The Social Studies Teacher Podcast

How to Help Students Think Like Historians | Teaching the Why in Social Studies

Mon, 09 Mar 2026 05:00:00 -0500

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 understanding
What it means for students to think like historians
How to start lessons with compelling historical questions
Ways to model cause-and-effect thinking in history
Using multiple perspectives to deepen understanding
How primary sources help students analyze evidence
Connecting historical events to issues in the present
A 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.

Let's Connect!

Listen/watch on YouTube

Mentioned in this episode:

7th Grade Texas History Guided Curriculum (Growing Bundle)

A TEKS-aligned Texas History curriculum designed to make planning simple and instruction engaging. Organized units, ready-to-use lessons, and ongoing updates as new units are added! https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/7th-Texas-History-Grade-Social-Studies-Curriculum-GROWING-BUNDLE-TEKS-Aligned-15062423

5 Social Studies Guided Notes

Get guided notes covering 5 common social studies topics that are low-prep and easy to use as reference guides, anchor charts, and more!

Grab the Free Guided Notes!

4 Tips for Teaching Famous Figures Year-Round | Make Biographies Meaningful in Social Studies

Mon, 16 Feb 2026 05:00:00 -0500

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!

Listen/watch on YouTube

Mentioned in this episode:

7th Grade Texas History Guided Curriculum (Growing Bundle)

5 Social Studies Guided Notes

Get guided notes covering 5 common social studies topics that are low-prep and easy to use as reference guides, anchor charts, and more!

Grab the Free Guided Notes!

Texas SBOE Jan 2026 Updates - Social Studies Topics and Subtopics...TMI?

Sun, 08 Feb 2026 05:00:00 -0500

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:

Join a Work Group to help draft the TEKS standards. Apply here if you're interested! > https://tea.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0kqGjYG60zgSiSW
Email your SBOE district representative: https://sboe.texas.gov/state-board-of-education/sboe-board-members/sboe-members

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:

7th Grade Texas History Guided Curriculum (Growing Bundle)

5 Social Studies Guided Notes

Get guided notes covering 5 common social studies topics that are low-prep and easy to use as reference guides, anchor charts, and more!

Grab the Free Guided Notes!

Building Literacy Skills Through Social Studies - Reading and Writing Strategies

Mon, 19 Jan 2026 05:00:00 -0500

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:

How to integrate reading and writing into social studies lessons
Strategies for analyzing texts, maps, and primary sources
Ways to encourage evidence-based discussions and written responses
Ideas to promote critical thinking and comprehension across content areas

Teaching Tips:

Use short nonfiction passages to build content knowledge
Incorporate writing prompts tied to historical or civic themes
Model how to cite evidence from social studies texts
Pair literacy centers with map skills or document analysis activities

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!

Listen/watch on YouTube

Mentioned in this episode:

5 Social Studies Guided Notes

Get guided notes covering 5 common social studies topics that are low-prep and easy to use as reference guides, anchor charts, and more!

Grab the Free Guided Notes!

7th Grade Texas History Guided Curriculum (Growing Bundle)

Getting to Know Your Students - 9 Common Classroom Personalities

Mon, 05 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0500

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!

Listen/watch on YouTube

Mentioned in this episode:

7th Grade Texas History Guided Curriculum (Growing Bundle)

5 Social Studies Guided Notes

Get guided notes covering 5 common social studies topics that are low-prep and easy to use as reference guides, anchor charts, and more!

Grab the Free Guided Notes!

Teaching About Current Events | Helping Students Make Sense of the World Around Them

Mon, 15 Dec 2025 05:00:00 -0500

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:

Upper elementary and middle school social studies teachers
Classrooms with limited time for social studies
Teachers who want to foster curiosity and civic awareness

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:

Blog Post: Episode 117

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!

Listen/watch on YouTube

Mentioned in this episode:

7th Grade Texas History Guided Curriculum (Growing Bundle)

5 Social Studies Guided Notes

Get guided notes covering 5 common social studies topics that are low-prep and easy to use as reference guides, anchor charts, and more!

Grab the Free Guided Notes!

10K Downloads!! Top 10 Social Studies Teacher Podcast Episodes Special

Mon, 24 Nov 2025 05:00:00 -0500

🎉 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:

The most popular topics teachers keep coming back to
Quick takeaways from each episode
Why these lessons continue to inspire upper elementary classrooms

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:

7th Grade Texas History Guided Curriculum (Growing Bundle)

5 Social Studies Guided Notes

Get guided notes covering 5 common social studies topics that are low-prep and easy to use as reference guides, anchor charts, and more!

Grab the Free Guided Notes!

4 Ways to Make the Holidays Inclusive

Mon, 10 Nov 2025 05:00:00 -0500

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:

5 Social Studies Guided Notes

Get guided notes covering 5 common social studies topics that are low-prep and easy to use as reference guides, anchor charts, and more!

Grab the Free Guided Notes!

7th Grade Texas History Guided Curriculum (Growing Bundle)

8 Winter Holidays to Teach to Your Students

Mon, 27 Oct 2025 05:00:00 -0500

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:

Blog Post - Episode 114

🕯️ Winter Holidays Around the World Unit

🎄 Christmas Around the World Unit

📖 The Night of Las Posadas by Tomie DePaola

Let's Connect!

Listen/watch on YouTube

Mentioned in this episode:

7th Grade Texas History Guided Curriculum (Growing Bundle)

5 Social Studies Guided Notes

Get guided notes covering 5 common social studies topics that are low-prep and easy to use as reference guides, anchor charts, and more!

Grab the Free Guided Notes!

5 Key Components Every Social Studies Lesson Needs

Mon, 13 Oct 2025 05:00:00 -0500

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:

Blog post

Course: Social Studies Simplified

Learning Intentions Posters

Thirteen Colonies Unit

Let's Connect!

Listen/watch on YouTube

Mentioned in this episode:

7th Grade Texas History Guided Curriculum (Growing Bundle)

5 Social Studies Guided Notes

Get guided notes covering 5 common social studies topics that are low-prep and easy to use as reference guides, anchor charts, and more!

Grab the Free Guided Notes!

5 Strategies to Keep Students Engaged During History Videos

Mon, 29 Sep 2025 05:00:00 -0500

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:

Purposeful Viewing Guides
Pause and Discuss
Active Note-Taking Structures
Movement and Roles
Creative Post-Video Activities

Whether you’re teaching American history, state history, or world cultures, these tips will help your students focus, engage, and remember what they watch.

Blog Post - Episode 112

Let's Connect!

Listen/watch on YouTube

Mentioned in this episode:

5 Social Studies Guided Notes

Get guided notes covering 5 common social studies topics that are low-prep and easy to use as reference guides, anchor charts, and more!

Grab the Free Guided Notes!

7th Grade Texas History Guided Curriculum (Growing Bundle)

Make Learning Stick: 4 Easy Spiral Review Ideas for Social Studies

Mon, 15 Sep 2025 05:00:00 -0500

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:

What is Spiraling?
Why Spiraling is Important
4 Easy Strategies you can do ASAP

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

World Cultures Curriculum

Blog Post - Episode 111

Let's Connect!

Listen/watch on YouTube

Mentioned in this episode:

5 Social Studies Guided Notes

Get guided notes covering 5 common social studies topics that are low-prep and easy to use as reference guides, anchor charts, and more!

Grab the Free Guided Notes!

7th Grade Texas History Guided Curriculum (Growing Bundle)

Major Updates to the Texas Social Studies TEKS: What K–8 Teachers Need to Know

Sat, 13 Sep 2025 05:00:00 -0500

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:

The highlights of the SBOE’s September 2025 meeting
How each grade (K–8) will change under the new proposal
The move from 8 strands down to 5 strands
The timeline for implementation (likely 2030)
What this means for your classroom right now

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!

Listen/watch on YouTube

Mentioned in this episode:

5 Social Studies Guided Notes

Get guided notes covering 5 common social studies topics that are low-prep and easy to use as reference guides, anchor charts, and more!

Grab the Free Guided Notes!

7th Grade Texas History Guided Curriculum (Growing Bundle)

4 Fun Vocabulary Strategies Every Social Studies Teacher Needs

Mon, 01 Sep 2025 05:00:00 -0500

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:

Interactive Word Walls – bring words to life with skits, drawings, and hands-on activities.
Vocabulary Journals – help students build their own personalized “dictionary” for review.
Games and Movement – charades, four corners, bingo, and more!
Context and Stories – use real-world examples and storytelling to make words stick.

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:

Make social studies more engaging
Teach vocabulary beyond boring worksheets
Save time with easy-to-implement strategies

…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

Episode 110 Blog Post

Let's Connect!

Listen/watch on YouTube

Mentioned in this episode:

7th Grade Texas History Guided Curriculum (Growing Bundle)

5 Social Studies Guided Notes

Get guided notes covering 5 common social studies topics that are low-prep and easy to use as reference guides, anchor charts, and more!

Grab the Free Guided Notes!

4 Fun Social Studies Activities That Students Will Love

Mon, 18 Aug 2025 05:00:00 -0500

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

4 ready-to-use activities perfect for social studies centers or whole-group lessons
Ideas that build critical thinking, collaboration, and problem-solving skills
Ways to integrate history and geography with engaging projects
Low-prep activities that work with any social studies curriculum

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:

Daily Passage Review Bundle

Guided Notes Texas History

Guided Notes Upper Elementary

Project Bundle

All Learning Stations

Guided Curriculum

Blog Post - Episode 109

Let's Connect!

Listen/watch on YouTube

Mentioned in this episode:

7th Grade Texas History Guided Curriculum (Growing Bundle)

5 Social Studies Guided Notes

Get guided notes covering 5 common social studies topics that are low-prep and easy to use as reference guides, anchor charts, and more!

Grab the Free Guided Notes!

5 Engaging Literacy Center Activities for Grades 3-5

Mon, 04 Aug 2025 05:00:00 -0500

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:

Reading Response Menu Bundle

Writing Response Menu Bundle

Grammar and Vocabulary Task Card Bundle

Internet WebQuest Bundle

Academic Vocabulary Word of the Week - Grade 3, Grade 4, Grade 5

Blog Post - Episode 108

Let's Connect!

Listen/watch on YouTube

Mentioned in this episode:

5 Social Studies Guided Notes

Get guided notes covering 5 common social studies topics that are low-prep and easy to use as reference guides, anchor charts, and more!

Grab the Free Guided Notes!

7th Grade Texas History Guided Curriculum (Growing Bundle)

7 Social Studies Stations That Work in ELA or 30-Minute Blocks

Mon, 21 Jul 2025 05:00:00 -0500

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!)

🔗 Episode 107 Blog Post

🔗 Related post: 5 Literacy ELA Centers

Let's Connect!

Listen/watch on YouTube

Mentioned in this episode:

7th Grade Texas History Guided Curriculum (Growing Bundle)

5 Social Studies Guided Notes

Get guided notes covering 5 common social studies topics that are low-prep and easy to use as reference guides, anchor charts, and more!

Grab the Free Guided Notes!

First 10 Days of Social Studies Lesson Plans for Upper Elementary Teachers

Mon, 07 Jul 2025 05:00:00 -0500

🎉 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:

5 Social Studies Guided Notes

Get guided notes covering 5 common social studies topics that are low-prep and easy to use as reference guides, anchor charts, and more!

Grab the Free Guided Notes!

7th Grade Texas History Guided Curriculum (Growing Bundle)

Your Start-to-Finish Social Studies Plan

Mon, 23 Jun 2025 05:00:00 -0500

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:

A clear social studies pacing guide
Tips for balancing standards across the year
Real solutions that work in real classrooms

Links and Resources

Episode 105 - Blog Post

✅ 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:

5 Social Studies Guided Notes

Get guided notes covering 5 common social studies topics that are low-prep and easy to use as reference guides, anchor charts, and more!

Grab the Free Guided Notes!

7th Grade Texas History Guided Curriculum (Growing Bundle)

Why Teachers Skip Social Studies

Mon, 09 Jun 2025 05:00:00 -0500

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:

The top 2 challenges upper elementary teachers face with social studies
Why these issues are so common across schools
Simple, actionable ways to bring social studies back into your weekly routine

OG Blog Post

Famous People in History

Teaching Literary Nonfiction

Check out the Guided Curriculum

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Mentioned in this episode:

7th Grade Texas History Guided Curriculum (Growing Bundle)

5 Social Studies Guided Notes

Get guided notes covering 5 common social studies topics that are low-prep and easy to use as reference guides, anchor charts, and more!

Grab the Free Guided Notes!

