many teachers make today). More importantly, I'll show you simple, practical solutions that you can implement before the first day of school. Whether you've been assigned a new grade level, don't have a curriculum, or simply want to feel more confident planning your year, these tips will help you build a social studies block that is engaging, organized, and sustainable. In This Video
If you're preparing for back-to-school, these five mindset shifts can help you avoid burnout and spend more time focusing on what matters most...your students. Resources Mentioned Social Studies Bootcamp - thesouthernteach.com/bootcamp Plan Your Social Studies Year From Start to Finish Mentioned in this episode: Leave a Review for The Social Studies Teacher Podcast! Are you loving the podcast? I'd love to hear your feedback! Click the link to leave a review! Free Guided Lesson Sampler for Texas Social Studies Teachers Looking for a ready-to-use social studies lesson for your grade level? Grab a free guided lesson sample created specifically for Texas teachers. Choose from 3rd grade Communities, 4th grade Texas History, 5th grade U.S. History, 6th grade World Cultures, or 7th grade Texas History. Each sampler includes a teacher guide, lesson slideshow, digital version, guided notes, practice activity, exit ticket, answer keys, and more information about the full 36-week guided curriculum program. Download your free sampler and choose your grade level at thesouthernteach.com/lessons | |||
| Social Studies Summer Series Day 5: How to Teach Economics Skills | 19 Jun 2026 | 00:17:30 | |
Quick note: This episode is a repost, but it’s a great one to revisit as you plan ways to make economics and free enterprise easier for students to understand. Welcome to Part 5 of the Social Studies Summer Series! In this episode, we’re talking all about how to teach economics skills and the free enterprise system in upper elementary. Economics can feel like a big, overwhelming topic at first, but it does not have to be complicated. With the right approach, you can break down concepts like goods, services, producers, consumers, supply, demand, saving, spending and business into simple, student-friendly lessons. I’ll share practical ways to make economics more engaging through hands-on activities, visual examples, real-world connections and critical thinking. You’ll also hear ideas for helping students see how economics connects to their everyday lives and the world around them. Whether you’re teaching economics for the first time or looking for fresh ideas to make it more interactive, this episode will give you simple strategies you can use in your classroom. Episode HighlightsIn this episode, you’ll hear ideas for:
Resources and Links More Economics-related resources Social Studies Daily Passage Bundle Smart and Simple Social Studies Membership Join the 2026 Bootcamp Waitlist! - Registration opens July 10th! Mentioned in this episode: Leave a Review for The Social Studies Teacher Podcast! Are you loving the podcast? I'd love to hear your feedback! Click the link to leave a review! Free Guided Lesson Sampler for Texas Social Studies Teachers Looking for a ready-to-use social studies lesson for your grade level? Grab a free guided lesson sample created specifically for Texas teachers. Choose from 3rd grade Communities, 4th grade Texas History, 5th grade U.S. History, 6th grade World Cultures, or 7th grade Texas History. Each sampler includes a teacher guide, lesson slideshow, digital version, guided notes, practice activity, exit ticket, answer keys, and more information about the full 36-week guided curriculum program. Download your free sampler and choose your grade level at thesouthernteach.com/lessons | |||
| Social Studies Summer Series Day 4: How to Teach Government/Civics Skills | 18 Jun 2026 | 00:15:12 | |
Quick note: This episode is a repost, but it’s a helpful one to revisit as you plan simple ways to make government and civics easier for students to understand. Welcome to Part 4 of the Social Studies Summer Series! In this episode, we’re talking about how to teach government and civics skills to 3rd, 4th and 5th grade students in a way that feels clear, practical and engaging. Government can sometimes feel like a big topic for upper elementary students, but it becomes much easier when we connect it to real-life examples, classroom routines, community helpers, current events and everyday decision-making. I’ll share simple steps for helping students understand the basics of government, the role of citizens and how people can participate in their communities. You’ll also hear ideas for using interactive activities, multimedia resources and critical thinking questions to make these lessons more meaningful. Whether you’re teaching branches of government, rights and responsibilities or active citizenship, this episode will give you practical ideas to help students see why civics matters. Episode HighlightsIn this episode, you’ll hear ideas for:
Resources and Links Check out my government and civics daily passages! CNN10 is a great resource for this age! More government-related resources Mentioned in this episode: Leave a Review for The Social Studies Teacher Podcast! Are you loving the podcast? I'd love to hear your feedback! Click the link to leave a review! Free Guided Lesson Sampler for Texas Social Studies Teachers Looking for a ready-to-use social studies lesson for your grade level? Grab a free guided lesson sample created specifically for Texas teachers. Choose from 3rd grade Communities, 4th grade Texas History, 5th grade U.S. History, 6th grade World Cultures, or 7th grade Texas History. Each sampler includes a teacher guide, lesson slideshow, digital version, guided notes, practice activity, exit ticket, answer keys, and more information about the full 36-week guided curriculum program. Download your free sampler and choose your grade level at thesouthernteach.com/lessons | |||
| Social Studies Summer Series Day 3: How to Teach Culture and Society Skills | 17 Jun 2026 | 00:16:07 | |
Quick note: This episode is a repost, but it’s a great one to revisit as you plan meaningful ways to help students learn about culture, community and the world around them. Welcome to Part 3 of the Social Studies Summer Series! In this episode, we’re focusing on how to teach culture and society skills to upper-elementary and middle-school students. Understanding different cultures is such an important part of social studies because it helps students learn about traditions, celebrations, art, literature, science, technology and the many ways people live and contribute to society. I’ll share simple steps, activity ideas and examples you can use to help students build respect and curiosity for the world around them. We’ll talk about knowing yourself and your students, creating a welcoming classroom, using stories and personal experiences and adding hands-on activities that make learning more meaningful. Whether you’re planning your culture and society lessons for next year or just looking for fresh ways to help students connect with these topics, this episode will give you practical ideas you can bring into your classroom. Episode HighlightsIn this episode, you’ll hear ideas for:
Resources and Links Check out the comparing celebrations project! Check out my culture and society daily passages! Mentioned in this episode: Leave a Review for The Social Studies Teacher Podcast! Are you loving the podcast? I'd love to hear your feedback! Click the link to leave a review! Free Guided Lesson Sampler for Texas Social Studies Teachers Looking for a ready-to-use social studies lesson for your grade level? Grab a free guided lesson sample created specifically for Texas teachers. Choose from 3rd grade Communities, 4th grade Texas History, 5th grade U.S. History, 6th grade World Cultures, or 7th grade Texas History. Each sampler includes a teacher guide, lesson slideshow, digital version, guided notes, practice activity, exit ticket, answer keys, and more information about the full 36-week guided curriculum program. Download your free sampler and choose your grade level at thesouthernteach.com/lessons | |||
| Social Studies Summer Series Day 2: How to Teach History Skills | 16 Jun 2026 | 00:12:36 | |
Quick note: This episode is a repost, but it’s a great one to revisit as you plan simple, engaging ways to help students build stronger history skills. Welcome to Part 2 of the Social Studies Summer Series! In this episode, we’re talking all about how to teach history skills in a way that feels meaningful and engaging for upper elementary and middle school students. History is more than memorizing dates and people from the past. It’s about helping students make connections, ask questions and understand how events and decisions shaped the world we live in today. I’ll share straightforward tips and activity ideas to help students connect history to the present, explore primary sources, think like detectives and reflect on the lessons we can learn from the past. Whether you’re mapping out your social studies plans for next year or looking for fresh ways to make history more interactive, this episode will give you practical ideas you can use in your classroom. Episode HighlightsIn this episode, you’ll hear ideas for:
Resources and Links Check out my history daily passages More history-related resources Mentioned in this episode: Leave a Review for The Social Studies Teacher Podcast! Are you loving the podcast? I'd love to hear your feedback! Click the link to leave a review! Free Guided Lesson Sampler for Texas Social Studies Teachers Looking for a ready-to-use social studies lesson for your grade level? Grab a free guided lesson sample created specifically for Texas teachers. Choose from 3rd grade Communities, 4th grade Texas History, 5th grade U.S. History, 6th grade World Cultures, or 7th grade Texas History. Each sampler includes a teacher guide, lesson slideshow, digital version, guided notes, practice activity, exit ticket, answer keys, and more information about the full 36-week guided curriculum program. Download your free sampler and choose your grade level at thesouthernteach.com/lessons | |||
| Social Studies Summer Series Day 1: How to Teach Geography Skills | 15 Jun 2026 | 00:19:13 | |
Quick note: This episode is a repost, but it’s the perfect one to revisit during summer planning as you think about how to make geography more engaging and easier for students to understand. Welcome to Part 1 of the 5-part Social Studies Summer Series! In this episode, we’re going back to the basics of teaching geography skills in upper elementary. Geography can sometimes feel like it’s all about memorizing maps, places and vocabulary, but it can be so much more than that. I’ll share simple ways to help students understand geography by making it relevant to their lives, connecting it to different cultures, using technology and encouraging curiosity. You’ll also hear ideas for practicing map skills in a way that feels meaningful instead of repetitive. Whether you’re planning for next year or just wanting fresh ideas for your social studies block, this episode will help you make geography more fun, practical and connected to the world around your students. Episode HighlightsIn this episode, you’ll hear ideas for:
Resources and Links Check out the Create A Country Project Check out the Geography Daily Passages More geography-related resources Mentioned in this episode: Leave a Review for The Social Studies Teacher Podcast! Are you loving the podcast? I'd love to hear your feedback! Click the link to leave a review! Free Guided Lesson Sampler for Texas Social Studies Teachers Looking for a ready-to-use social studies lesson for your grade level? Grab a free guided lesson sample created specifically for Texas teachers. Choose from 3rd grade Communities, 4th grade Texas History, 5th grade U.S. History, 6th grade World Cultures, or 7th grade Texas History. Each sampler includes a teacher guide, lesson slideshow, digital version, guided notes, practice activity, exit ticket, answer keys, and more information about the full 36-week guided curriculum program. Download your free sampler and choose your grade level at thesouthernteach.com/lessons | |||
| 5 Steps to the Ultimate Summer Prep | 05 Jun 2026 | 00:13:16 | |
Summer is the perfect time to reset, reflect and get ahead before the back-to-school rush begins. In this episode, I’m sharing five simple steps to help you prep for social studies without spending your entire summer planning. You’ll learn how to organize your resources, look ahead at your standards, map out your first few units, create a simple routine and set yourself up for a smoother school year. Whether you have a full social studies block or just a few minutes a day, this episode will help you feel more prepared, more confident and a whole lot less overwhelmed when the new school year begins. In this episode, you’ll learn:
Resources and Links: Let's Connect! Mentioned in this episode: Leave a Review for The Social Studies Teacher Podcast! Are you loving the podcast? I'd love to hear your feedback! Click the link to leave a review! Free Guided Lesson Sampler for Texas Social Studies Teachers Looking for a ready-to-use social studies lesson for your grade level? Grab a free guided lesson sample created specifically for Texas teachers. Choose from 3rd grade Communities, 4th grade Texas History, 5th grade U.S. History, 6th grade World Cultures, or 7th grade Texas History. Each sampler includes a teacher guide, lesson slideshow, digital version, guided notes, practice activity, exit ticket, answer keys, and more information about the full 36-week guided curriculum program. Download your free sampler and choose your grade level at thesouthernteach.com/lessons | |||
| No Curriculum? No Problem! How to Teach Social Studies Without One | 27 Apr 2026 | 00:21:20 | |
Have you ever been told you're teaching social studies… but given absolutely nothing to work with? No textbook. No pacing guide. No curriculum map. In this video, I’m walking you through exactly how to teach social studies without a curriculum- and still create structured, engaging, and meaningful lessons your students will love. Whether your district is in transition, resources are limited, or you're expected to build from the standards, this video will give you a clear system you can actually use. In this video, you’ll learn how to: • Use your state standards to build your curriculum • Create a simple year-at-a-glance plan • Structure your week so planning feels manageable • Find and use quality resources without starting from scratch • Focus on social studies skills, not just content • Build consistency in your lessons without overwhelm You don’t need a full curriculum to be an effective social studies teacher. You just need a plan—and I’ll show you how to build one. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or unsure where to start, this will help you move forward with confidence. ➡️ Want ready-to-use, structured social studies lessons? Check out my resources here: Social Studies Guided Curriculum Social Studies Yearly Plan Episode Mentioned in this episode: Leave a Review for The Social Studies Teacher Podcast! Are you loving the podcast? I'd love to hear your feedback! Click the link to leave a review! Free Guided Lesson Sampler for Texas Social Studies Teachers Looking for a ready-to-use social studies lesson for your grade level? Grab a free guided lesson sample created specifically for Texas teachers. Choose from 3rd grade Communities, 4th grade Texas History, 5th grade U.S. History, 6th grade World Cultures, or 7th grade Texas History. Each sampler includes a teacher guide, lesson slideshow, digital version, guided notes, practice activity, exit ticket, answer keys, and more information about the full 36-week guided curriculum program. Download your free sampler and choose your grade level at thesouthernteach.com/lessons | |||
| How to Help Students Think Like Historians | Teaching the Why in Social Studies | 09 Mar 2026 | 00:13:41 | |
History lessons often focus on dates, events, and timelines. But when students understand why events happened, history begins to make sense! In this video, we explore practical strategies for helping students think like historians by focusing on cause and effect, perspectives, evidence, and historical reasoning. This episode walks through several ways to shift your instruction from teaching only the “what” of history to helping students understand the deeper reasons behind historical events. In this episode:
By focusing on the “why” behind history, students develop stronger critical thinking skills, build empathy, and begin to see how past decisions continue to shape the world today. Related Links https://thesouthernteach.com/blog/history-lessons/ Let's Connect! Mentioned in this episode: Leave a Review for The Social Studies Teacher Podcast! Are you loving the podcast? I'd love to hear your feedback! Click the link to leave a review! Free Guided Lesson Sampler for Texas Social Studies Teachers Looking for a ready-to-use social studies lesson for your grade level? Grab a free guided lesson sample created specifically for Texas teachers. Choose from 3rd grade Communities, 4th grade Texas History, 5th grade U.S. History, 6th grade World Cultures, or 7th grade Texas History. Each sampler includes a teacher guide, lesson slideshow, digital version, guided notes, practice activity, exit ticket, answer keys, and more information about the full 36-week guided curriculum program. Download your free sampler and choose your grade level at thesouthernteach.com/lessons | |||
| 4 Tips for Teaching Famous Figures Year-Round | Make Biographies Meaningful in Social Studies | 16 Feb 2026 | 00:17:59 | |
Do you save teaching about famous figures for one unit or month...and then move on? Let’s change that. In this video, you’ll learn 4 easy ways to teach famous figures year-round so biographies feel meaningful, connected, and engaging. When students see diverse leaders, thinkers, and changemakers woven throughout your lessons, history comes alive all year long. 🎯 In this video: ✅ How to choose historical figures with purpose and diversity ✅ Ways to set historical context before introducing a person ✅ Strategies for bringing history to life through stories and sources ✅ Tips to make learning relevant and help students show understanding Resources Mentioned in the Episode - Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Kirsten-Hammond/author/B0GFC9GQ6C?ref=ap_rdr&shoppingPortalEnabled=true&ccs_id=5a8e741b-2736-48b3-83ba-54b0c8a12547 - U.S. History Biography Daily Passages: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Biography-US-History-Social-Studies-Worksheets-Daily-Passages-Activities-Quiz-14930406 - Biography Webquests: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Biography-WebQuest-Internet-Scavenger-Hunt-Digital-Inquiry-Activity-Bundle-7735827 - Black History Biography Passages: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Black-History-Month-Activities-Reading-Comprehension-Biography-Passages-BUNDLE-6588414 - Women's History Biographies: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Womens-History-Month-Women-in-History-Mini-Lesson-and-WebQuest-Activities-13118072 Let's Connect! Mentioned in this episode: Free Guided Lesson Sampler for Texas Social Studies Teachers Looking for a ready-to-use social studies lesson for your grade level? Grab a free guided lesson sample created specifically for Texas teachers. Choose from 3rd grade Communities, 4th grade Texas History, 5th grade U.S. History, 6th grade World Cultures, or 7th grade Texas History. Each sampler includes a teacher guide, lesson slideshow, digital version, guided notes, practice activity, exit ticket, answer keys, and more information about the full 36-week guided curriculum program. Download your free sampler and choose your grade level at thesouthernteach.com/lessons Leave a Review for The Social Studies Teacher Podcast! Are you loving the podcast? I'd love to hear your feedback! Click the link to leave a review! | |||
