Advertise on podcast: The Social Studies Teacher Podcast

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: One-question exit ticketsWhole-class response checksClassroom discussionsStrategic grading 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 4 Grading Tips Let's Connect! Listen/watch on YouTube Shop TPT Resources Instagram Website Amazon 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! Rate and Review the Podcast 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

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: Mystery photographsWould-you-rather questionsMap mysteriesFact-or-fiction statementsOne-minute challenges 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 Teaching with Kahoot Tips Teaching with Technology Tips Let's Connect! Listen/watch on YouTube Shop TPT Resources Instagram Website Amazon 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! Rate and Review the Podcast

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: A clear learning objectiveFocused direct instructionOpportunities for student discussionMeaningful practiceA quick check for understanding 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 Guided Curriculum Social Studies Mini-Lessons (3-5) Social Studies Mini-Lessons (6-8) Let's Connect! Listen/watch on YouTube Shop TPT Resources Instagram Website Amazon 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! Rate and Review the Podcast

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: Simplify your lesson planningChoose fewer, more purposeful activitiesReuse classroom routines and activity formatsFocus on the most important contentReduce unnecessary grading 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! Listen/watch on YouTube Shop TPT Resources Instagram Website Amazon 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! Rate and Review the Podcast

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! Listen/watch on YouTube Shop TPT Resources Instagram Website Amazon 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! Rate and Review the Podcast

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:10 of my favorite teacher supplies for upper elementary teachersTips for using these supplies in social studiesIdeas for using these same supplies across other subjectsSimple ways to make your classroom more organized and engaging Related Resources and Links Blog Post - Episode 8Alesia MakesFull Focus PlannerPersonal LaminatorPersonal Paper TrimmerPost-It Chart PaperNeon Colors Dry Erase Pockets 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! Rate and Review the Podcast

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 VideoWhy passage-only instruction often leads to disengagementHow planning by unit saves time all year longWhy consistency matters more than long social studies blocksThe classroom routines every social studies teacher should establishHow to save time by using quality, ready-to-use resourcesSimple strategies to build an engaging and sustainable social studies routine 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! Rate and Review the Podcast 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

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: Starting with the basics of economicsMaking economics more interactiveUsing visual aids to support understandingExploring real-world examplesPromoting critical thinkingConnecting economics to current eventsEncouraging collaboration among students Resources and Links More Economics-related resources Economics Daily Passages 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! Rate and Review the Podcast 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

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: Starting with the basics of government and civicsUsing real-life examples students can understandAdding interactive activitiesIncorporating multimedia resourcesConnecting with community resourcesEncouraging critical thinkingPromoting active citizenshipReflecting and assessing student understandingMaking government and civics more fun Resources and Links Check out my government and civics daily passages! CNN10 is a great resource for this age! More government-related resources Civics-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! Rate and Review the Podcast 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

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: Knowing yourself and your studentsCreating a welcoming classroom environmentUsing stories and personal experiencesIncorporating hands-on activitiesExploring culture with technologyGetting students involvedAssessing student understanding 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! Rate and Review the Podcast 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

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: Connecting history to todayUsing primary sources with upper elementary studentsHelping students explore history like detectivesBringing historical events and people to lifeEncouraging critical thinkingReflecting on lessons learned from the past 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! Rate and Review the Podcast 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

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: Going back to the basics with geography skillsMaking geography relevant for studentsLearning about different culturesUsing technology in geography lessonsEncouraging student questionsConnecting geography with other subjectsPracticing map skillsHelping students better understand the worldTrying some of my favorite geography activity ideas 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! Rate and Review the Podcast 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

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: How to review your social studies standards without overcomplicating itWhy planning your first few weeks can make the biggest differenceSimple ways to organize your resources before school startsHow to create a repeatable routine for your social studies blockWhat to prep now so you are not scrambling later Resources and Links: Bootcamp 2026 Let's Connect! Listen/watch on YouTube Shop TPT Resources Instagram Website Amazon 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! Rate and Review the Podcast 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

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 Amazon Workbooks Social Studies Yearly Plan Episode Blog Post - Episode 122 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! Rate and Review the Podcast 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

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: Why teaching only historical facts can limit understandingWhat it means for students to think like historiansHow to start lessons with compelling historical questionsWays to model cause-and-effect thinking in historyUsing multiple perspectives to deepen understandingHow primary sources help students analyze evidenceConnecting historical events to issues in the presentA simple lesson structure that encourages historical thinking 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! Listen/watch on YouTube Shop TPT Resources Instagram Website Amazon 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! Rate and Review the Podcast 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