My Favorite Teacher Fonts to Use for the Classroom

Mon, 26 May 2025 05:00:00 -0500

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:

My favorite Google Fonts
My GO-TO font available through Microsoft Office
Canva fonts that are perfect for classroom visuals
Where to find cute and clear fonts on TPT
Tips for choosing fonts that work with your content - not against it

If you’ve ever found yourself down a rabbit hole searching for the perfect font… this one’s for you!

Resources and Links

Blog Post - Episode 103

https://ladybugsteacherfiles.com/how-to-find-new-google-fonts-fast/

https://thesouthernteach.com/blog/font-pairing-tips/

KG Fonts

AG Fonts

KA Fonts

Let's Connect!

Listen/watch on YouTube

Mentioned in this episode:

7th Grade Texas History Guided Curriculum (Growing Bundle)

5 Social Studies Guided Notes

Get guided notes covering 5 common social studies topics that are low-prep and easy to use as reference guides, anchor charts, and more!

Grab the Free Guided Notes!

Learning History Through Literature: Historical Fiction Recommendations for Upper Elementary

Mon, 19 May 2025 05:00:00 -0500

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:

Why historical fiction is a powerful tool for teaching history
My top historical fiction recommendations for upper elementary
Creative ways to integrate literature into your social studies lessons

Books open doors - and in this case, they just might open a window into the past for your students.

Resources and Links

Blog Post - Episode 102

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!

Listen/watch on YouTube

Mentioned in this episode:

5 Social Studies Guided Notes

Get guided notes covering 5 common social studies topics that are low-prep and easy to use as reference guides, anchor charts, and more!

Grab the Free Guided Notes!

7th Grade Texas History Guided Curriculum (Growing Bundle)

5 Social Studies Activity Ideas for the Last Week of School

Mon, 12 May 2025 05:00:00 -0500

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:

“Where Do You Live?”
Classroom Timeline Capsule
Historical Figures Headbands
Create a Summer Road Trip Plan
Interview a Classmate or Family Member

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

Blog Post - Episode 101

https://thesouthernteach.com/blog/jeopardy-fun-social-studies-activity/

Let's Connect!

Listen/watch on YouTube

Mentioned in this episode:

5 Social Studies Guided Notes

Get guided notes covering 5 common social studies topics that are low-prep and easy to use as reference guides, anchor charts, and more!

Grab the Free Guided Notes!

7th Grade Texas History Guided Curriculum (Growing Bundle)

100 Years of Social Studies: What’s Changed & What Hasn’t

Mon, 05 May 2025 05:00:00 -0500

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:

A peek at what social studies textbooks looked like in 1925
How geography and world history were originally taught
The progress we’ve made in social studies education
What still needs to change for our students today

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

Blog Post - Episode 100

Let's Connect!

Listen/watch on YouTube

Mentioned in this episode:

5 Social Studies Guided Notes

Get guided notes covering 5 common social studies topics that are low-prep and easy to use as reference guides, anchor charts, and more!

Grab the Free Guided Notes!

7th Grade Texas History Guided Curriculum (Growing Bundle)

Social Studies at Home – 5 Steps for Parents on Having Important Conversations with Your Kids

Mon, 28 Apr 2025 05:00:00 -0500

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

Why Social Studies Conversations at Home Matter
5 Steps for Parents to Talk About Social Studies at Home
Additional Tips for Homeschooling Families

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

Blog Post - Episode 99

https://thesouthernteach.com/blog/hands-on-social-studies/

thesouthernteach.com

smartandsimplesocialstudies.com

Let's Connect!

Listen/watch on YouTube

Mentioned in this episode:

5 Social Studies Guided Notes

Get guided notes covering 5 common social studies topics that are low-prep and easy to use as reference guides, anchor charts, and more!

Grab the Free Guided Notes!

7th Grade Texas History Guided Curriculum (Growing Bundle)

Teacher Time-Savers: Planning, Grading & Managing Social Studies Efficiently

Mon, 21 Apr 2025 05:00:00 -0500

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:

Batch Your Lesson Planning – Plan smarter, not harder
Reuse & Adapt Resources – Make the most of what you already have
Use Self-Grading Quizzes – Cut down on grading time
Grade Assignments Efficiently – Strategies to speed up the process
Streamline Social Studies Stations & Group Work – Keep things organized and effective
Use AI & Tech Tools for Social Studies – Let technology do some of the heavy lifting
Set Work Time Limits & Stick to Them – Avoid overworking and stay on track

If you’re looking for ways to lighten your workload and make social studies more manageable, this episode is for you!

Resources and Links

Blog Post - Episode 98

https://thesouthernteach.com/blog/grading-tips/

https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Time-Management-Strategies-for-Teachers-6262172

Let's Connect!

Listen/watch on YouTube

Mentioned in this episode:

7th Grade Texas History Guided Curriculum (Growing Bundle)

5 Social Studies Guided Notes

Get guided notes covering 5 common social studies topics that are low-prep and easy to use as reference guides, anchor charts, and more!

Grab the Free Guided Notes!

BONUS Episode: 10 Fun Ways to Build a Classroom Community at End of Year

Thu, 17 Apr 2025 05:00:00 -0500

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

Blog Post - Episode 97

Geometrocity PBL Project

Enneagram for Big Kids

Emoji End of the Year Awards

A Letter from Your Teacher End of Year

Let's Connect!

Listen/watch on YouTube

Mentioned in this episode:

7th Grade Texas History Guided Curriculum (Growing Bundle)

5 Social Studies Guided Notes

Get guided notes covering 5 common social studies topics that are low-prep and easy to use as reference guides, anchor charts, and more!

Grab the Free Guided Notes!

The Future of Social Studies: How AI & Technology Are Changing the Way We Teach

Mon, 14 Apr 2025 05:00:00 -0500

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

What is AI?
How has AI evolved over time?
My favorite tools to enhance instruction using AI

AI isn’t here to replace teachers - it’s here to help us work smarter, not harder!

Resources and Links

Blog Post - Episode 96

https://artsandculture.google.com/

Google Earth

Google Gemini

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Mentioned in this episode:

5 Social Studies Guided Notes

Get guided notes covering 5 common social studies topics that are low-prep and easy to use as reference guides, anchor charts, and more!

Grab the Free Guided Notes!

7th Grade Texas History Guided Curriculum (Growing Bundle)

4 Simple Engagement Hacks for Boring Social Studies Units

Mon, 07 Apr 2025 05:00:00 -0500

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

Blog Post - Episode 95

4 Steps to Hooking Social Studies for Students

Teaching With WebQuests

Using Primary Sources

Conducting Book Projects in Grades 3-5

4 PBL Project Ideas

Let's Connect!

Listen/watch on YouTube

Mentioned in this episode:

7th Grade Texas History Guided Curriculum (Growing Bundle)

5 Social Studies Guided Notes

Get guided notes covering 5 common social studies topics that are low-prep and easy to use as reference guides, anchor charts, and more!

Grab the Free Guided Notes!

Causes of the Civil War (and How to Effectively Teach It To Students)

Mon, 31 Mar 2025 05:00:00 -0500

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

Enslavement as the central issue
States' rights vs Federal power
Economic and cultural differences
The role of westward expansion
The election of Abraham Lincoln
Teaching tips for the causes of the Civil War

Resources and Links

Blog Post - Episode 94

Unit 8 American Civil War Unit

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Listen/watch on YouTube

Mentioned in this episode:

5 Social Studies Guided Notes

Get guided notes covering 5 common social studies topics that are low-prep and easy to use as reference guides, anchor charts, and more!

Grab the Free Guided Notes!

7th Grade Texas History Guided Curriculum (Growing Bundle)

7 Engaging Ways to Use Task Cards

Mon, 24 Mar 2025 05:00:00 -0500

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

What task cards are and why they are beneficial for students
7 engaging and fun ideas to use task cards in a variety of ways

Resources and Links

Blog Post - Episode 93

Social Studies Task Cards

Reading Comprehension Task Cards

Grammar Task Cards

Let's Connect!

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Mentioned in this episode:

5 Social Studies Guided Notes

Get guided notes covering 5 common social studies topics that are low-prep and easy to use as reference guides, anchor charts, and more!

Grab the Free Guided Notes!

7th Grade Texas History Guided Curriculum (Growing Bundle)

Coping and Regulation Supports for Test Anxiety with Caroline Koehler

Mon, 17 Mar 2025 05:00:00 -0500

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:

What test anxiety is and how it typically shows up in students
Effective coping strategies that teachers can teach students to help them manage test anxiety
How to balance preparing students for tests while avoiding overwhelming them with pressure
How to support students who have severe test anxiety or other regulation challenges
Tips to involve parents in helping their children cope with test anxiety at home

Connect with our guest:

Celavora Education Website

https://www.instagram.com/carolinemsk/

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCATkgk3-fK42QTXE-rCX5zw

Resources and Links:

Blog Post - Episode 92

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!

Listen/watch on YouTube

Mentioned in this episode:

7th Grade Texas History Guided Curriculum (Growing Bundle)

5 Social Studies Guided Notes

Get guided notes covering 5 common social studies topics that are low-prep and easy to use as reference guides, anchor charts, and more!

Grab the Free Guided Notes!

Math Test Prep Strategies for Grades 3-5 with Cassi Noack

Mon, 10 Mar 2025 05:00:00 -0500

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

Some of the biggest challenges teachers face when preparing students for state standardized math tests
The MOST important thing to do in order to prep your students for the test
How to keep students engaged and motivated during test prep without it feeling repetitive or overwhelming
Quick and easy test prep strategies that teachers can implement right away

Connect with our guest:

Follow Cassi on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mindsinbloom.tpt

Minds in Bloom Website

Resources and Links:

Blog Post - Episode 91

Math/ELA Membership mibunlimited.com

Let's Connect!

Listen/watch on YouTube

Mentioned in this episode:

5 Social Studies Guided Notes

Get guided notes covering 5 common social studies topics that are low-prep and easy to use as reference guides, anchor charts, and more!

Grab the Free Guided Notes!

7th Grade Texas History Guided Curriculum (Growing Bundle)

ELA Test Prep Strategies for Success with Custom Classroom by Angela

Mon, 03 Mar 2025 05:00:00 -0500

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

The toughest part of getting students ready for high-stakes ELA tests
Simple but effective ways teachers can help students understand how a test is structured so they feel confident going into test day
Easy ways teachers can help students break down and understand tough vocabulary
Best test-tasking strategies to "be smarter than the test"
Ways to can prep students without making it feel overwhelming
Steps to putting together a solid ELA test prep plan

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:

Blog Post - Episode 90

Best selling ELA Test Prep Bundle https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/STAAR-ELA-Reading-Test-Prep-Passages-Comprehension-Questions-3rd-4th-5th-Grade-4489775

4 Week Boot Camp video https://youtu.be/NRSFGTremYY?si=3c3Bpv1whZSqfdjN

Let's Connect!

Listen/watch on YouTube

Mentioned in this episode:

5 Social Studies Guided Notes

Get guided notes covering 5 common social studies topics that are low-prep and easy to use as reference guides, anchor charts, and more!

Grab the Free Guided Notes!

7th Grade Texas History Guided Curriculum (Growing Bundle)

Try this Fun Social Studies Activity Before Spring Break!

Mon, 24 Feb 2025 05:00:00 -0500

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

Blog Post - Episode 89

EduAide.Ai

Digital Jeopardy Templates

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Mentioned in this episode:

5 Social Studies Guided Notes

Get guided notes covering 5 common social studies topics that are low-prep and easy to use as reference guides, anchor charts, and more!

Grab the Free Guided Notes!

7th Grade Texas History Guided Curriculum (Growing Bundle)

6 Ways to Engage Students Through Hands-On Social Studies Projects and Activities

Mon, 17 Feb 2025 05:00:00 -0500

If you’ve ever wondered how to make your lessons more engaging and memorable, you’re in the right place! In this episode, I’ll share creative strategies like using historical fiction, debates, and interactive timelines to help your students connect with the content, encourage active learning, and even develop empathy for the people and events they’re studying.

Episode Highlights

Bringing history to life with historical fiction
Sparking engagement with debates on historical and cultural topics
Creating interactive timelines
Designing cultural exploration projects
Engaging with primary sources and mock scenarios
Building hands-on geography projects

Resources and Links

Blog Post - Episode 88

Using Timelines in Social Studies

Library of Congress - Primary Sources

Let's Connect!

Listen/watch on YouTube

Mentioned in this episode:

5 Social Studies Guided Notes

Get guided notes covering 5 common social studies topics that are low-prep and easy to use as reference guides, anchor charts, and more!