| Texas SBOE Jan 2026 Updates - Social Studies Topics and Subtopics...TMI? | 08 Feb 2026 | 00:18:39 | |
I spent over 9 hours listening to the SBOE meeting, so you don't have to! In this bonus audio-only episode, I share with you takeaways and recaps (with my opinions sprinkled in) as a new social studies framework is being constructed for K-12 in the state of Texas. The new TEKS will not be into effect until the 2030-2031 school year, but it's important to keep an eye on the process before it is too late to make changes. Action Steps you can take to help make the standards the best they can be:
Here is a draft of the key topics and subtopics as of Jan 2026: https://sboe.texas.gov/state-board-of-education/sboe-2026/sboe-2026-january/cofb5-key-topics-considerations-attach2.pdf Mentioned in this episode: Free Guided Lesson Sampler for Texas Social Studies Teachers Looking for a ready-to-use social studies lesson for your grade level? Grab a free guided lesson sample created specifically for Texas teachers. Choose from 3rd grade Communities, 4th grade Texas History, 5th grade U.S. History, 6th grade World Cultures, or 7th grade Texas History. Each sampler includes a teacher guide, lesson slideshow, digital version, guided notes, practice activity, exit ticket, answer keys, and more information about the full 36-week guided curriculum program. Download your free sampler and choose your grade level at thesouthernteach.com/lessons Leave a Review for The Social Studies Teacher Podcast! Are you loving the podcast? I'd love to hear your feedback! Click the link to leave a review! | |||
| Building Literacy Skills Through Social Studies - Reading and Writing Strategies | 19 Jan 2026 | 00:18:33 | |
In this video, you’ll learn practical ways to strengthen literacy skills through social studies instruction. Discover how reading, writing, and critical thinking strategies can help students better understand complex topics, analyze information, and make meaningful connections to history, geography, and culture. In this video:
Teaching Tips:
Resources Mentioned: Download the free week of map skills: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/FREE-Social-Studies-Map-and-Globe-Skills-Cardinal-and-Intermediate-Directions-7994399 Let's Connect! Mentioned in this episode: Free Guided Lesson Sampler for Texas Social Studies Teachers Looking for a ready-to-use social studies lesson for your grade level? Grab a free guided lesson sample created specifically for Texas teachers. Choose from 3rd grade Communities, 4th grade Texas History, 5th grade U.S. History, 6th grade World Cultures, or 7th grade Texas History. Each sampler includes a teacher guide, lesson slideshow, digital version, guided notes, practice activity, exit ticket, answer keys, and more information about the full 36-week guided curriculum program. Download your free sampler and choose your grade level at thesouthernteach.com/lessons Leave a Review for The Social Studies Teacher Podcast! Are you loving the podcast? I'd love to hear your feedback! Click the link to leave a review! | |||
| Getting to Know Your Students - 9 Common Classroom Personalities | 05 Jan 2026 | 00:16:45 | |
Every classroom is full of unique personalities - and understanding how your students think, learn, and interact can make all the difference. In this video, we’ll explore 9 common student personalities you’re likely to meet in your classroom and share practical tips for supporting each one. From the quiet observer to the natural leader, you’ll walk away with new insights and strategies to help every learner succeed. What you'll learn: Personality 1 - The Perfectionist Personality 2 - The People Pleaser Personality 3 - The Role Model Personality 4 - The Creative Personality 5 - The Thinker Personality 6 - The Skeptic Personality 7 - The Life of the Party Personality 8 - The Go-Getter Personality 9 - The Dreamer Final Thoughts Enneagram Activities for Students Resources Mentioned: Blog Post: https://thesouthernteach.com/blog/9-types-of-students-you-should-know-about-and-how-to-support-them-all/ Enneagram Test - https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Enneagram-Personality-Types-Classroom-Community-Building-Learning-Styles-Test-5777575 Enneagram Primary - https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Enneagram-Personality-Type-for-1st-2nd-3rd-Grades-Community-Building-Activity-6771407 Enneagram Bundle - https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Enneagram-Bundle-Student-Personality-Type-Community-Building-Activities-6170227 Let's Connect! Mentioned in this episode: Free Guided Lesson Sampler for Texas Social Studies Teachers Looking for a ready-to-use social studies lesson for your grade level? Grab a free guided lesson sample created specifically for Texas teachers. Choose from 3rd grade Communities, 4th grade Texas History, 5th grade U.S. History, 6th grade World Cultures, or 7th grade Texas History. Each sampler includes a teacher guide, lesson slideshow, digital version, guided notes, practice activity, exit ticket, answer keys, and more information about the full 36-week guided curriculum program. Download your free sampler and choose your grade level at thesouthernteach.com/lessons Leave a Review for The Social Studies Teacher Podcast! Are you loving the podcast? I'd love to hear your feedback! Click the link to leave a review! | |||
| Teaching About Current Events | Helping Students Make Sense of the World Around Them | 15 Dec 2025 | 00:18:33 | |
How can you help students understand what’s happening in the world (without overwhelming them)? In this episode, we’re diving into how to teach current events in the classroom in an age-appropriate, engaging, and meaningful way. You’ll learn practical strategies for connecting real-world news to social studies standards while helping students build critical-thinking and empathy skills. In this episode, you’ll learn: ✅ Why teaching current events matters for social studies and citizenship ✅ Common challenges (and how to handle them) ✅ Recommendations for kid-friendly news sources ✅ Ways to connect headlines to history, geography, and culture ✅ How to use videos, podcasts, and visuals to make the news come alive 💡 Perfect for:
Even short, structured current-events discussions can help your students think critically, stay informed, and see the connections between history and the present day. Action Tip: Pick one kid-friendly news story this week and bring it into your classroom, and see how your students connect and engage! Related Links: Recommended Resources: Recommended Current Events Sources: CNN 10 https://www.youtube.com/cnn10 Scholastic News https://classroommagazines.scholastic.com/ Newsla https://newsela.com/ Time for Kids https://www.timeforkids.com/ Let's Connect! Mentioned in this episode: Leave a Review for The Social Studies Teacher Podcast! Are you loving the podcast? I'd love to hear your feedback! Click the link to leave a review! Free Guided Lesson Sampler for Texas Social Studies Teachers Looking for a ready-to-use social studies lesson for your grade level? Grab a free guided lesson sample created specifically for Texas teachers. Choose from 3rd grade Communities, 4th grade Texas History, 5th grade U.S. History, 6th grade World Cultures, or 7th grade Texas History. Each sampler includes a teacher guide, lesson slideshow, digital version, guided notes, practice activity, exit ticket, answer keys, and more information about the full 36-week guided curriculum program. Download your free sampler and choose your grade level at thesouthernteach.com/lessons | |||
| 10K Downloads!! Top 10 Social Studies Teacher Podcast Episodes Special | 24 Nov 2025 | 00:17:58 | |
🎉 10K DOWNLOADS! I can’t believe The Social Studies Teacher Podcast has officially hit this milestone - all thanks to YOU! To celebrate, I’m counting down the Top 10 most downloaded episodes of the podcast — the ones you’ve loved, shared, and replayed the most. These episodes are packed with practical tips and real-classroom ideas to make social studies engaging, meaningful, and low-prep. 👩🏫 In this special episode, you’ll hear:
Whether you’re new to the podcast or a longtime listener, this is the perfect place to start! 📲 Listen to the full episodes: The Social Studies Teacher Podcast: https://pod.link/1692254335 🎧 Links to the Top 10 Episodes: https://thesouthernteach.com/blog/cultural-sensitivity-during-the-holiday-season/ https://thesouthernteach.com/blog/social-studies-lesson-key-components/ https://thesouthernteach.com/blog/social-studies-interactive-notebooks/ https://thesouthernteach.com/blog/challenges-social-studies-teachers/ https://thesouthernteach.com/blog/social-studies-pacing-guide/ https://thesouthernteach.com/blog/teaching-social-studies-priority/ https://thesouthernteach.com/blog/first-week-of-school/ https://thesouthernteach.com/blog/engaging-social-studies-lessons/ https://thesouthernteach.com/blog/podcast-for-educators/ https://thesouthernteach.com/blog/fun-social-studies-activities/ If you’ve found the podcast helpful, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a teacher friend who loves social studies! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-social-studies-teacher-podcast/id1692254335 Mentioned in this episode: Free Guided Lesson Sampler for Texas Social Studies Teachers Looking for a ready-to-use social studies lesson for your grade level? Grab a free guided lesson sample created specifically for Texas teachers. Choose from 3rd grade Communities, 4th grade Texas History, 5th grade U.S. History, 6th grade World Cultures, or 7th grade Texas History. Each sampler includes a teacher guide, lesson slideshow, digital version, guided notes, practice activity, exit ticket, answer keys, and more information about the full 36-week guided curriculum program. Download your free sampler and choose your grade level at thesouthernteach.com/lessons Leave a Review for The Social Studies Teacher Podcast! Are you loving the podcast? I'd love to hear your feedback! Click the link to leave a review! | |||
| 4 Ways to Make the Holidays Inclusive | 10 Nov 2025 | 00:10:05 | |
Holidays can be a magical time in the classroom, but they can also be tricky to navigate. In this episode, I’m sharing 4 practical ways to make your holiday lessons more inclusive, culturally responsive, and welcoming for every student. You’ll learn how to celebrate the season while respecting the diverse backgrounds, beliefs, and traditions your students bring to class. In this episode, you’ll discover how to: ✅ Shift from “holiday parties” to cultural learning experiences ✅ Include global celebrations in your lessons ✅ Encourage student voice and family traditions ✅ Use reflection and connection instead of comparison These ideas are easy to implement, low-prep, and perfect for upper elementary classrooms, especially if you want to build community and cultural understanding during the winter months. Related Blog Post: https://thesouthernteach.com/blog/cultural-sensitivity-during-the-holiday-season/ Explore more classroom-ready holiday resources: ❄️ Winter Holidays Around the World Unit: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Winter-Holidays-Around-the-World-Unit-Activities-Social-Studies-Mini-Lessons-14563801 🎄 Christmas Around the World Unit: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Christmas-Holidays-Around-the-World-Unit-Activities-Social-Studies-Mini-Lessons-14563832 Mentioned in this episode: Free Guided Lesson Sampler for Texas Social Studies Teachers Looking for a ready-to-use social studies lesson for your grade level? Grab a free guided lesson sample created specifically for Texas teachers. Choose from 3rd grade Communities, 4th grade Texas History, 5th grade U.S. History, 6th grade World Cultures, or 7th grade Texas History. Each sampler includes a teacher guide, lesson slideshow, digital version, guided notes, practice activity, exit ticket, answer keys, and more information about the full 36-week guided curriculum program. Download your free sampler and choose your grade level at thesouthernteach.com/lessons Leave a Review for The Social Studies Teacher Podcast! Are you loving the podcast? I'd love to hear your feedback! Click the link to leave a review! | |||
| 8 Winter Holidays to Teach to Your Students | 27 Oct 2025 | 00:20:15 | |
Bring global celebrations to life in your classroom this season! 🌎✨ In this episode, I’m sharing 8 winter holidays celebrated around the world that are perfect for teaching cultural awareness, geography, and world traditions — all while keeping your students engaged and inspired. These holidays span from October through January and include hands-on classroom ideas you can use right away. 🎉 Here’s what we’ll explore: 1️⃣ Diwali 2️⃣ Día de los Muertos 3️⃣ Hanukkah 4️⃣ Las Posadas 5️⃣ Christmas 6️⃣ Kwanzaa 7️⃣ New Year’s Eve/Day 8️⃣ Three Kings Day/Epiphany Perfect for: Upper elementary teachers (Grades 3–5) looking for multicultural holiday lessons, social studies activities, or winter-themed projects that go beyond Christmas. Resources Mentioned: 🕯️ Winter Holidays Around the World Unit 🎄 Christmas Around the World Unit 📖 The Night of Las Posadas by Tomie DePaola Let's Connect! Mentioned in this episode: Leave a Review for The Social Studies Teacher Podcast! Are you loving the podcast? I'd love to hear your feedback! Click the link to leave a review! Free Guided Lesson Sampler for Texas Social Studies Teachers Looking for a ready-to-use social studies lesson for your grade level? Grab a free guided lesson sample created specifically for Texas teachers. Choose from 3rd grade Communities, 4th grade Texas History, 5th grade U.S. History, 6th grade World Cultures, or 7th grade Texas History. Each sampler includes a teacher guide, lesson slideshow, digital version, guided notes, practice activity, exit ticket, answer keys, and more information about the full 36-week guided curriculum program. Download your free sampler and choose your grade level at thesouthernteach.com/lessons | |||
| 5 Key Components Every Social Studies Lesson Needs | 13 Oct 2025 | 00:17:53 | |
Planning social studies lessons doesn’t have to be stressful! In this episode, I’m walking you through 5 key components every social studies lesson needs to keep students engaged and learning - without adding extra prep time. This is a remix episode that includes a brand new lesson example on the Thirteen colonies! Whether you’re teaching about the Thirteen Colonies, U.S. History, or any other topic, you’ll learn how to: ✅ Write clear and student-friendly learning objectives ✅ Start with an engaging hook or question ✅ Incorporate active learning and collaboration ✅ Use primary sources and real-world connections ✅ End with meaningful reflection and assessment These strategies work for upper elementary social studies, including 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade — and you can easily adapt them for any unit. Resources Mentioned: Course: Social Studies Simplified Let's Connect! Mentioned in this episode: Free Guided Lesson Sampler for Texas Social Studies Teachers Looking for a ready-to-use social studies lesson for your grade level? Grab a free guided lesson sample created specifically for Texas teachers. Choose from 3rd grade Communities, 4th grade Texas History, 5th grade U.S. History, 6th grade World Cultures, or 7th grade Texas History. Each sampler includes a teacher guide, lesson slideshow, digital version, guided notes, practice activity, exit ticket, answer keys, and more information about the full 36-week guided curriculum program. Download your free sampler and choose your grade level at thesouthernteach.com/lessons Leave a Review for The Social Studies Teacher Podcast! Are you loving the podcast? I'd love to hear your feedback! Click the link to leave a review! | |||
| 5 Strategies to Keep Students Engaged During History Videos | 29 Sep 2025 | 00:16:39 | |
Raise your hand if you’ve ever shown a history video or documentary in class… only to see your students zoning out after 15 minutes. Yup, I've been there! Today’s students are used to short-form, high-stimulation content like TikTok and YouTube shorts, so long educational films can feel slow, even when the content is great. In this video, I’ll share 5 practical strategies to keep your students engaged and actually learning from videos in social studies and history. 👉 Here’s what you’ll learn:
Whether you’re teaching American history, state history, or world cultures, these tips will help your students focus, engage, and remember what they watch. Let's Connect! Mentioned in this episode: Free Guided Lesson Sampler for Texas Social Studies Teachers Looking for a ready-to-use social studies lesson for your grade level? Grab a free guided lesson sample created specifically for Texas teachers. Choose from 3rd grade Communities, 4th grade Texas History, 5th grade U.S. History, 6th grade World Cultures, or 7th grade Texas History. Each sampler includes a teacher guide, lesson slideshow, digital version, guided notes, practice activity, exit ticket, answer keys, and more information about the full 36-week guided curriculum program. Download your free sampler and choose your grade level at thesouthernteach.com/lessons Leave a Review for The Social Studies Teacher Podcast! Are you loving the podcast? I'd love to hear your feedback! Click the link to leave a review! | |||
| Make Learning Stick: 4 Easy Spiral Review Ideas for Social Studies | 15 Sep 2025 | 00:15:50 | |
Ever taught a unit in September only to realize your students barely remember it by March? 😩 You’re not alone! That’s where spiral learning comes in. In this episode, I’ll show you what spiraling is, why it works, and 4 practical strategies you can use in social studies (and beyond) to help knowledge stick. 👉 Here’s what we’ll cover:
With a little planning, your students won’t just learn it and lose it — they’ll carry that knowledge with them all year long. Resources Mentioned in This Episode: Free Social Studies Guided Lessons Daily Passage Bundle for Social Studies Let's Connect! Mentioned in this episode: Leave a Review for The Social Studies Teacher Podcast! Are you loving the podcast? I'd love to hear your feedback! Click the link to leave a review! Free Guided Lesson Sampler for Texas Social Studies Teachers Looking for a ready-to-use social studies lesson for your grade level? Grab a free guided lesson sample created specifically for Texas teachers. Choose from 3rd grade Communities, 4th grade Texas History, 5th grade U.S. History, 6th grade World Cultures, or 7th grade Texas History. Each sampler includes a teacher guide, lesson slideshow, digital version, guided notes, practice activity, exit ticket, answer keys, and more information about the full 36-week guided curriculum program. Download your free sampler and choose your grade level at thesouthernteach.com/lessons | |||