Grab the Free Guided Notes!

7th Grade Texas History Guided Curriculum (Growing Bundle)

3 Important Things to Teach Upper Elementary Students about Black History Month

Mon, 10 Feb 2025 05:00:00 -0500

While it’s easy to focus on well-known figures like Martin Luther King Jr. or Rosa Parks, Black History Month is an opportunity to go deeper and share a more comprehensive understanding of Black history and culture. Today, I’m sharing three important things to focus on with your students during Black History Month that can spark meaningful conversations, build empathy, and promote a greater understanding of history.

Episode Highlights

Black History Is American History
Highlight Unsung Heroes and Everyday Stories
Explore Black Culture Beyond Struggle

Resources and Links

Blog Post - Episode 87

My Black History Month unit has all of these elements ready to go for you - check it out here

Try the Webquest about the Civil Rights Movement here

Let's Connect!

Listen/watch on YouTube

Mentioned in this episode:

5 Social Studies Guided Notes

Get guided notes covering 5 common social studies topics that are low-prep and easy to use as reference guides, anchor charts, and more!

Grab the Free Guided Notes!

7th Grade Texas History Guided Curriculum (Growing Bundle)

What if I Get it Wrong? Tips to Teach Sensitive Social Studies Topics

Mon, 03 Feb 2025 05:00:00 -0500

If you’ve ever felt a knot in your stomach thinking, What if I get it wrong? What if I offend someone or give the wrong information?—you’re not alone. Teaching sensitive topics can be daunting, but it’s also incredibly important. Whether it’s discussing historical injustices, social movements, or cultural differences, these lessons help students understand the world, think critically, and develop empathy.

In this episode, I’m going to share strategies for approaching these discussions with care, ensuring accuracy and student engagement, and avoiding common pitfalls. By the end of this episode, I hope you’ll feel more confident and prepared to tackle sensitive topics without fear.

Episode Highlights

Why Teaching Sensitive Topics Matters
Acknowledge Your Fears and Do the Prep Work
Create a Safe Space for Discussion
Strategies for Teaching Sensitive Topics
Addressing Mistakes and Feedback
Teaching Without Fear

Resources and Links

Blog Post - Episode 86

https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/the-southern-teach

https://thesouthernteach.com/blog/primary-sources/

Let's Connect!

Listen/watch on YouTube

Mentioned in this episode:

5 Social Studies Guided Notes

Get guided notes covering 5 common social studies topics that are low-prep and easy to use as reference guides, anchor charts, and more!

Grab the Free Guided Notes!

7th Grade Texas History Guided Curriculum (Growing Bundle)

A Behind the Scenes Look at the Smart and Simple Social Studies Guided Curriculum

Mon, 27 Jan 2025 05:00:00 -0500

Take a look inside my guided curriculum today. I'll be sharing characteristics of each 36-week program, student and teacher features available (and what makes the guided curriculum SO great), some reviews from teachers who use this curriculum, and also a sneak peek of what related products are coming soon!

Resources and Links

Blog Post - Episode 85

3rd Grade Communities Guided Curriculum

4th Grade Texas History Guided Curriculum

5th Grade U.S. History Guided Curriculum

Let's Connect!

Listen/watch on YouTube

Mentioned in this episode:

5 Social Studies Guided Notes

Get guided notes covering 5 common social studies topics that are low-prep and easy to use as reference guides, anchor charts, and more!

Grab the Free Guided Notes!

7th Grade Texas History Guided Curriculum (Growing Bundle)

5 Fun Book Project Ideas for Upper Elementary

Mon, 20 Jan 2025 05:00:00 -0500

Book projects don't just help students learn, they inspire them to explore, create and share their voices, and it's a great way to integrate ELA and social studies altogether. Let's explore 5 of my favorite project options!

Episode Highlights

What is a book project?
Why try book projects?
Ideas your students will love
Why book projects work
Book recommendations for upper elementary projects
Tips for success with book projects

Resources and Links

Blog Post - Episode 84

Chapter Book Series Recommendations

Using Multiple Intelligences in the Classroom

Multiple Intelligences Choice Boards

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Listen/watch on YouTube

Mentioned in this episode:

5 Social Studies Guided Notes

Get guided notes covering 5 common social studies topics that are low-prep and easy to use as reference guides, anchor charts, and more!

Grab the Free Guided Notes!

7th Grade Texas History Guided Curriculum (Growing Bundle)

4 PBL Project Ideas That Your Students Will LOVE

Mon, 13 Jan 2025 05:00:00 -0500

Engagement, assessments, and more - here are 4 PBL project ideas that you won't want to miss!

Resources and Links

Blog Post - Episode 83

Create a Map Project - Map and Globes Unit

Adventuring Budgeting Project - Ways to Earn Money Unit

Mission and Presidio Project - Early Texas Settlements Unit

American Revolution Quilt Project - American Revolution Unit

Let's Connect!

Listen/watch on YouTube

Mentioned in this episode:

5 Social Studies Guided Notes

Get guided notes covering 5 common social studies topics that are low-prep and easy to use as reference guides, anchor charts, and more!

Grab the Free Guided Notes!

7th Grade Texas History Guided Curriculum (Growing Bundle)

Why Reviews Matter: Unlocking the Benefits of Leaving Feedback on TPT

Mon, 06 Jan 2025 05:00:00 -0500

Leaving a review on Teachers Pay Teachers (TPT) isn’t just about giving feedback; it’s a simple way to support other educators, improve your own resource library, and earn some nice perks along the way! Here’s a quick guide to the benefits of leaving reviews, how to do it, and why it’s worth your time.

Episode Highlights

benefits of leaving reviews on TPT
how to leave a review on TPT
perks of leaving reviews
tips for writing an effective TPT review

Resources and Links

Blog Post - Episode 82

Leave a review on TPT

Review The Southern Teach TPT resources

Leave a review on my Website Store

Let's Connect!

Listen/watch on YouTube

Mentioned in this episode:

5 Social Studies Guided Notes

Get guided notes covering 5 common social studies topics that are low-prep and easy to use as reference guides, anchor charts, and more!

Grab the Free Guided Notes!

7th Grade Texas History Guided Curriculum (Growing Bundle)

Fun Facts and Surprising Stories: 4 Steps to Hooking Students on Social Studies

Mon, 30 Dec 2024 05:00:00 -0500

Incorporating humor, weird facts, and unexpected historical tidbits might be the secret sauce for student engagement!

Fun, surprising stories about historical events or people can be an effective way to capture attention and foster curiosity in social studies. This episode is filled with examples to help you plan for the new year in a fresh way.

Episode Highlights

Start with weird or surprising facts
Use humor to humanize historical figures
Tie surprising stories to key concepts

Resources and Links

Blog Post - Episode 81

Paul Revere's Ride

Project Choice Board Ideas

Let's Connect!

Listen/watch on YouTube

Mentioned in this episode:

7th Grade Texas History Guided Curriculum (Growing Bundle)

5 Social Studies Guided Notes

Get guided notes covering 5 common social studies topics that are low-prep and easy to use as reference guides, anchor charts, and more!

Grab the Free Guided Notes!

How I Gained Confidence in Teaching Tricky Social Studies Topics

Mon, 23 Dec 2024 05:00:00 -0500

In this episode, I’ll share my personal journey as a 5th-grade teacher who felt intimidated by certain social studies topics that I wasn’t familiar or confident in teaching. I'll discuss the anxiety of potentially giving incorrect information and how it impacted my approach to teaching these subjects.

You’ll hear about the steps I took to overcome that fear, including the resources I used, the importance of continued learning, and how I built the confidence to teach topics I once avoided.

This episode will help fellow teachers feel empowered to tackle those intimidating subjects and give practical tips on how to handle tough content, ensuring you and your students succeed!

Episode Highlights

The anxiety of teaching what you don't know
How I started building confidence
Building confidence over time
Practical tips for teaching tough topics

Resources and Links

Blog Post - Episode 80

How to Teach Using Timelines

How to Use Primary Sources

Facebook Group - Upper Elementary Social Studies Teachers

Let's Connect!

Listen/watch on YouTube

Mentioned in this episode:

7th Grade Texas History Guided Curriculum (Growing Bundle)

5 Social Studies Guided Notes

Get guided notes covering 5 common social studies topics that are low-prep and easy to use as reference guides, anchor charts, and more!

Grab the Free Guided Notes!

3 Simple Strategies for Assessing Social Studies Learning Without the Stress

Mon, 16 Dec 2024 05:00:00 -0500

Assessing student learning is essential but it can also feel overwhelming to plan. In today’s episode, I’m sharing three simple strategies for assessing social studies learning that are effective and low-stress. Ready to take the pressure off and make assessment more manageable? Let’s jump in!

Episode Highlights

Quick and simple quizzes
Creative projects for deeper learning
Informal assessments through class discussions and journals

Resources and Links

Blog Post - Episode 79

Guided Curriculum units

Daily Passages

Let's Connect!

Listen/watch on YouTube

Mentioned in this episode:

7th Grade Texas History Guided Curriculum (Growing Bundle)

5 Social Studies Guided Notes

Get guided notes covering 5 common social studies topics that are low-prep and easy to use as reference guides, anchor charts, and more!

Grab the Free Guided Notes!

5 Key Components to Include in a Social Studies Lesson

Mon, 09 Dec 2024 05:00:00 -0500

Every social studies lesson should have 5 key components to ensure it’s effective, engaging, and meaningful for students. Whether you’re teaching geography, history, civics, or economics, these essential elements will help you structure your lessons in a way that promotes deeper understanding and keeps your students interested.

Episode Highlights

Clear learning objectives
An engaging hook or introduction
Active learning and student engagement
Primary sources or real world examples
Reflection and assessment

Resources and Links

Blog Post - Episode 78

Three Branches of Government Unit

A Guide to Learning Intention and Success Criteria

7 Fun Social Studies Activity Ideas

How to Use Primary Sources

Let's Connect!

Listen/watch on YouTube

Mentioned in this episode:

5 Social Studies Guided Notes

Get guided notes covering 5 common social studies topics that are low-prep and easy to use as reference guides, anchor charts, and more!

Grab the Free Guided Notes!

7th Grade Texas History Guided Curriculum (Growing Bundle)

4 Easy Ways to Teach History Without Boring Your Students

Mon, 02 Dec 2024 05:00:00 -0500

Taking complex or traditionally dry social studies topics and transforming them into simple, fun lessons your students will love can be a challenge. Whether it’s trying to explain the complexities of government or the timeline of ancient civilizations, some social studies content can feel daunting for our students—and for us!

But don’t worry, I’ll share some techniques for breaking these topics down and making them not only digestible but also enjoyable for upper elementary students.

Episode Highlights

Using storytelling to make connections
Using visuals and interactive elements
Turning complex topics into hands-on projects
Breaking it down with mini-lessons

Resources and Links

Blog Post - Episode 77

Brainpop Videos

Free Enterprise System Unit

American Revolution Unit

Multiple Intelligences Resource

Let's Connect!

Listen/watch on YouTube

Mentioned in this episode:

7th Grade Texas History Guided Curriculum (Growing Bundle)

5 Social Studies Guided Notes

Get guided notes covering 5 common social studies topics that are low-prep and easy to use as reference guides, anchor charts, and more!

Grab the Free Guided Notes!

8 Special Holiday Celebrations to Teach Your Students

Mon, 25 Nov 2024 05:00:00 -0500

While we may have our favorite holidays that we celebrate, it's also key for our students to learn about different traditions. It’s a great way to help build awareness and respect for the diversity of cultures and celebrations around the world. So today, I’m going to share 8 special holidays from different cultures that your students may or may not have heard about!

Episode Highlights

Lunar New Year
Mardi Gras
Nowruz
Holi
Las Posadas
Diwali
St. Lucia’s Day
La Tomatina

Resources and Links

Easily incorporate these holidays into your classroom using this resource!

Take a closer look at the Holiday Webquest Bundle mentioned in this episode as well as the Daily Passages.

Blog Post - Episode 76

Let's Connect!

Listen/watch on YouTube

Mentioned in this episode:

5 Social Studies Guided Notes

Get guided notes covering 5 common social studies topics that are low-prep and easy to use as reference guides, anchor charts, and more!

Grab the Free Guided Notes!

7th Grade Texas History Guided Curriculum (Growing Bundle)

6 Ways to Prioritize Busy Times of the Year

Mon, 18 Nov 2024 05:00:00 -0500

Ready or not, the holiday season is upon us! As teachers, this busy season can make it feel like we’re stretched too thin in both our work and personal lives.

Today, we’re talking about how to prioritize your time and optimize your daily schedule to alleviate some of that holiday stress. I’ve got six simple strategies to help you avoid burnout and ensure you’re biting off just the right amount to chew during this hectic time of year.

Resources and Links

For more support, take a closer look at my 20 Time Management Strategies resource

Blog Post - Episode 75

Let's Connect!

Listen/watch on YouTube

Mentioned in this episode:

5 Social Studies Guided Notes

Get guided notes covering 5 common social studies topics that are low-prep and easy to use as reference guides, anchor charts, and more!

Grab the Free Guided Notes!

7th Grade Texas History Guided Curriculum (Growing Bundle)

Using Charts, Tables, and Graphs in Social Studies

Mon, 11 Nov 2024 05:00:00 -0500

Whether you’re teaching geography, history, or economics, visual tools can simplify complex information and help your students develop critical thinking skills. In today's episode I’ll be sharing tips on how to integrate charts, tables, and graphs into your lessons to make learning more interactive and engaging.

Episode Highlights

Why use charts, tables, and graphs?
Types of visuals to use in your social studies lessons
How to integrate visuals into lessons
Activities and assessment ideas
The end game - why it will benefit students in the long run

Resources and Links

Blog Post - Episode 74

Let's Connect!

Listen/watch on YouTube

Mentioned in this episode:

5 Social Studies Guided Notes

Get guided notes covering 5 common social studies topics that are low-prep and easy to use as reference guides, anchor charts, and more!

Grab the Free Guided Notes!

7th Grade Texas History Guided Curriculum (Growing Bundle)

Making Social Studies Personal For Your Students

Mon, 04 Nov 2024 05:00:00 -0500

We're diving into one of my absolute favorite ways to bring social studies to life for our students: making it personal.

Episode Highlights

Why share real stories?
4 steps to making social studies person for your students through storytelling first-hand accounts

Resources and Links

Blog Post - Episode 73

Let's Connect!

Listen/watch on YouTube

Mentioned in this episode:

7th Grade Texas History Guided Curriculum (Growing Bundle)

5 Social Studies Guided Notes

Get guided notes covering 5 common social studies topics that are low-prep and easy to use as reference guides, anchor charts, and more!

Grab the Free Guided Notes!

Teaching Students About the Electoral College

Mon, 28 Oct 2024 05:00:00 -0500

The electoral college is a complex system that can be tricky to explain to students. However, understanding this unique aspect of American democracy is essential for fostering informed citizens. In this episode, we'll break down what the electoral college is, share some fun facts, and offer tips on how to teach this concept to 3rd-5th graders.

Episode Highlights

What is the electoral college?
Fun facts about the electoral college
4 tips for teaching about the electoral college

Resources and Links

https://thesouthernteach.com/blog/presidential-election

Blog Post - Episode 72

Let's Connect!

Listen/watch on YouTube

Mentioned in this episode:

5 Social Studies Guided Notes

Get guided notes covering 5 common social studies topics that are low-prep and easy to use as reference guides, anchor charts, and more!

Grab the Free Guided Notes!

7th Grade Texas History Guided Curriculum (Growing Bundle)

Do Your Students Know Important U.S. National Leaders?

Mon, 21 Oct 2024 05:00:00 -0500

Learning about our national leaders isn't just about memorizing names and dates. It's about understanding the people who make decisions that affect our lives!

Episode Highlights

Why it's important for students to understand information about our government leaders
Scavenger hunt activity idea for upper elementary students
Additional tips on implementing the scavenger hunt

Resources and Links

A copy of this activity is ready to use in your classroom. Check it out!

https://www.whitehouse.gov/

https://www.senate.gov/states/

https://www.house.gov/representatives/find-your-representative

https://www.supremecourt.gov/about/biographies.aspx

Let's Connect!

Listen/watch on YouTube

Mentioned in this episode:

5 Social Studies Guided Notes

Get guided notes covering 5 common social studies topics that are low-prep and easy to use as reference guides, anchor charts, and more!

Grab the Free Guided Notes!

7th Grade Texas History Guided Curriculum (Growing Bundle)

Teaching Social Studies in Longer Blocks of Time

Mon, 14 Oct 2024 05:00:00 -0500

If you’re lucky enough to have extended time for your social studies block, you’re in for a treat! More time means more opportunities to dive deeper into topics, engage students with diverse activities, and make learning even more dynamic.

Whether you have a 60-minute or 90-minute block, here are some structured schedules and creative ideas to help you make the most of your time.

Episode Highlights

lesson ideas and examples for a 45-60 minute social studies block
lesson ideas and examples for a 90-minute social studies block
practical tips for teaching social studies for more than 30 minutes

Resources and Links

Check out my social studies resources!

Blog Post - Episode 70

Let's Connect!

Listen/watch on YouTube

Mentioned in this episode:

5 Social Studies Guided Notes

Get guided notes covering 5 common social studies topics that are low-prep and easy to use as reference guides, anchor charts, and more!

Grab the Free Guided Notes!

7th Grade Texas History Guided Curriculum (Growing Bundle)

Teaching Social Studies in Shorter Blocks of Time

Mon, 07 Oct 2024 05:00:00 -0500

Teaching social studies in short time blocks can be a challenge, but with the right strategies, you can still deliver impactful lessons and keep your students engaged.

Whether you have just 10 or 20 minutes, here are some practical ideas to make the most of your time and ensure meaningful learning experiences for your upper elementary students.

Episode Highlights

10-minute lesson ideas and examples
20-minute lesson ideas and examples
practical tips for teaching social studies in less than 30 minutes

Resources and Links

Check out my social studies resources!

Blog Post - Episode 69

Let's Connect!

Listen/watch on YouTube

Mentioned in this episode:

5 Social Studies Guided Notes

Get guided notes covering 5 common social studies topics that are low-prep and easy to use as reference guides, anchor charts, and more!

Grab the Free Guided Notes!

7th Grade Texas History Guided Curriculum (Growing Bundle)

6 Lesson Ideas About the Presidential Election

Mon, 30 Sep 2024 05:00:00 -0500

Putting aside our personal beliefs, we have an important opportunity to guide students through a very exciting election process with some age-appropriate activities!

Today I'm sharing 6 go-to activities for navigating election season with upper elementary students.

Feel free to mix and match these activities throughout the election season and share this episode with a teacher friend!

Episode Highlights

Mock Election
Debate Analysis
State Tracking
Campaign Research
Voting Rights History
Reflection and Discussion

Resources and Links

Amy Groesbeck Election Results Map

Blog Post - Episode 68

Let's Connect!

Listen/watch on YouTube

Mentioned in this episode:

7th Grade Texas History Guided Curriculum (Growing Bundle)

5 Social Studies Guided Notes

Get guided notes covering 5 common social studies topics that are low-prep and easy to use as reference guides, anchor charts, and more!

Grab the Free Guided Notes!

How to Use Choice Boards in the Upper Elementary Classroom

Mon, 23 Sep 2024 05:00:00 -0500

Once you get to know your students, use that knowledge to allow them the power to choose the best way to demonstrate their learning! It's a win-win and today's episode will make it easy to get started.

Episode Highlights

What are choice boards and why they are beneficial
Types of activities that can be included
Best practices when using choice boards

Resources and Links

Multiple Intelligences Choice Boards

Enneagram Choice Boards

Reading Response Choice Board Bundle

Blog Post - Episode 67

Let's Connect!

Listen/watch on YouTube

Mentioned in this episode:

5 Social Studies Guided Notes

Get guided notes covering 5 common social studies topics that are low-prep and easy to use as reference guides, anchor charts, and more!

Grab the Free Guided Notes!

7th Grade Texas History Guided Curriculum (Growing Bundle)

Using Multiple Intelligences in the Elementary Classroom

Mon, 16 Sep 2024 05:00:00 -0500

When we explore multiple intelligences as a classroom community, everyone wins! Teachers learn about the types of activities that are best for each student AND big kids learn about how they learn best.

Join me as we discuss characteristics and best ways to support students in the elementary classroom with a theory that supports the diverse learning styles and personalities of your students!

Episode Highlights

The history of the Multiple Intelligences theory
Characteristics and typical careers of each of the 8 learning profiles
Best ways to support each intelligence in the classroom

Resources and Links

Multiple Intelligences for Big Kids

Waitlist Membership

Blog Post - Episode 66

Let's Connect!

Listen/watch on YouTube

Mentioned in this episode:

7th Grade Texas History Guided Curriculum (Growing Bundle)

5 Social Studies Guided Notes

Get guided notes covering 5 common social studies topics that are low-prep and easy to use as reference guides, anchor charts, and more!

Grab the Free Guided Notes!

6 Steps of the Problem-Solving Process in Social Studies

Mon, 09 Sep 2024 05:00:00 -0500

When you hear the term" PBL" you likely think about project-based learning! Today we're going to dive into problem-based learning to give you some ideas on how to bring real-world scenarios into your social studies block.

Episode Highlights

Identify problem
Gather information
List and consider options
Consider advantages and disadvantages
Choose and implement a solution
Evaluate effectiveness of solution

Let's Connect!

Listen/watch on YouTube

Mentioned in this episode:

5 Social Studies Guided Notes

Get guided notes covering 5 common social studies topics that are low-prep and easy to use as reference guides, anchor charts, and more!

Grab the Free Guided Notes!

7th Grade Texas History Guided Curriculum (Growing Bundle)

Field Trip Ideas for Students in Texas

Mon, 02 Sep 2024 05:00:00 -0500

If you're struggling to make time for social studies in your school day, maybe it's time for some fresh field trip ideas to support your curriculum!

Today's episode shares some of my favorite field trips from around the Lone Star State. I also share with you some tips for where to look for even more ideas that your upper elementary students will love (whether you're in Texas or not)!

Resources and Links

Field Trip Directory.com

Education in Action

Blog Post - Episode 64

Let's Connect!

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Mentioned in this episode:

5 Social Studies Guided Notes

Get guided notes covering 5 common social studies topics that are low-prep and easy to use as reference guides, anchor charts, and more!

Grab the Free Guided Notes!

7th Grade Texas History Guided Curriculum (Growing Bundle)

4 Classroom Read-Aloud Tips for Grades 3-5

Mon, 26 Aug 2024 05:00:00 -0500

Rich, thought-provoking discussions are in your future because this year class read-alouds are IN for upper elementary students. In this episode I'm sharing all my tips for class read-alouds with big kids.

Episode Highlights

How to choose the right text
The importance of previewing a text
Guided class discussion tips
Wrapping up the learning activity

Resources and Links

My Favorite Read Alouds

Blog Post - Episode 63

Let's Connect!

Listen/watch on YouTube

Mentioned in this episode:

5 Social Studies Guided Notes

Get guided notes covering 5 common social studies topics that are low-prep and easy to use as reference guides, anchor charts, and more!

Grab the Free Guided Notes!

7th Grade Texas History Guided Curriculum (Growing Bundle)

Using Bell-Ringers and Warm Ups in Grades 3-5

Mon, 19 Aug 2024 05:00:00 -0500

Those first 10-15 minutes of the block are so important. Let's talk about my favorite ways to make the most of the classroom warm-up time.

Episode Highlights

What are warmups
Why warmups help
How to use warmups
How to prep for warmups
Some resources I love for the warmup block

Resources and Links

Social Studies Daily Passage Warmups

3rd Grade Daily Language Warmups

4th Grade ELA Spiral Review Warmups

5th Grade Daily Language Warmups

Blog Post - Episode 62

Let's Connect!

Listen/watch on YouTube

Mentioned in this episode:

7th Grade Texas History Guided Curriculum (Growing Bundle)

5 Social Studies Guided Notes

Get guided notes covering 5 common social studies topics that are low-prep and easy to use as reference guides, anchor charts, and more!

Grab the Free Guided Notes!

Breaking Down the TEKS: Texas Social Studies Standards for Grades 3-5

Mon, 12 Aug 2024 05:00:00 -0500

If reading the newly updated TEKS is making your head spin, let's break it down together and make a game plan before the new school year begins.

Episode Highlights

When the new updates go into effect
Topics we MUST cover
Topics we CAN cover if time allows
Breaking down the 8 strands
How to support STAAR testing at the secondary levels

Resources and Links

Additional reading on this topic is available on the TEA website

For more information about the 2024 update, here is a helpful YouTube video:

Blog Post - Episode 61

Let's Connect!

Listen/watch on YouTube

Mentioned in this episode:

7th Grade Texas History Guided Curriculum (Growing Bundle)

5 Social Studies Guided Notes

Get guided notes covering 5 common social studies topics that are low-prep and easy to use as reference guides, anchor charts, and more!