| Major Updates to the Texas Social Studies TEKS: What K–8 Teachers Need to Know | 13 Sep 2025 | 00:19:19 | |
In this bonus episode of The Social Studies Teacher Podcast, I’m giving you a timely update on some major news out of Texas. The State Board of Education has officially voted on big changes to the K–8 Social Studies TEKS, shifting to a chronological approach and creating a brand-new framework for how we teach history, geography, government, and culture. It is expected that these standards are put into effect beginning 2030. I’ll walk you through:
If you’re a Texas teacher (or just curious about curriculum changes), this episode will help you feel prepared and confident. And don’t worry- my Smart & Simple Social Studies resources are fully aligned with the current TEKS, and I’ll continue to update everything when the time comes! Let's Connect! Mentioned in this episode: Free Guided Lesson Sampler for Texas Social Studies Teachers Looking for a ready-to-use social studies lesson for your grade level? Grab a free guided lesson sample created specifically for Texas teachers. Choose from 3rd grade Communities, 4th grade Texas History, 5th grade U.S. History, 6th grade World Cultures, or 7th grade Texas History. Each sampler includes a teacher guide, lesson slideshow, digital version, guided notes, practice activity, exit ticket, answer keys, and more information about the full 36-week guided curriculum program. Download your free sampler and choose your grade level at thesouthernteach.com/lessons Leave a Review for The Social Studies Teacher Podcast! Are you loving the podcast? I'd love to hear your feedback! Click the link to leave a review! | |||
| 4 Fun Vocabulary Strategies Every Social Studies Teacher Needs | 01 Sep 2025 | 00:14:46 | |
Do your students groan when it’s time for vocabulary? 😩 You’re not alone! In this episode, I’ll share 4 engaging social studies vocabulary strategies that will make vocabulary instruction meaningful, fun, and effective. We’ll start by looking at the three tiers of vocabulary (Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3) and see where social studies fits in. Then, I’ll walk you through four practical strategies you can start using right away in your classroom:
These vocabulary activities are perfect for upper elementary social studies teachers (3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th grade) who want low-prep, high-impact strategies to boost student comprehension, critical thinking, and test prep. 📌 If you’re looking for ways to:
…this episode is for you! Resources Mentioned: General Social Studies: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Social-Studies-Vocabulary-Word-Wall-Cards-Bulletin-Boards-for-Upper-Elementary-12164521 Texas History: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Texas-History-4th-Grade-Vocabulary-Word-Wall-Cards-Bulletin-Boards-12313715 U.S. History: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/US-History-5th-Grade-Vocabulary-Word-Wall-Cards-Bulletin-Boards-BUNDLE-12749068 Let's Connect! Mentioned in this episode: Free Guided Lesson Sampler for Texas Social Studies Teachers Looking for a ready-to-use social studies lesson for your grade level? Grab a free guided lesson sample created specifically for Texas teachers. Choose from 3rd grade Communities, 4th grade Texas History, 5th grade U.S. History, 6th grade World Cultures, or 7th grade Texas History. Each sampler includes a teacher guide, lesson slideshow, digital version, guided notes, practice activity, exit ticket, answer keys, and more information about the full 36-week guided curriculum program. Download your free sampler and choose your grade level at thesouthernteach.com/lessons Leave a Review for The Social Studies Teacher Podcast! Are you loving the podcast? I'd love to hear your feedback! Click the link to leave a review! | |||
| 4 Fun Social Studies Activities That Students Will Love | 18 Aug 2025 | 00:19:42 | |
Looking for fun and engaging social studies activities for your upper elementary classroom? In this video, I’m sharing 4 creative and easy-to-implement social studies lessons designed for grades 3-5. These hands-on activities make history, geography, government, and culture come alive for your students while keeping planning stress-free for you! What You'll Learn
Whether you’re teaching 3rd, 4th, or 5th grade, these activities will help you create meaningful and interactive lessons that your students will love. Resources Mentioned: Let's Connect! Mentioned in this episode: Free Guided Lesson Sampler for Texas Social Studies Teachers Looking for a ready-to-use social studies lesson for your grade level? Grab a free guided lesson sample created specifically for Texas teachers. Choose from 3rd grade Communities, 4th grade Texas History, 5th grade U.S. History, 6th grade World Cultures, or 7th grade Texas History. Each sampler includes a teacher guide, lesson slideshow, digital version, guided notes, practice activity, exit ticket, answer keys, and more information about the full 36-week guided curriculum program. Download your free sampler and choose your grade level at thesouthernteach.com/lessons Leave a Review for The Social Studies Teacher Podcast! Are you loving the podcast? I'd love to hear your feedback! Click the link to leave a review! | |||
| 5 Engaging Literacy Center Activities for Grades 3-5 | 04 Aug 2025 | 00:17:04 | |
Looking for fun, engaging, and low-prep ideas for your reading block? In this video, I’m sharing 5 ELA reading stations and literacy center activities perfect for grades 3–5. These stations are designed to build reading comprehension, vocabulary, fluency, and writing skills - all while keeping students actively engaged! 📚 What You’ll Learn: ✔️ How to set up 5 easy reading stations ✔️ Literacy center activities that save you time ✔️ Differentiation tips for upper elementary classrooms ✔️ Strategies to keep students motivated and on task Whether you’re a 3rd, 4th, or 5th grade teacher, these ideas will help you run effective and fun literacy centers that support every reader in your classroom. Resources Mentioned: Grammar and Vocabulary Task Card Bundle Academic Vocabulary Word of the Week - Grade 3, Grade 4, Grade 5 Let's Connect! Mentioned in this episode: Leave a Review for The Social Studies Teacher Podcast! Are you loving the podcast? I'd love to hear your feedback! Click the link to leave a review! Free Guided Lesson Sampler for Texas Social Studies Teachers Looking for a ready-to-use social studies lesson for your grade level? Grab a free guided lesson sample created specifically for Texas teachers. Choose from 3rd grade Communities, 4th grade Texas History, 5th grade U.S. History, 6th grade World Cultures, or 7th grade Texas History. Each sampler includes a teacher guide, lesson slideshow, digital version, guided notes, practice activity, exit ticket, answer keys, and more information about the full 36-week guided curriculum program. Download your free sampler and choose your grade level at thesouthernteach.com/lessons | |||
| 7 Social Studies Stations That Work in ELA or 30-Minute Blocks | 21 Jul 2025 | 00:20:49 | |
Looking for engaging, low-prep social studies-themed stations that work for your upper elementary classroom? In this episode of The Social Studies Teacher Podcast, I’m sharing 7 flexible station ideas that can fit into your ELA block, dedicated social studies time, or even a fun Social Studies Friday rotation! 📚 Whether you teach 3rd, 4th, or 5th grade and only have 30 minutes (if you're lucky!), these stations will help you reinforce reading skills like main idea, summarizing, and inferencing - all while covering key social studies topics. Here’s what we’ll cover: ✔️ Daily Social Studies Passages ✔️ Task Cards ✔️ Primary Source Analysis ✔️ WebQuests ✔️ Journals & Writing Reflections ✔️ Digital Interactive Tools ✔️ Small Group Station Ideas 💡 You’ll also learn how to differentiate with ease, incorporate these into your existing rotations, and why you don’t need to launch all 7 stations at once. Mentioned in the episode: 🔗 Smart & Simple Social Studies Membership (with built-in station activities!) 🔗 Related post: 5 Literacy ELA Centers Let's Connect! Mentioned in this episode: Free Guided Lesson Sampler for Texas Social Studies Teachers Looking for a ready-to-use social studies lesson for your grade level? Grab a free guided lesson sample created specifically for Texas teachers. Choose from 3rd grade Communities, 4th grade Texas History, 5th grade U.S. History, 6th grade World Cultures, or 7th grade Texas History. Each sampler includes a teacher guide, lesson slideshow, digital version, guided notes, practice activity, exit ticket, answer keys, and more information about the full 36-week guided curriculum program. Download your free sampler and choose your grade level at thesouthernteach.com/lessons Leave a Review for The Social Studies Teacher Podcast! Are you loving the podcast? I'd love to hear your feedback! Click the link to leave a review! | |||
| First 10 Days of Social Studies Lesson Plans for Upper Elementary Teachers | 07 Jul 2025 | 00:30:53 | |