Grab the Free Guided Notes!

6 Fun and Engaging Class Meeting Ideas

Mon, 05 Aug 2024 05:00:00 -0500

Using morning meeting every day can be an important tool in building social emotional learning skills. And even though it's only a short time each day, it can make a lasting impact at how students interact with others. Today I'm sharing 6 fresh ideas for your morning meeting block.

Episode Highlights

Slideshows
Question of the day
Spreading out
Scavenger hunts
Kahoot
Student spotlight

Resources and Recommended Links

Morning Meeting Slides

Morning Meeting Discussion Cards

Star Student Compliment Book

Check out my classroom community FREE podcast series

Blog Post - Episode 60

Let's Connect!

Listen/watch on YouTube

Mentioned in this episode:

5 Social Studies Guided Notes

Get guided notes covering 5 common social studies topics that are low-prep and easy to use as reference guides, anchor charts, and more!

Grab the Free Guided Notes!

7th Grade Texas History Guided Curriculum (Growing Bundle)

Smart and Simple Social Studies Membership Q&A

Mon, 29 Jul 2024 05:00:00 -0500

Today I'm answering all the questions you might have about the Smart and Simple Social Studies Membership. Here's a peek into what I'll be answering in this week's episode!

What is Smart and Simple Social Studies?
Are the resources standards-based?
Who can join Smart and Simple Social Studies?
What is included in the Texas/TEKS membership option?
Can the resources be used for students who are not in 3rd-5th grade?
I am a parent of a 3rd-5th grader wanting to utilize these resources at home. Would this membership work for me?
Is Smart and Simple Social Studies a professional and researched-based company?
How do I access the Smart and Simple Social Studies membership?
I have a social studies curriculum that I’m required to use. Will I benefit from this membership?
I already have some social studies resources in your TPT store. Will this membership still be useful for me?
What is the refund and cancellation policy?

Resources and Links

Join the Membership!

Multiple Teacher License Discounts

Let's Connect!

Listen/watch on YouTube

Mentioned in this episode:

5 Social Studies Guided Notes

Get guided notes covering 5 common social studies topics that are low-prep and easy to use as reference guides, anchor charts, and more!

Grab the Free Guided Notes!

7th Grade Texas History Guided Curriculum (Growing Bundle)

New Changes to the TEKS Social Studies Standards in 2024

Mon, 22 Jul 2024 05:00:00 -0500

In November of 2022, the State Board of Education in Texas approved significant revisions to the Social Studies Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) for implementation in the 2024-2025 school year.

Let’s dive into what’s changing, what’s staying the same, and how you can implement these standards in your classroom.

Episode Highlights

What was the focus of the social studies TEKS revisions?
Are there any major changes in the social studies TEKS for 2024?
SS TEKS additions and changes for 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade
Ideas to implement social studies TEKS changes
How the Smart and Simple Social Studies Guided Curriculum can help

Resources and Links

Source: https://tea.texas.gov/academics/subject-areas/social-studies

Join the Social Studies Bootcamp

Watch the YouTube video

Using Primary Sources Blog Post

Using Secondary Sources Blog Post

Blog Post - Episode 58

Let's Connect!

Listen/watch on YouTube

Mentioned in this episode:

7th Grade Texas History Guided Curriculum (Growing Bundle)

5 Social Studies Guided Notes

Get guided notes covering 5 common social studies topics that are low-prep and easy to use as reference guides, anchor charts, and more!

Grab the Free Guided Notes!

5 Social Studies Activity Ideas for the 2nd Week of School

Mon, 15 Jul 2024 05:00:00 -0500

Once you've established rules and routines and built that important classroom community, it's time to move into teaching social studies curriculum!

Today's episode shares 5 activities you can use in this important transitional time that takes place around the 2nd week of school.

Episode Highlights

Create a classroom map
My place in the world
Community puzzle
Map challenge
Landmark Pictionary

Resources and Links

Blog Post - Episode 57

Back to School Social Studies Pack

Multiple Intelligences Book Companion

Let's Connect!

Listen/watch on YouTube

Mentioned in this episode:

5 Social Studies Guided Notes

Get guided notes covering 5 common social studies topics that are low-prep and easy to use as reference guides, anchor charts, and more!

Grab the Free Guided Notes!

7th Grade Texas History Guided Curriculum (Growing Bundle)

5 Social Studies Activity Ideas for the 1st Week of School

Mon, 08 Jul 2024 05:00:00 -0500

If you're starting to make plans for the start of the next school year, this episode is for you!

These 5 activities are related to community building since you're getting to know your students, probably not necessarily diving right into your social studies curriculum.

We'll talk about great icebreaker activities and ways to build a positive classroom community in your homeroom or your social studies classroom.

Episode Highlights

Community Bingo
Mapping My Summer
GeoTag Icebreaker
Classroom Timeline
Classroom Constitution

Resources and Links

Blog Post - Episode 56

Back to School Social Studies Pack

Our Class is a Family Book Companion

Let's Connect!

Listen/watch on YouTube

Mentioned in this episode:

7th Grade Texas History Guided Curriculum (Growing Bundle)

5 Social Studies Guided Notes

Get guided notes covering 5 common social studies topics that are low-prep and easy to use as reference guides, anchor charts, and more!

Grab the Free Guided Notes!

Social Studies Summer Series Part 5: How to Teach Economics Skills

Mon, 01 Jul 2024 05:00:00 -0500

This is part 5 of the Social Studies Summer Series!

Teaching economics and the free enterprise system to upper elementary can seem like something that is a Herculean task.

With the right approach, and with the right resources, it can be both engaging and educational.

By breaking down complex concepts into simple steps, and hands-on activities engaging activities, you can empower your students to understand the fundamentals of economics and how they apply to the world around them.

Let's talk about ways you can effectively teach economics and the free enterprise system in the classroom!

Episode Highlights

Start with the basics
Make it interactive
Use visual aids
Explore real-world examples
Promote critical thinking
Connect to current events
Encourage collaboration

Resources and Links

Economics Daily Passages

Social Studies Daily Passage Bundle

Smart and Simple Social Studies Membership Waitlist

Blog Post - Episode 55

Let's Connect!

Listen/watch on YouTube

Mentioned in this episode:

5 Social Studies Guided Notes

Get guided notes covering 5 common social studies topics that are low-prep and easy to use as reference guides, anchor charts, and more!

Grab the Free Guided Notes!

7th Grade Texas History Guided Curriculum (Growing Bundle)

Social Studies Summer Series Part 4: How to Teach Government/Civics Skills

Mon, 24 Jun 2024 05:00:00 -0500

This is part 4 of the Social Studies Summer Series! Here are some simple steps to help you effectively teach government and civics skills to your 3rd, 4th, and 5th-grade students.

Episode Highlights

Starting with the basics
Using real-life examples
Leveraging interactive activities
Incorporating multimedia resources
Connecting with community resources
Encouraging critical thinking
Promoting active citizenship
Reflecting and assessing
Making it fun

Resources and Links

Check out my government and civics daily passages!

CNN10 is a great resource for this age!

Blog Post - Episode 54

Let's Connect!

Listen/watch on YouTube

Mentioned in this episode:

5 Social Studies Guided Notes

Get guided notes covering 5 common social studies topics that are low-prep and easy to use as reference guides, anchor charts, and more!

Grab the Free Guided Notes!

7th Grade Texas History Guided Curriculum (Growing Bundle)

Social Studies Summer Series Part 3: How to Teach Culture and Society Skills

Mon, 17 Jun 2024 05:00:00 -0500

Understanding different cultures is important in our world today. As teachers, we play a big role in helping students appreciate and learn about diverse traditions, celebrations, art, literature, science, technology, and society.

This is part 3 of the Social Studies Summer Series, where you will learn some easy steps with activities and examples to help you teach culture and related topics to 3rd-5th grade students!

Episode Highlights

Knowing yourself and your students
Creating a welcoming classroom
Using stories and personal experiences
Incorporating hands-on activities
Exploring with technology
Getting involved
Assessing understanding

Resources and Links

Check out the comparing celebrations project!

Check out my culture and society daily passages!

Blog Post - Episode 53

Let's Connect!

Listen/watch on YouTube

Mentioned in this episode:

7th Grade Texas History Guided Curriculum (Growing Bundle)

5 Social Studies Guided Notes

Get guided notes covering 5 common social studies topics that are low-prep and easy to use as reference guides, anchor charts, and more!

Grab the Free Guided Notes!

Social Studies Summer Series Part 2: How to Teach History Skills

Mon, 10 Jun 2024 05:00:00 -0500

This is part 2 of the SS Summer Series! Here are some straightforward tips, along with fun activities, to help 3rd-5th graders master history skills.

Episode Highlights

Connecting history to today
Diving into primary sources
Exploring like detectives
Bringing history to life
Thinking critically
Reflecting on lessons learned

Resources and Links

Check out my history daily passages

Blog Post - Episode 52

Let's Connect!

Listen/watch on YouTube

Mentioned in this episode:

7th Grade Texas History Guided Curriculum (Growing Bundle)

5 Social Studies Guided Notes

Get guided notes covering 5 common social studies topics that are low-prep and easy to use as reference guides, anchor charts, and more!

Grab the Free Guided Notes!

Social Studies Summer Series Part 1: How to Teach Geography Skills

Mon, 03 Jun 2024 05:00:00 -0500

This is part 1 of the 5-part Social Studies Summer Series! Today's episode is full of tips on how to make geography fun and understandable for students in upper elementary.

Episode Highlights

Back to basics
Making it relevant
Learning about different cultures
Using technology
Encouraging questions
Connecting with other subjects
Practicing map skills
Understanding the world
My favorite geography activity ideas

Resources and Links

Check out the Create A Country Project

Check out the Geography Daily Passages

Blog Post - Episode 51

Let's Connect!

Listen/watch on YouTube

Mentioned in this episode:

5 Social Studies Guided Notes

Get guided notes covering 5 common social studies topics that are low-prep and easy to use as reference guides, anchor charts, and more!

Grab the Free Guided Notes!

7th Grade Texas History Guided Curriculum (Growing Bundle)

Should I Start a Summer Side Hustle on TPT?

Tue, 28 May 2024 03:00:00 -0500

Have you ever been curious about the process of turning your Google Drive of teaching resources into a Teachers Pay Teachers store?

I made this episode just for curious teachers itching to start a summer side hustle!

Episode Highlights

My TPT story
10 tips for getting started on TPT

Resources and Links

Blog Post - Episode 50

Getting Started Checklist

Listen to my podcast for Teacher Sellers

Let's Connect!

Listen/watch on YouTube

Mentioned in this episode:

5 Social Studies Guided Notes

Get guided notes covering 5 common social studies topics that are low-prep and easy to use as reference guides, anchor charts, and more!

Grab the Free Guided Notes!

7th Grade Texas History Guided Curriculum (Growing Bundle)

6 Memorable Moments in My Teaching Career and What I Learned From Them

Tue, 21 May 2024 03:00:00 -0500

I'm getting personal on the podcast today and sharing some of the hardest moments of my teaching career. These teachable moments help us grow and create connections with other teachers. If you're going through a hard time as a teacher, know you aren't alone.

Episode Highlights

Why I became a teacher
My student teaching experience
Toxic workplace environments that felt like high school drama
Hurricane Harvey
My sudden move to 5th grade
COVID
Being suddenly transferred to another school in my 3rd trimester
Lessons learned along the way

Resources and Links

Blog Post - Episode 49

Let's Connect!

Listen/watch on YouTube

Mentioned in this episode:

5 Social Studies Guided Notes

Get guided notes covering 5 common social studies topics that are low-prep and easy to use as reference guides, anchor charts, and more!

Grab the Free Guided Notes!

7th Grade Texas History Guided Curriculum (Growing Bundle)

7 Easy Ways to Prep for a Substitute Teacher

Tue, 14 May 2024 03:00:00 -0500

Whether you're planning for a day off soon, or you know you need a better solution for next school year, you'll love these realistic tips on preparing for a substitute teacher.

Episode Highlights

My 7 best tips on getting ready for a sub
Low prep activities to fill your sub tub

Resources and Links

Blog Post - Episode 48

Let's Connect!

Listen/watch on YouTube

Mentioned in this episode:

7th Grade Texas History Guided Curriculum (Growing Bundle)

5 Social Studies Guided Notes

Get guided notes covering 5 common social studies topics that are low-prep and easy to use as reference guides, anchor charts, and more!

Grab the Free Guided Notes!