🎉 Plan the First 10 Days of Social Studies with Me! 🎉 In today’s episode, we’re planning out the first 10 days of your social studies block together. Whether you teach 3rd, 4th, or 5th grade, this episode is packed with low-prep, engaging activities to help you start the year strong. I’ll walk you through: ✔️ How to build classroom community from Day 1 ✔️ Tips for setting up interactive notebooks ✔️ When (and how!) to introduce warmups and guided lessons ✔️ How to gradually build routines for a smooth year ahead ✔️ Examples of what I used to do in my own upper elementary classroom Even if you have 20 or 30 minutes for social studies, you’ll find helpful ideas you can tweak to fit your schedule and grade level. Related Blog Posts 🔗 Fun SS Activities for the 1st Week of School 🔗 Fun SS Activities for the 2nd Week of School 🔗 How to Set Up Interactive Notebooks Mentioned Resources: 🛒 Back-to-School Social Studies Activities 🛒 Interactive SS Notebook Covers 🛒 Daily Social Studies Warmups + Guided Curriculum Download the free back to school guide for Texas Teachers! Mentioned in this episode: Leave a Review for The Social Studies Teacher Podcast! Are you loving the podcast? I'd love to hear your feedback! Click the link to leave a review! Free Guided Lesson Sampler for Texas Social Studies Teachers Looking for a ready-to-use social studies lesson for your grade level? Grab a free guided lesson sample created specifically for Texas teachers. Choose from 3rd grade Communities, 4th grade Texas History, 5th grade U.S. History, 6th grade World Cultures, or 7th grade Texas History. Each sampler includes a teacher guide, lesson slideshow, digital version, guided notes, practice activity, exit ticket, answer keys, and more information about the full 36-week guided curriculum program. Download your free sampler and choose your grade level at thesouthernteach.com/lessons | |||
| Your Start-to-Finish Social Studies Plan | 23 Jun 2025 | 00:16:08 | |
Feeling overwhelmed trying to fit social studies into your school year? In this episode, I’ll walk you through how to map out a yearlong pacing plan for upper elementary social studies - whether you teach geography, history, government, economics, or culture. I’ll break it down quarter by quarter and show you how to plan realistically and effectively, even with limited time in your schedule. 📚 Perfect for 3rd–5th grade teachers who want:
Links and Resources ✅ Want a done-for-you pacing guide and resources? Check out my Smart and Simple Social Studies Guided Curriculum: https://thesouthernteach.com/social-studies-curriculum/ Mentioned in this episode: Leave a Review for The Social Studies Teacher Podcast! Are you loving the podcast? I'd love to hear your feedback! Click the link to leave a review! Free Guided Lesson Sampler for Texas Social Studies Teachers Looking for a ready-to-use social studies lesson for your grade level? Grab a free guided lesson sample created specifically for Texas teachers. Choose from 3rd grade Communities, 4th grade Texas History, 5th grade U.S. History, 6th grade World Cultures, or 7th grade Texas History. Each sampler includes a teacher guide, lesson slideshow, digital version, guided notes, practice activity, exit ticket, answer keys, and more information about the full 36-week guided curriculum program. Download your free sampler and choose your grade level at thesouthernteach.com/lessons | |||
| Why Teachers Skip Social Studies | 09 Jun 2025 | 00:14:47 | |
Social studies often gets pushed to the back burner in elementary classrooms. But why? In this episode, I’m breaking down the two biggest challenges upper elementary social studies teachers face and sharing real solutions you can use starting tomorrow. Whether you’re struggling with limited time, lack of resources, or just feeling unsure where to start, you’re not alone - and there are solutions. If you want to teach engaging, standards-aligned social studies without the overwhelm, this video is for you. 🎯 What You’ll Learn:
Check out the Guided Curriculum Learn more about the Membership School Subscriptions for Texas Teachers Mentioned in this episode: Free Guided Lesson Sampler for Texas Social Studies Teachers Looking for a ready-to-use social studies lesson for your grade level? Grab a free guided lesson sample created specifically for Texas teachers. Choose from 3rd grade Communities, 4th grade Texas History, 5th grade U.S. History, 6th grade World Cultures, or 7th grade Texas History. Each sampler includes a teacher guide, lesson slideshow, digital version, guided notes, practice activity, exit ticket, answer keys, and more information about the full 36-week guided curriculum program. Download your free sampler and choose your grade level at thesouthernteach.com/lessons Leave a Review for The Social Studies Teacher Podcast! Are you loving the podcast? I'd love to hear your feedback! Click the link to leave a review! | |||
| My Favorite Teacher Fonts to Use for the Classroom | 26 May 2025 | 00:17:10 | |
Fonts might seem like a small detail, but in the classroom, they can make a big impact. Whether you’re designing anchor charts, worksheets, slideshows, or decor, the right font can boost readability, student engagement, and your overall classroom vibe. In this episode, I’m sharing my go-to fonts from Google Fonts, Microsoft Office, Canva, and TPT - plus tips on how to use them effectively and where to find the best teacher-friendly options for your next project (or next school year!). Episode Highlights:
If you’ve ever found yourself down a rabbit hole searching for the perfect font… this one’s for you! Resources and Links https://ladybugsteacherfiles.com/how-to-find-new-google-fonts-fast/ https://thesouthernteach.com/blog/font-pairing-tips/ Let's Connect! Mentioned in this episode: Free Guided Lesson Sampler for Texas Social Studies Teachers Looking for a ready-to-use social studies lesson for your grade level? Grab a free guided lesson sample created specifically for Texas teachers. Choose from 3rd grade Communities, 4th grade Texas History, 5th grade U.S. History, 6th grade World Cultures, or 7th grade Texas History. Each sampler includes a teacher guide, lesson slideshow, digital version, guided notes, practice activity, exit ticket, answer keys, and more information about the full 36-week guided curriculum program. Download your free sampler and choose your grade level at thesouthernteach.com/lessons Leave a Review for The Social Studies Teacher Podcast! Are you loving the podcast? I'd love to hear your feedback! Click the link to leave a review! | |||
| Learning History Through Literature: Historical Fiction Recommendations for Upper Elementary | 19 May 2025 | 00:18:07 | |
One of my absolute favorite ways to bring history to life is through historical fiction - and yep, it just so happens to be my favorite genre! In today’s episode, I’m sharing how you can use historical fiction to help your upper elementary students connect with the past in a meaningful, memorable way. From book recs to tips for incorporating these stories into your social studies block, you’ll walk away with fresh ideas for making history feel real. Episode Highlights:
Books open doors - and in this case, they just might open a window into the past for your students. Resources and Links https://www.goodreads.com/shelf/show/historical-fiction-picture-books https://www.goodreads.com/shelf/show/5th-grade-historical-fiction https://shop.scholastic.com/teachers-ecommerce/teacher/genre/historical-fiction.html?p=1&n=20 Let's Connect! Mentioned in this episode: Leave a Review for The Social Studies Teacher Podcast! Are you loving the podcast? I'd love to hear your feedback! Click the link to leave a review! Free Guided Lesson Sampler for Texas Social Studies Teachers Looking for a ready-to-use social studies lesson for your grade level? Grab a free guided lesson sample created specifically for Texas teachers. Choose from 3rd grade Communities, 4th grade Texas History, 5th grade U.S. History, 6th grade World Cultures, or 7th grade Texas History. Each sampler includes a teacher guide, lesson slideshow, digital version, guided notes, practice activity, exit ticket, answer keys, and more information about the full 36-week guided curriculum program. Download your free sampler and choose your grade level at thesouthernteach.com/lessons | |||
| 5 Social Studies Activity Ideas for the Last Week of School | 12 May 2025 | 00:16:22 | |
The last week of school is here, and let’s be honest - it’s wild, unpredictable, and full of energy. In this episode, I’m sharing five simple, low-prep social studies activities that are perfect for those short, chaotic time blocks. These ideas will help you wrap up the year with purpose and keep your students engaged while still reinforcing key social studies skills. Whether you're trying to fill 10 minutes or plan a whole class period, these activities are fun, meaningful, and easy to implement. Episode Highlights:
You don’t need a lot of time or energy to make the end of the year special - just hit play and grab an idea or two to finish strong! Resources and Links https://thesouthernteach.com/blog/jeopardy-fun-social-studies-activity/ Let's Connect! Mentioned in this episode: Leave a Review for The Social Studies Teacher Podcast! Are you loving the podcast? I'd love to hear your feedback! Click the link to leave a review! Free Guided Lesson Sampler for Texas Social Studies Teachers Looking for a ready-to-use social studies lesson for your grade level? Grab a free guided lesson sample created specifically for Texas teachers. Choose from 3rd grade Communities, 4th grade Texas History, 5th grade U.S. History, 6th grade World Cultures, or 7th grade Texas History. Each sampler includes a teacher guide, lesson slideshow, digital version, guided notes, practice activity, exit ticket, answer keys, and more information about the full 36-week guided curriculum program. Download your free sampler and choose your grade level at thesouthernteach.com/lessons | |||