Using Novel Studies to Teach Social Studies

Tue, 07 May 2024 03:00:00 -0500

Today you get a sneak peek into one of the trainings from the video vault of the Smart and Simple Social Studies membership. Listen for ways you can use novel studies to teach social studies!

Episode Highlights

What is a novel study?
Why you may want to use novel studies in your classroom.
My favorite books to use for novel studies

Resources and Links

Get access to more trainings like this one inside my social studies teacher membership

Blog Post - Episode 47

Let's Connect!

Listen/watch on YouTube

Mentioned in this episode:

5 Social Studies Guided Notes

Get guided notes covering 5 common social studies topics that are low-prep and easy to use as reference guides, anchor charts, and more!

Grab the Free Guided Notes!

7th Grade Texas History Guided Curriculum (Growing Bundle)

End of the Year Activity Ideas

Tue, 30 Apr 2024 03:00:00 -0500

Summer break might be just around the corner, but that does not mean classic classroom activities are forgotten.

Grab some school supplies, get creative and enjoy the memories made over this past year!

Episode Highlights

Poetry scavenger hunts
Texts to compare
The Year in Review poem
Writing a letter to the teacher / student
Texts to reflect on

Resources and Links

Blog Post - Episode 46

Let's Connect!

Listen/watch on YouTube

Mentioned in this episode:

5 Social Studies Guided Notes

Get guided notes covering 5 common social studies topics that are low-prep and easy to use as reference guides, anchor charts, and more!

Grab the Free Guided Notes!

7th Grade Texas History Guided Curriculum (Growing Bundle)

Using Journal Prompts in Social Studies

Tue, 23 Apr 2024 03:00:00 -0500

Journal prompts can really help students gain a deeper understanding of a topic. If you are looking for new ways to develop critical thinking and foster academic discussion then you'll love today's episode.

Episode Highlights

5 steps to using journal prompts in social studies
10 journal prompt examples that can be used for virtually any social studies topic
Walkthrough the 5 steps with one of the examples

Blog Post - Episode 45

Let's Connect!

Listen/watch on YouTube

Mentioned in this episode:

5 Social Studies Guided Notes

Get guided notes covering 5 common social studies topics that are low-prep and easy to use as reference guides, anchor charts, and more!

Grab the Free Guided Notes!

7th Grade Texas History Guided Curriculum (Growing Bundle)

4 Big Mistakes I've Made as a Classroom Teacher

Tue, 16 Apr 2024 03:00:00 -0500

Have you ever felt that you’re just not up to par with all those teachers on social media? They seem to always be doing everything right and are picture-perfect.

Can you relate?

Today I’m sharing with you 4 big mistakes I’ve made as a teacher, and what I’ve learned from these mistakes. I always strive to be my best and these are some mistakes that I’ve grown from as an educator and have shaped how I teach today.

Episode Highlights

Why working smarter and not harder is the best course of action as a teacher
How to not worry about (or fight) the little things with your students
Not to take things too personally (and what to do instead)
Ways to put yourself first as a teacher

Blog Post - Episode 44

Let's Connect!

Listen/watch on YouTube

Mentioned in this episode:

7th Grade Texas History Guided Curriculum (Growing Bundle)

5 Social Studies Guided Notes

Get guided notes covering 5 common social studies topics that are low-prep and easy to use as reference guides, anchor charts, and more!

Grab the Free Guided Notes!

Teaching About the 20th Century

Tue, 09 Apr 2024 03:00:00 -0500

While the 20th century is a fascinating topic to cover, it can be a challenge to find resources that include the correct level of depth for the upper elementary classroom. Let's dive in to unpack this puzzle together.

Episode Highlights

Introduction to the 20th and 21st Centuries
The 1900s and 1910s
World War I
The Roaring Twenties
The Great Depression
World War II
The Cold War
The Civil Rights Movement
The 1960s
The 1970s
The 1980s
The 1990s

Resources and Links

Blog Post - Episode 43

The United States in the 20th and 21st Century SS Unit

First Website

Check out Episode 22 to learn more about Primary Sources

Let's Connect!

Listen/watch on YouTube

Mentioned in this episode:

5 Social Studies Guided Notes

Get guided notes covering 5 common social studies topics that are low-prep and easy to use as reference guides, anchor charts, and more!

Grab the Free Guided Notes!

7th Grade Texas History Guided Curriculum (Growing Bundle)

5 Ways to Make Social Studies Fun

Tue, 02 Apr 2024 03:00:00 -0500

Student engagement is the name of the game, so today I'm sharing 5 activities you can incorporate into your classroom plans to make social students fun for learners!

Episode Highlights

biography lapbooks
meme activities
creating your own map/country
virtual field trips
webquests

Resources and Links

Blog Post - Episode 42

Famous Heroes in Communities Unit

Create a Country Project

WebQuest Mega Bundle

Texas Historical Commission Virtual Field Trips

Anne Frank Secret Annex Virtual Field Trip

Episode 32 - Using Literary Nonfiction in Social Studies

Episode 18 - 3 Easy Steps to Practicing Research Skills with WebQuests

Let's Connect!

Listen/watch on YouTube

Mentioned in this episode:

5 Social Studies Guided Notes

Get guided notes covering 5 common social studies topics that are low-prep and easy to use as reference guides, anchor charts, and more!

Grab the Free Guided Notes!

7th Grade Texas History Guided Curriculum (Growing Bundle)

Enneagram for Teachers - Understanding the 9 Teacher Personality Types

Tue, 26 Mar 2024 03:00:00 -0500

You may have heard of the Enneagram the trending and fun (and scarily accurate) personality test. This episode is going into our teacher world with Enneagram for Teachers!

I will be giving you some insights on your Enneagram type with a teacher twist on your strengths, weaknesses, and ways to be your best teacher self.

Episode Highlights

Characteristics of each Enneagram type
Teacher strengths, weaknesses, and best ways to be your teacher self

Resources and Links

I wanted to create this episode as a spin-off on one of my best-sellers - Enneagram for Big Kids (for grades 3-6)!

If you don’t know your Enneagram type already, you can go online to take a free Enneagram personality test (google search: free Enneagram test).

Personality Path is free and requires no email!

Blog Post - Episode 41

Let's Connect!

Listen/watch on YouTube

Mentioned in this episode:

7th Grade Texas History Guided Curriculum (Growing Bundle)

5 Social Studies Guided Notes

Get guided notes covering 5 common social studies topics that are low-prep and easy to use as reference guides, anchor charts, and more!

Grab the Free Guided Notes!

16 Teacher and Student Test-Prep Tips

Tue, 19 Mar 2024 03:00:00 -0500

Today's test prep-themed episode has 8 tips for you as a teacher and then a special section that you can play for your students as they build a toolbox of test prep strategies.

Episode Highlights

8 test prep tips for teachers
8 test prep tips for students

Blog Post - Episode 40

Let's Connect!

Listen/watch on YouTube

Mentioned in this episode:

5 Social Studies Guided Notes

Get guided notes covering 5 common social studies topics that are low-prep and easy to use as reference guides, anchor charts, and more!

Grab the Free Guided Notes!

7th Grade Texas History Guided Curriculum (Growing Bundle)

5 Easy Steps to Set Up a Test Prep Power Hour

Tue, 12 Mar 2024 05:00:00 -0500

If your test prep strategies are feeling stale, today I've got a teamwork approach that might just turn things around.

Episode Highlights

Test Prep Power Hour 101
How to group students
How to divide up the planning
How to find an hour in your instructional schedule
Resources so you can get started and try your first power hour

Resources and Links

Nonfiction Reading Comprehension Passages

Fiction Reading Comprehension Passages

Reading Graphic Organizer Bundle

Project Bundle for Elementary Students

Multiple Intelligences Project Menu

Blog Post - Episode 39

Let's Connect!

Listen/watch on YouTube

Mentioned in this episode:

5 Social Studies Guided Notes

Get guided notes covering 5 common social studies topics that are low-prep and easy to use as reference guides, anchor charts, and more!

Grab the Free Guided Notes!

7th Grade Texas History Guided Curriculum (Growing Bundle)

Launching Enrichment Time Activities for Upper Elementary

Tue, 05 Mar 2024 03:00:00 -0500

It's so easy to just give students free time on their devices, but today I'm sharing some simple tweaks that can help you make the most of those miscellaneous pockets of free time. Adding enrichment time to your classroom might be more simple than you think!

Episode Highlights

What is enrichment time?
5 steps to adding enrichment time to your classroom routines
A free resource to help you get started in a snap

Resources and Links

Grab the Enrichment Time Template!

Blog Post - Episode 38

Let's Connect!

Listen/watch on YouTube

Mentioned in this episode:

7th Grade Texas History Guided Curriculum (Growing Bundle)

5 Social Studies Guided Notes

Get guided notes covering 5 common social studies topics that are low-prep and easy to use as reference guides, anchor charts, and more!

Grab the Free Guided Notes!

Teaching With and Using Timelines

Tue, 27 Feb 2024 05:00:00 -0500

Visual learner here to share that timelines are extremely helpful tools for understanding the chronological order of events. Today I've got 6 tips to help you effectively incorporate timelines into your upper elementary social studies lessons.

Episode Highlights

Timeline basics
Interactive timelines
Timelines of a student's life
Multimedia elements
Sequencing
Comparing and contrasting

Resources and Links

Episode 37 - Blog

Let's Connect!

Listen/watch on YouTube

Mentioned in this episode:

5 Social Studies Guided Notes

Get guided notes covering 5 common social studies topics that are low-prep and easy to use as reference guides, anchor charts, and more!

Grab the Free Guided Notes!

7th Grade Texas History Guided Curriculum (Growing Bundle)

Current Events in 5 Minutes

Tue, 20 Feb 2024 05:00:00 -0500

Not sure how you can make time to cover your curriculum AND mix in current events? You'll love today's short and sweet episode.

Episode Highlights

Kid-friendly sources for current events
Student engagement strategies

Resources and Links

Episode 36 - Blog

Let's Connect!

Listen/watch on YouTube

Mentioned in this episode:

7th Grade Texas History Guided Curriculum (Growing Bundle)

5 Social Studies Guided Notes

Get guided notes covering 5 common social studies topics that are low-prep and easy to use as reference guides, anchor charts, and more!

Grab the Free Guided Notes!

Teaching About Famous People in History

Tue, 13 Feb 2024 05:00:00 -0500

You get to unlock the stories of famous people in history for upper elementary students - what a gift! Today I'm sharing 8 steps for keeping this task simple and effective.

Episode Highlights

Choosing relevant figures
Establishing context
Developing engaging lesson plans
Humanizing historical figures
Incorporating primary sources
Encouraging research and inquiry
Connecting to present day relevance
Assessing understanding

Resources

Blog Post - Episode 35

Using Webquests for Research and Inquiry

Let's Connect!

Listen/watch on YouTube

Mentioned in this episode:

5 Social Studies Guided Notes

Get guided notes covering 5 common social studies topics that are low-prep and easy to use as reference guides, anchor charts, and more!

Grab the Free Guided Notes!

7th Grade Texas History Guided Curriculum (Growing Bundle)

Ways to Incorporate Black History Month Year Round

Tue, 06 Feb 2024 05:00:00 -0500

As a child and a person of color, I often felt embarrassed during February (I explain why in the episode). I don't want that to happen to your students! Today I'm sharing my perspective about navigating Black History Month. I hope your students enjoy these lesson planning ideas as they deepen their understanding of how people in black history have shaped our culture.

Episode Highlights

My experiences learning about black history as an African American student
Quotes from famous black people in history
Incorporating black history within your reading block
Researching a wide variety of voices

Resources and Links

Blog Post - Episode 34

Black History Month Unit for Upper Elementary

Black History Posters

Black History Biography Bundle

Let's Connect!

Listen/watch on YouTube

Mentioned in this episode:

7th Grade Texas History Guided Curriculum (Growing Bundle)

5 Social Studies Guided Notes

Get guided notes covering 5 common social studies topics that are low-prep and easy to use as reference guides, anchor charts, and more!

Grab the Free Guided Notes!

4 Nonfiction Reading Skills to Teach Before State Testing

Tue, 30 Jan 2024 03:00:00 -0500

Ready or not, here test prep season comes! Let's talk about four common reading skills that students might need us to lean into supporting them with before standardized testing begins. These nonfiction skills pair really well with a variety of social studies topics!

Episode Highlights

inferencing
context clues
text features
theme
how graphic organizers and task cards can support students during test prep season

Resources and Links

Reading Graphic Organizer Bundle

https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Reading-Graphic-Organizer-Bundle-for-Fiction-and-Nonfiction-7794279

Reading Comprehension Task Cards

https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Reading-Comprehension-Task-Cards-Year-Round-Bundle-Color-by-Number-Activities-8375759

Blog Post - Episode 33

Let's Connect!

Listen/watch on YouTube

Mentioned in this episode:

5 Social Studies Guided Notes

Get guided notes covering 5 common social studies topics that are low-prep and easy to use as reference guides, anchor charts, and more!

Grab the Free Guided Notes!

7th Grade Texas History Guided Curriculum (Growing Bundle)

BONUS: FAQs and Reviews for the Smart and Simple Social Studies Guided Curriculum

Fri, 26 Jan 2024 03:00:00 -0500

Wondering if the Smart and Simple Social Studies Guided Curriculum is right for you? Not sure if the units will fit the needs of you and your students? This bonus episode is a must-listen!

I get a lot of questions about the guided curriculum, how the growing bundle works, and if the units would be applicable to a state beyond Texas.

I answer a few frequently asked questions and share some stellar reviews of upper elementary teachers who are LOVING the guided curriculum and why these are working well for their classrooms.

If you're interested in purchasing the growing bundles, they are at a 20% discount. As I add the remaining units each month, the 20% off price will increase. You'll get the current units locked in at a great price and future units and updates for free!

Learn more at bit.ly/socialstudiesgrowingbundles

Let's Connect!

Listen/watch on YouTube

Mentioned in this episode:

7th Grade Texas History Guided Curriculum (Growing Bundle)

5 Social Studies Guided Notes

Get guided notes covering 5 common social studies topics that are low-prep and easy to use as reference guides, anchor charts, and more!

Grab the Free Guided Notes!

Using Literary Nonfiction with Social Studies

Tue, 23 Jan 2024 03:00:00 -0500

Teaching your students about biographies or autobiographies soon? You don't want to miss out on this jam-packed episode!

In this episode, we are going to talk about what literary nonfiction is some characteristics of this genre, some examples of literary nonfiction, some recommendations, why it's important, and also some activity ideas that you can implement in your classroom.

Episode Highlights

What is literary nonfiction?
Characteristics of literary nonfiction
3 examples of literary nonfiction
Why is literacy nonfiction important for students?
Book recommendations for 3rd through 5th grade
Activity ideas for literary nonfiction units

Resources and Links

Literary Nonfiction Graphic Organizers

Black History Month Biography Bundle

Blog Post - Episode 32

Let's Connect!

Listen/watch on YouTube

Mentioned in this episode:

7th Grade Texas History Guided Curriculum (Growing Bundle)

5 Social Studies Guided Notes

Get guided notes covering 5 common social studies topics that are low-prep and easy to use as reference guides, anchor charts, and more!

Grab the Free Guided Notes!

Using Daily Passages to Teach Social Studies

Tue, 16 Jan 2024 03:00:00 -0500

What if there was an easy way to incorporate social studies skills every day of the week, for just five to 10 minutes a day ---there is! I'll share my method in today's episode.

Episode Highlights

Why does social studies even matter?
How can we find the time to teach social studies?

Resources and Links

Free Daily Passage Curriculum Guide

Membership

Blog Post - Episode 31

Let's Connect!

Listen/watch on YouTube

Mentioned in this episode:

5 Social Studies Guided Notes

Get guided notes covering 5 common social studies topics that are low-prep and easy to use as reference guides, anchor charts, and more!

Grab the Free Guided Notes!

7th Grade Texas History Guided Curriculum (Growing Bundle)

How to Make Morning Routines Manageable

Tue, 09 Jan 2024 03:00:00 -0500

Are you the teacher with the peaceful and orderly classroom as soon as the day begins? Or do your students noisily enter the room and ask endless questions about what to do next?

Starting off right each day is not only beneficial for the students, but the teachers as well. It never feels good to be rushed and frazzled as students come in each day roaming around the classroom or unsure of what to do when they arrive. That's where morning routines come in!

This episode is filled with tips to help your mornings move more smoothly!

Episode Highlights

Set those routines right from the start
Leverage morning slides
Keep students busy
Predictable routines
Incorporate classroom jobs

Resources and Links

Let's Connect!

Listen/watch on YouTube

Mentioned in this episode:

7th Grade Texas History Guided Curriculum (Growing Bundle)

5 Social Studies Guided Notes

Get guided notes covering 5 common social studies topics that are low-prep and easy to use as reference guides, anchor charts, and more!

Grab the Free Guided Notes!

5 Tips for Positive Parent Communication

Tue, 02 Jan 2024 03:00:00 -0500

Parents are an important piece of the puzzle to a positive classroom community. Today I'm sharing 5 seasoned teacher tips to help you achieve a smoothly run classroom community made up of happy students and grownups!

Episode Highlights

practicing patience and reassurance
being firm but kind
clear boundaries
how to handle FAQs
when to pick up the phone

Resources and Links

The Essential Classroom Community FREE Podcast Series

Blog Post - Episode 29

Let's Connect!

Listen/watch on YouTube

Mentioned in this episode:

7th Grade Texas History Guided Curriculum (Growing Bundle)

5 Social Studies Guided Notes

Get guided notes covering 5 common social studies topics that are low-prep and easy to use as reference guides, anchor charts, and more!

Grab the Free Guided Notes!

5 Strategies to Fight Teacher Burnout

Tue, 26 Dec 2023 05:00:00 -0500

Burnout is real. But there are strategies to help alleviate or lessen those feelings. There may not be a one-size-fits-all solution, and we may not be sure when the feelings will go away. But it's still worth the fight.

Episode Highlights

What teacher burnout is and how to recognize the signs of burnout
How focusing on your true hobbies and passions are important
Why prioritizing yourself is a must if you are teaching this year (and every year)
How to let things go (despite running out of time)
Finding positive support from other colleagues and teachers
What to do if the burnout is affecting you more than you can handle
My experience with burnout during the pandemic

Resources and Links

Grab the Time Management Strategies for the Elementary Classsroom resource

Blog Post - Episode 28

Let's Connect!

Listen/watch on YouTube

Mentioned in this episode:

7th Grade Texas History Guided Curriculum (Growing Bundle)

5 Social Studies Guided Notes

Get guided notes covering 5 common social studies topics that are low-prep and easy to use as reference guides, anchor charts, and more!

Grab the Free Guided Notes!

Managing Your Time in the Elementary Classroom

Tue, 19 Dec 2023 05:00:00 -0500

Sometimes there just doesn't seem like there's enough time in the day. If you find yourself constantly cutting activities short to move to the next event on the agenda, hopefully this episode will have some supportive ideas to help.

Episode Highlights

digital slides
daily agendas
timers
expectations

Resources and Links

No time to create your own slides? Try my editable slides!

Refresh your classroom management in a flash with this FREE classroom community mini course.

Blog Post - Episode 27

Let's Connect!

Listen/watch on YouTube

Mentioned in this episode:

7th Grade Texas History Guided Curriculum (Growing Bundle)

5 Social Studies Guided Notes

Get guided notes covering 5 common social studies topics that are low-prep and easy to use as reference guides, anchor charts, and more!

Grab the Free Guided Notes!

How to Engage Students Before a Long Break

Tue, 12 Dec 2023 05:00:00 -0500

Counting down the days until break? Trust me, I have been there. This podcast episode will give you five really great strategies on how to get students redirected and make it through to the break.

Episode Highlights

Class rewards
Expectations
Structured discussions
Timing projects strategically
Getting outside

Resources and Links

Grab your FREE Smart and Simple Ways to Engage guide

Check out a favorite activity I reach for when taking student learning outdoors

Blog Post - Episode 26

Let's Connect!

Listen/watch on YouTube

Mentioned in this episode:

7th Grade Texas History Guided Curriculum (Growing Bundle)

5 Social Studies Guided Notes

Get guided notes covering 5 common social studies topics that are low-prep and easy to use as reference guides, anchor charts, and more!

Grab the Free Guided Notes!

3 Ways to Differentiate Instruction in the Elementary Classroom

Tue, 05 Dec 2023 05:00:00 -0500

You know you need to differentiate, but do you need fresh ideas for HOW to differentiate? This episode is packed full of practical tips that truly make a difference for learners.

Episode Highlights

What is differentiation?
Hands on activities
Tips for giving directions effectively
Grouping students

Resources and Links

Ready for even more FREE differentiation ideas? You'll love this 10 minute training.

You might also enjoy this podcast episode about 7 Ways to Use Flexible Seating to Create a Positive Learning Environment

Blog Post - Episode 25

Let's Connect!

Listen/watch on YouTube

Mentioned in this episode:

7th Grade Texas History Guided Curriculum (Growing Bundle)

5 Social Studies Guided Notes

Get guided notes covering 5 common social studies topics that are low-prep and easy to use as reference guides, anchor charts, and more!

Grab the Free Guided Notes!

Cultural Sensitivity During the Holiday Season

Tue, 28 Nov 2023 05:00:00 -0500

We want ALL students to feel a sense of belonging and see their important holidays and traditions represented in our classrooms. If you aren't sure how to accomplish this goal, this episode is for you.

Episode Highlights

What culturally responsive teaching is
Why it is important to be culturally responsive
How we can be culturally responsive during the holiday season

Resources and Links

Blog Post - Episode 24

Kid Power Article

Holiday Webquest Bundle

Let's Connect!

Listen/watch on YouTube

Mentioned in this episode:

5 Social Studies Guided Notes

Get guided notes covering 5 common social studies topics that are low-prep and easy to use as reference guides, anchor charts, and more!

Grab the Free Guided Notes!

7th Grade Texas History Guided Curriculum (Growing Bundle)

Using Secondary Sources to Teach Social Studies

Tue, 21 Nov 2023 05:00:00 -0500

In the world of social studies, primary sources are considered very important for teaching and learning. But don't forget about secondary sources – they're crucial too!

Episode Highlights

What Are Secondary Sources in Social Studies?
Why Do Secondary Sources Matter in Teaching Social Studies?
How to Find Good Secondary Sources for Social Studies Lessons
Including Secondary Sources in Lesson Plans
Engaging Students with Secondary Sources in Social Studies

Resources and Links

Blog Post - Episode 23

Guided Curriculum

Daily Passages Social Studies Bundle

Let's Connect!

Listen/watch on YouTube

Mentioned in this episode:

7th Grade Texas History Guided Curriculum (Growing Bundle)

5 Social Studies Guided Notes

Get guided notes covering 5 common social studies topics that are low-prep and easy to use as reference guides, anchor charts, and more!

Grab the Free Guided Notes!

Using Primary Sources to Teach Social Studies

Tue, 14 Nov 2023 05:00:00 -0500

When teachers use primary sources in class, it makes learning history feel real and exciting. You learn more about the past and why it matters today. What does this look like within the four walls of our classroom? Let's talk about it today!

Episode Highlights

What are primary sources?
Why are primary sources important in teaching social studies?
Where can you find primary sources?
How can primary sources be incorporated into lesson plans?
What are the benefits of using primary sources in the classroom?

Resources and Links

Blog Post - Episode 22

Library of Congress

Let's Connect!

Listen/watch on YouTube

Mentioned in this episode:

7th Grade Texas History Guided Curriculum (Growing Bundle)

5 Social Studies Guided Notes

Get guided notes covering 5 common social studies topics that are low-prep and easy to use as reference guides, anchor charts, and more!

Grab the Free Guided Notes!

4 Low-Prep and Engaging Veterans Day Activities

Tue, 07 Nov 2023 05:00:00 -0500

Can you find 20-30 minutes of instructional time to celebrate our Veterans? Let's talk about some practical ways to teach about this important holiday.

Episode Highlights

Nearpod
Letter Writing
Webquests
Compare and contrast patriotic holidays

Resources and Links

Nearpod

A Million Thanks.org

Veterans Day Webquest

Blog Post - Episode 21

Let's Connect!

Listen/watch on YouTube

Mentioned in this episode:

5 Social Studies Guided Notes

Get guided notes covering 5 common social studies topics that are low-prep and easy to use as reference guides, anchor charts, and more!

Grab the Free Guided Notes!

7th Grade Texas History Guided Curriculum (Growing Bundle)

3 Engaging Activities to Teach About the Bill of Rights

Tue, 31 Oct 2023 05:00:00 -0500

The Bill of Rights is an important concept that needs to be taught in most U.S. history classes. But rather than it being a dull event, it can actually be engaging (and low prep) for your upper elementary learners!

Episode Highlights

what the Bill of Rights is
why is it important to teach about the Bill of Rights
a brief description of each of the 10 Amendments
some Bill of Rights fun facts
3 activities to implement for upper elementary (grade 3-6)

Resources and Links

Learn more about the Social Studies Membership

Constitution Webquest

Blog Post - Episode 20

Let's Connect!