| 100 Years of Social Studies: What’s Changed & What Hasn’t | 05 May 2025 | 00:39:27 | |
Welcome to the 100th episode of The Social Studies Teacher Podcast! 🎉 I truly can’t believe we’ve made it to triple digits. I’m beyond grateful for this community of amazing educators, and I thought it’d be fun to celebrate by taking a trip back in time. In this episode, we’re looking at 100 years of social studies - what’s changed since 1925, and what surprisingly hasn’t. From old-school textbooks to the way geography and history were taught, we’re diving into the past to better understand the present (and maybe even spark a few ideas for the future). Episode Highlights:
Thanks for being part of this milestone moment - here’s to 100 more episodes of making social studies simple, engaging, and fun! Resources and Links Let's Connect! Mentioned in this episode: Free Guided Lesson Sampler for Texas Social Studies Teachers Looking for a ready-to-use social studies lesson for your grade level? Grab a free guided lesson sample created specifically for Texas teachers. Choose from 3rd grade Communities, 4th grade Texas History, 5th grade U.S. History, 6th grade World Cultures, or 7th grade Texas History. Each sampler includes a teacher guide, lesson slideshow, digital version, guided notes, practice activity, exit ticket, answer keys, and more information about the full 36-week guided curriculum program. Download your free sampler and choose your grade level at thesouthernteach.com/lessons Leave a Review for The Social Studies Teacher Podcast! Are you loving the podcast? I'd love to hear your feedback! Click the link to leave a review! | |||
| Social Studies at Home – 5 Steps for Parents on Having Important Conversations with Your Kids | 28 Apr 2025 | 00:18:45 | |
Social studies isn’t just a subject we teach in school - it’s happening all around us, every single day! From historical events and current news to civic engagement and even the geography of where we live, there are so many ways to help kids connect with the world in a meaningful way. And as parents, we have a unique opportunity to guide them in developing critical thinking skills, empathy, and a deeper understanding of history and society. In this episode, I’m sharing simple, realistic ways to bring social studies into everyday conversations - without making it feel like another lesson! Whether you're a parent looking to spark meaningful discussions or a homeschooling family wanting to integrate social studies naturally, these strategies will make it easy and engaging. Episode Highlights
Social studies isn’t just about memorizing facts—it’s about understanding the world and our place in it. Let’s make it something our kids actually enjoy talking about. Tune in for simple, doable strategies you can start using today! Resources and Links https://thesouthernteach.com/blog/hands-on-social-studies/ smartandsimplesocialstudies.com Let's Connect! Mentioned in this episode: Free Guided Lesson Sampler for Texas Social Studies Teachers Looking for a ready-to-use social studies lesson for your grade level? Grab a free guided lesson sample created specifically for Texas teachers. Choose from 3rd grade Communities, 4th grade Texas History, 5th grade U.S. History, 6th grade World Cultures, or 7th grade Texas History. Each sampler includes a teacher guide, lesson slideshow, digital version, guided notes, practice activity, exit ticket, answer keys, and more information about the full 36-week guided curriculum program. Download your free sampler and choose your grade level at thesouthernteach.com/lessons Leave a Review for The Social Studies Teacher Podcast! Are you loving the podcast? I'd love to hear your feedback! Click the link to leave a review! | |||
| Teacher Time-Savers: Planning, Grading & Managing Social Studies Efficiently | 21 Apr 2025 | 00:18:33 | |
Between lesson planning, grading, managing a classroom, and actually teaching, it always seems to feel like there just aren’t enough hours in the day! But here’s the good news: there are simple strategies you can use to save time without sacrificing quality instruction. In today’s episode, I’m sharing seven time-saving tips to help you plan, grade, and manage social studies more efficiently. These strategies will help you spend less time on paperwork and more time engaging with your students. Episode Highlights:
If you’re looking for ways to lighten your workload and make social studies more manageable, this episode is for you! Resources and Links https://thesouthernteach.com/blog/grading-tips/ https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Time-Management-Strategies-for-Teachers-6262172 Let's Connect! Mentioned in this episode: Free Guided Lesson Sampler for Texas Social Studies Teachers Looking for a ready-to-use social studies lesson for your grade level? Grab a free guided lesson sample created specifically for Texas teachers. Choose from 3rd grade Communities, 4th grade Texas History, 5th grade U.S. History, 6th grade World Cultures, or 7th grade Texas History. Each sampler includes a teacher guide, lesson slideshow, digital version, guided notes, practice activity, exit ticket, answer keys, and more information about the full 36-week guided curriculum program. Download your free sampler and choose your grade level at thesouthernteach.com/lessons Leave a Review for The Social Studies Teacher Podcast! Are you loving the podcast? I'd love to hear your feedback! Click the link to leave a review! | |||
| BONUS Episode: 10 Fun Ways to Build a Classroom Community at End of Year | 17 Apr 2025 | 00:18:28 | |
As the end of the school year approaches, it’s completely normal for students to start counting down the days until summer break - let’s be honest, teachers do the same! But just because the finish line is in sight doesn’t mean engagement has to drop. In this episode, we’ll explore 10 ways to keep students motivated while fostering a positive and supportive learning environment. By creating opportunities for students to connect with one another, we can wrap up the year on a high note and make those final weeks meaningful and enjoyable. Tune in for practical strategies that will help you maintain engagement, build community, and make the most of the time you have left with your students! Resources and Links A Letter from Your Teacher End of Year Let's Connect! Mentioned in this episode: Leave a Review for The Social Studies Teacher Podcast! Are you loving the podcast? I'd love to hear your feedback! Click the link to leave a review! Free Guided Lesson Sampler for Texas Social Studies Teachers Looking for a ready-to-use social studies lesson for your grade level? Grab a free guided lesson sample created specifically for Texas teachers. Choose from 3rd grade Communities, 4th grade Texas History, 5th grade U.S. History, 6th grade World Cultures, or 7th grade Texas History. Each sampler includes a teacher guide, lesson slideshow, digital version, guided notes, practice activity, exit ticket, answer keys, and more information about the full 36-week guided curriculum program. Download your free sampler and choose your grade level at thesouthernteach.com/lessons | |||
| The Future of Social Studies: How AI & Technology Are Changing the Way We Teach | 14 Apr 2025 | 00:20:33 | |
With advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and edtech tools, the way we plan and teach social studies is evolving faster than ever. Whether you’re looking to streamline lesson planning or engage students with interactive resources, this episode is packed with insights on how AI and technology can enhance your teaching. Episode Highlights
AI isn’t here to replace teachers - it’s here to help us work smarter, not harder! Resources and Links https://artsandculture.google.com/ Let's Connect! Mentioned in this episode: Leave a Review for The Social Studies Teacher Podcast! Are you loving the podcast? I'd love to hear your feedback! Click the link to leave a review! Free Guided Lesson Sampler for Texas Social Studies Teachers Looking for a ready-to-use social studies lesson for your grade level? Grab a free guided lesson sample created specifically for Texas teachers. Choose from 3rd grade Communities, 4th grade Texas History, 5th grade U.S. History, 6th grade World Cultures, or 7th grade Texas History. Each sampler includes a teacher guide, lesson slideshow, digital version, guided notes, practice activity, exit ticket, answer keys, and more information about the full 36-week guided curriculum program. Download your free sampler and choose your grade level at thesouthernteach.com/lessons | |||
| 4 Simple Engagement Hacks for Boring Social Studies Units | 07 Apr 2025 | 00:20:01 | |
Let’s be real—some social studies topics can feel dry, complex, or just plain overwhelming for students. But what if I told you there are simple ways to make even the most challenging content engaging and meaningful? In this episode, I’m sharing four easy-to-implement hacks that will transform your social studies lessons and get your students excited to learn. Episode Highlights: ✅ Hack #1: Start with a Story – Capture attention and make history personal with powerful storytelling. ✅ Hack #2: Gamify the Content – Turn learning into a fun and interactive experience. ✅ Hack #3: Use Primary Sources in a Hands-On Way – Bring history to life with real artifacts and documents. ✅ Hack #4: Bring Social Studies to Life with Hands-On Projects – Engage students with creative and immersive learning experiences. If you’re looking for fresh ways to engage your students and make social studies a class they look forward to, this episode is for you! Resources and Links 4 Steps to Hooking Social Studies for Students Conducting Book Projects in Grades 3-5 Let's Connect! Mentioned in this episode: Free Guided Lesson Sampler for Texas Social Studies Teachers Looking for a ready-to-use social studies lesson for your grade level? Grab a free guided lesson sample created specifically for Texas teachers. Choose from 3rd grade Communities, 4th grade Texas History, 5th grade U.S. History, 6th grade World Cultures, or 7th grade Texas History. Each sampler includes a teacher guide, lesson slideshow, digital version, guided notes, practice activity, exit ticket, answer keys, and more information about the full 36-week guided curriculum program. Download your free sampler and choose your grade level at thesouthernteach.com/lessons Leave a Review for The Social Studies Teacher Podcast! Are you loving the podcast? I'd love to hear your feedback! Click the link to leave a review! | |||
| Causes of the Civil War (and How to Effectively Teach It To Students) | 31 Mar 2025 | 00:18:37 | |
Today we’re diving into a foundational topic that every upper elementary teacher needs to cover at some point: the causes of the Civil War. Whether you’re teaching it for the first time or looking for a refresher, this episode will help you go beyond surface-level explanations and give your students the context they need to understand this critical period in U.S. history. Episode Highlights
Resources and Links Unit 8 American Civil War Unit Let's Connect! Mentioned in this episode: Leave a Review for The Social Studies Teacher Podcast! Are you loving the podcast? I'd love to hear your feedback! Click the link to leave a review! Free Guided Lesson Sampler for Texas Social Studies Teachers Looking for a ready-to-use social studies lesson for your grade level? Grab a free guided lesson sample created specifically for Texas teachers. Choose from 3rd grade Communities, 4th grade Texas History, 5th grade U.S. History, 6th grade World Cultures, or 7th grade Texas History. Each sampler includes a teacher guide, lesson slideshow, digital version, guided notes, practice activity, exit ticket, answer keys, and more information about the full 36-week guided curriculum program. Download your free sampler and choose your grade level at thesouthernteach.com/lessons | |||
| 7 Engaging Ways to Use Task Cards | 24 Mar 2025 | 00:20:03 | |
If you’ve got a favorite set of task cards, get ready for some fresh and creative ways to use them in your classroom! In this episode, we’re diving into the many ways task cards can boost engagement, reinforce key concepts, and make learning more interactive. Whether you're using them for small groups, stations, or whole-class activities, you’ll walk away with practical strategies to maximize their impact! Episode Highlights
Resources and Links Reading Comprehension Task Cards Let's Connect! Mentioned in this episode: Free Guided Lesson Sampler for Texas Social Studies Teachers Looking for a ready-to-use social studies lesson for your grade level? Grab a free guided lesson sample created specifically for Texas teachers. Choose from 3rd grade Communities, 4th grade Texas History, 5th grade U.S. History, 6th grade World Cultures, or 7th grade Texas History. Each sampler includes a teacher guide, lesson slideshow, digital version, guided notes, practice activity, exit ticket, answer keys, and more information about the full 36-week guided curriculum program. Download your free sampler and choose your grade level at thesouthernteach.com/lessons Leave a Review for The Social Studies Teacher Podcast! Are you loving the podcast? I'd love to hear your feedback! Click the link to leave a review! | |||
| Coping and Regulation Supports for Test Anxiety with Caroline Koehler | 17 Mar 2025 | 00:30:35 | |
In Part 3 of our test prep series, we're sitting down with Caroline Koehler to tackle a topic every teacher encounters—test anxiety. She’s sharing expert insights on why students feel overwhelmed and, more importantly, how we can help them build confidence before test day. Tune in for practical strategies to create a calm, supportive test-taking environment! Episode Highlights:
Connect with our guest: https://www.instagram.com/carolinemsk/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCATkgk3-fK42QTXE-rCX5zw Resources and Links: SEL Activities Anxiety Support and Self-Regulation Testing Schedule Template Elementary and Secondary School Coordination Smart Cookie Activities and Worksheets Kids Stress Management Tool Teach Social Skills How to Cope Token Boards Template First Then Boards and I’m Working Bundle Let's Connect! Mentioned in this episode: Leave a Review for The Social Studies Teacher Podcast! Are you loving the podcast? I'd love to hear your feedback! Click the link to leave a review! Free Guided Lesson Sampler for Texas Social Studies Teachers Looking for a ready-to-use social studies lesson for your grade level? Grab a free guided lesson sample created specifically for Texas teachers. Choose from 3rd grade Communities, 4th grade Texas History, 5th grade U.S. History, 6th grade World Cultures, or 7th grade Texas History. Each sampler includes a teacher guide, lesson slideshow, digital version, guided notes, practice activity, exit ticket, answer keys, and more information about the full 36-week guided curriculum program. Download your free sampler and choose your grade level at thesouthernteach.com/lessons | |||
| Math Test Prep Strategies for Grades 3-5 with Cassi Noack | 10 Mar 2025 | 00:28:16 | |
In Part 2 of our test prep series, we're chatting with Cassi Noack of Minds in Bloom on how to effectively tackle math test prep! She’s sharing how task cards can be a game-changer and practical strategies to set students up for math standardized testing success. Don’t miss this episode packed with insights to help you focus your prep where it matters most! Episode Highlights
Connect with our guest: Follow Cassi on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mindsinbloom.tpt Resources and Links: Math/ELA Membership mibunlimited.com Let's Connect! Mentioned in this episode: Leave a Review for The Social Studies Teacher Podcast! Are you loving the podcast? I'd love to hear your feedback! Click the link to leave a review! Free Guided Lesson Sampler for Texas Social Studies Teachers Looking for a ready-to-use social studies lesson for your grade level? Grab a free guided lesson sample created specifically for Texas teachers. Choose from 3rd grade Communities, 4th grade Texas History, 5th grade U.S. History, 6th grade World Cultures, or 7th grade Texas History. Each sampler includes a teacher guide, lesson slideshow, digital version, guided notes, practice activity, exit ticket, answer keys, and more information about the full 36-week guided curriculum program. Download your free sampler and choose your grade level at thesouthernteach.com/lessons | |||
| ELA Test Prep Strategies for Success with Custom Classroom by Angela | 03 Mar 2025 | 00:51:28 | |
In Part 1 of our test prep series, we're joined by Angela of Custom Classroom by Angela to rethink what it really means to “teach to the test.” She’s sharing strategies to make ELA test prep meaningful, engaging, and effective—without sacrificing great instruction. Tune in for actionable tips to help your students feel confident and ready for test day! Episode Highlights
Connect with our guest: Youtube https://www.youtube.com/@customclassroombyangela Facebook https://www.facebook.com/people/Custom-Classroom-By-Angela/61550264731197/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/customclassroombyangela/ Resources and Links: 4 Week Boot Camp video https://youtu.be/NRSFGTremYY?si=3c3Bpv1whZSqfdjN Let's Connect! Mentioned in this episode: Leave a Review for The Social Studies Teacher Podcast! Are you loving the podcast? I'd love to hear your feedback! Click the link to leave a review! Free Guided Lesson Sampler for Texas Social Studies Teachers Looking for a ready-to-use social studies lesson for your grade level? Grab a free guided lesson sample created specifically for Texas teachers. Choose from 3rd grade Communities, 4th grade Texas History, 5th grade U.S. History, 6th grade World Cultures, or 7th grade Texas History. Each sampler includes a teacher guide, lesson slideshow, digital version, guided notes, practice activity, exit ticket, answer keys, and more information about the full 36-week guided curriculum program. Download your free sampler and choose your grade level at thesouthernteach.com/lessons | |||
| Try this Fun Social Studies Activity Before Spring Break! | 24 Feb 2025 | 00:14:02 | |
This episode is all about turning review time into game time, with a social studies activity that’s both educational and entertaining. Let’s dive in and talk about how to keep your students learning and having fun right before spring break! Resources and Links Let's Connect! Mentioned in this episode: Leave a Review for The Social Studies Teacher Podcast! Are you loving the podcast? I'd love to hear your feedback! Click the link to leave a review! Free Guided Lesson Sampler for Texas Social Studies Teachers Looking for a ready-to-use social studies lesson for your grade level? Grab a free guided lesson sample created specifically for Texas teachers. Choose from 3rd grade Communities, 4th grade Texas History, 5th grade U.S. History, 6th grade World Cultures, or 7th grade Texas History. Each sampler includes a teacher guide, lesson slideshow, digital version, guided notes, practice activity, exit ticket, answer keys, and more information about the full 36-week guided curriculum program. Download your free sampler and choose your grade level at thesouthernteach.com/lessons | |||