Listen/watch on YouTube

Mentioned in this episode:

7th Grade Texas History Guided Curriculum (Growing Bundle)

5 Social Studies Guided Notes

Get guided notes covering 5 common social studies topics that are low-prep and easy to use as reference guides, anchor charts, and more!

Grab the Free Guided Notes!

My Favorite Read Alouds for Upper Elementary ELA and Social Studies

Tue, 24 Oct 2023 05:00:00 -0500

Chapter book read-alouds are my favorite part of the day! Even during a year where I only taught math and science, I still found ways to weave in chapter books during my day.

Today I'm sharing with you my favorite read-alouds that are enjoyed by teachers and students alike!

Episode Highlights

My Top 10 Chapter Book Recommendations for Grades 3-5
A brief synopsis of each one (don't worry, there are no spoilers!)

Resources and Links

⁠Each Kindness Book Companion⁠

⁠Creature Features Book Companion⁠

⁠The Name Jar Book Companion

Blog Post - Episode 19

Let's Connect!

Listen/watch on YouTube

Mentioned in this episode:

7th Grade Texas History Guided Curriculum (Growing Bundle)

5 Social Studies Guided Notes

Get guided notes covering 5 common social studies topics that are low-prep and easy to use as reference guides, anchor charts, and more!

Grab the Free Guided Notes!

3 Easy Steps To Practicing Research Skills with Webquests

Tue, 17 Oct 2023 05:00:00 -0500

Kids these days have it pretty easy - all they have to do to look for the answers to a question is to go to Google, look it up on TikTok, or type it into ChatGPT! BUT do they know that what they're seeing as the "answers" may not always be accurate or reliable?

That's where research skills come in! In this digital age, it's important for students to be able use their research and inquiry skills to sift the valid and reliable information from the fake and inaccurate ones.

Webquests are a perfect way to help upper elementary students with their research and inquiry skills, and that's what we're talking about on the podcast this week!

Episode Highlights

What are webquests?
What are the 5 essential components of a webquest?
What are 3 steps to practice research with webquests?
What are the benefits of webquests?
What type of webquests are available in your store?

Resources and Links

Year-Round Webquest Bundle

Blog Post - Episode 18

Let's Connect!

Listen/watch on YouTube

Mentioned in this episode:

7th Grade Texas History Guided Curriculum (Growing Bundle)

5 Social Studies Guided Notes

Get guided notes covering 5 common social studies topics that are low-prep and easy to use as reference guides, anchor charts, and more!

Grab the Free Guided Notes!

5 Ways to Balance Your Work-Life Schedule

Tue, 10 Oct 2023 05:00:00 -0500

Are you a month or two into the school year and already feeling burnt out? The grading, the demands, the protocols - it's enough to make you wish you could fast-forward to winter break!

The pressure of the school year is an all too familiar feeling for many teachers. If it seems like you're working overtime and leaving little room for things you actually enjoy doing outside of work, this episode is a must to listen to.

Episode Highlights

Why it's okay to say no
How to prioritize your tasks at work and at home
An easy hack that you can help you manage time (right now!)
Ways to give yourself boundaries - and grace
Positive and negative effects of balancing your work-life schedule
How I used to balance my teaching and home life (hint: it was practically non-existent) and how I've used the strategies to help me today

Resources and Links

Blog Post - Episode 17

Let's Connect!

Listen/watch on YouTube

Mentioned in this episode:

7th Grade Texas History Guided Curriculum (Growing Bundle)

5 Social Studies Guided Notes

Get guided notes covering 5 common social studies topics that are low-prep and easy to use as reference guides, anchor charts, and more!

Grab the Free Guided Notes!

4 Life-Saving Grading Tips for Upper Elementary Teachers

Tue, 03 Oct 2023 05:00:00 -0500

Grading can be a b - sometimes... ya feel me?

It feels like a constant cycle that will pile up if you don't take some time to knock it out. Even worse? Trying to track down multiple classes full of students who are missing assignments or need retakes.

Are you feeling this way?

I’ve found just a few grading tips for upper elementary teachers that I plan on sharing with you in today's episode that have helped me out and making it less of a daunting task. I still don’t like it, but now it’s much more tolerable!

Episode Highlights

Why it's important not to grade everything that gets turned in
How you can pick what to grade in an assignment
The "grading a page at a time" trick
Developing autonomy in students by having them grade (and taking their word on it!)

Resources and Links

Blog Post - Episode 16

Hello Algebra Templates

Let's Connect!

Listen/watch on YouTube

Mentioned in this episode:

7th Grade Texas History Guided Curriculum (Growing Bundle)

5 Social Studies Guided Notes

Get guided notes covering 5 common social studies topics that are low-prep and easy to use as reference guides, anchor charts, and more!

Grab the Free Guided Notes!

Breaking Down the 5 Main Social Studies Topics

Tue, 26 Sep 2023 05:00:00 -0500

Did you miss the live PD training last week? No worries! I wanted to give my listeners a peek into what we talked about. Social studies is usually a must to teach, but the WHY of what students are learning in social studies is not always discussed. That's exactly what we will be talking about in this week's episode!

In this episode, you will learn:

what each of the 5 social studies domains are
why they are important and integral to a social studies block
examples of topics for each social studies domain category

Resources and Links

Blog Post - Episode 15

Let's Connect!

Listen/watch on YouTube

Mentioned in this episode:

7th Grade Texas History Guided Curriculum (Growing Bundle)

5 Social Studies Guided Notes

Get guided notes covering 5 common social studies topics that are low-prep and easy to use as reference guides, anchor charts, and more!

Grab the Free Guided Notes!

5 Ways to Integrate Writing with Social Studies

Tue, 19 Sep 2023 05:00:00 -0500

We are expected to integrate social studies with other subjects to make it work - but HOW can we do it? Writing in itself is very important to teach. Combining with social studies is actually a really great way to teach what you need to for both subjects. It can be easy - if you let it!

In this episode, you will learn:

why writing is important
the benefits of integrating writing with social studies
5 ways you can incorporate writing with examples for each one
assessing writing skills in social studies
resources and tools to integrate writing in your classroom

Resources and Links

Blog Post - Episode 14

Let's Connect!

Listen/watch on YouTube

Mentioned in this episode:

7th Grade Texas History Guided Curriculum (Growing Bundle)

5 Social Studies Guided Notes

Get guided notes covering 5 common social studies topics that are low-prep and easy to use as reference guides, anchor charts, and more!

Grab the Free Guided Notes!

3 Must-Have Technology Tools for Upper Elementary

Tue, 12 Sep 2023 05:00:00 -0500

Incorporating technology is more important than ever. Looking for ways to make social studies fun and engaging? In this episode, I chat all about how to do that with 3 technology tools that are perfect to use with your classes throughout the year!

In this episode, you will learn:

3 technology tools that are fun to use with upper elementary students
what each tool is
ways you can use each tool for your social studies block
how I used these technology tools with my students

Resources and Links

Blog Post - Episode 13

Nearpod

5 Tricks and Tips for Using Seesaw

Using Kahoot! in the Classroom

Let's Connect!

Listen/watch on YouTube

Mentioned in this episode:

5 Social Studies Guided Notes

Get guided notes covering 5 common social studies topics that are low-prep and easy to use as reference guides, anchor charts, and more!

Grab the Free Guided Notes!

7th Grade Texas History Guided Curriculum (Growing Bundle)

How to Approach Teaching 9/11 in Upper Elementary

Tue, 05 Sep 2023 05:00:00 -0500

Teaching 9/11 in upper elementary classrooms is a sensitive yet important topic to approach.

As educators, it is important to create a safe space for students to discuss and understand the events of September 11th, 2001. By age-appropriate materials and open dialogue, you can navigate this subject with sensitivity and effectiveness.

In this episode, you will learn:

why it's important to share about September 11th
5 Patriot Day and 9/11 activities to conduct with students

Resources and Links

Blog Post - Episode 12

Brainpop - 9/11

BOATLIFT: An Untold Tale of 9/11 Resilience (Youtube)

Mentioned in this episode:

5 Social Studies Guided Notes

Get guided notes covering 5 common social studies topics that are low-prep and easy to use as reference guides, anchor charts, and more!

Grab the Free Guided Notes!

7th Grade Texas History Guided Curriculum (Growing Bundle)

8 Easy Ways to Engage Students Throughout the Year

Tue, 29 Aug 2023 05:00:00 -0500

Are you looking for ways to keep your students engaged and motivated throughout the year? Look no further!

Engaging students is not only crucial for their academic success but also for their overall development.

By implementing these strategies, you can create a dynamic and interactive learning environment that promotes active participation and fosters a love for learning.

Whether you are a teacher in 3rd, 4th, or 5th grade, these tips will help you keep students excited and eager to learn, making every day a new adventure in the classroom.

In this episode, you will learn:

effective strategies to enhance student engagement in your classroom
resources to learn more in depth for each of the tips

Related Resources and Links

For more information, check the blog post for all the links to the tips mentioned in this episode! >> Blog Post - Episode 11

Let's Connect!

Listen/watch on YouTube

Mentioned in this episode:

7th Grade Texas History Guided Curriculum (Growing Bundle)

5 Social Studies Guided Notes

Get guided notes covering 5 common social studies topics that are low-prep and easy to use as reference guides, anchor charts, and more!

Grab the Free Guided Notes!

7 Ways to Use Flexible Seating to Create a Positive Learning Environment

Tue, 22 Aug 2023 05:00:00 -0500

Are you tired of the traditional classroom setup? Do you want to create a positive and engaging learning environment for your students?

Flexible seating is a growing trend in education that focuses on providing students with a variety of seating options to enhance their comfort, focus, and collaboration.

Join me as we delve into the seven best ways to incorporate flexible seating into your classroom and watch as your students thrive in a dynamic and empowering educational setting.

In this episode, you will learn:

the benefits of flexible seating
7 ways to create a differentiated learning environment through flexible seating

Related Resources and Links

Blog Post - Episode 10

Let's Connect!

Listen/watch on YouTube

Mentioned in this episode:

5 Social Studies Guided Notes

Get guided notes covering 5 common social studies topics that are low-prep and easy to use as reference guides, anchor charts, and more!

Grab the Free Guided Notes!

7th Grade Texas History Guided Curriculum (Growing Bundle)

5 Steps to Setting Up Social Studies Interactive Notebooks

Tue, 15 Aug 2023 05:00:00 -0500

Are you a social studies teacher looking for a fun and engaging way to enhance your students' learning? Look no further than interactive notebooks!

Interactive notebooks have taken the education world by storm, providing an innovative way for students to take ownership of their learning while promoting critical thinking skills.

Get ready to transform your social studies lessons into a dynamic and interactive experience that will captivate your students and leave a lasting impact. Let's dive in and discover the power of interactive notebooks in social studies!

In this episode, you will learn:

five essential steps to setting up social studies interactive notebooks in your classroom
how to select the right materials and organize your content
tips and strategies to make sure interactive notebooks are successful for you and your students

Related Resources and Links

Let's Connect!

Listen/watch on YouTube

Mentioned in this episode:

7th Grade Texas History Guided Curriculum (Growing Bundle)

5 Social Studies Guided Notes

Get guided notes covering 5 common social studies topics that are low-prep and easy to use as reference guides, anchor charts, and more!

Grab the Free Guided Notes!

10 Must-Have Teacher Supplies for the Upper Elementary Classroom

Tue, 08 Aug 2023 05:00:00 -0500

Are you a teacher looking to enhance your teacher supplies game? You'll love this episode!

In this episode, I have curated a list of must-have teacher supplies that will elevate your classroom and make your teaching journey even more rewarding. From essential tools to innovative ideas, I have got you covered.

Whether you're a new teacher or a seasoned pro, this episode will provide you with some tools you need to add to your back-to school shopping list.

In this episode, you will learn:

10 of my favorite teacher supplies
tips and ideas to using the supplies with your studies in social studies (and any other subject you teach!)

Related Resources and Links

Let's Connect!

Listen/watch on YouTube

Mentioned in this episode:

7th Grade Texas History Guided Curriculum (Growing Bundle)

5 Social Studies Guided Notes

Get guided notes covering 5 common social studies topics that are low-prep and easy to use as reference guides, anchor charts, and more!

Grab the Free Guided Notes!

Using the Enneagram in the Elementary Classroom

Tue, 01 Aug 2023 05:00:00 -0500

Ever heard of the popular Enneagram test? It's a great way for people to discover their main personality type. Did you know that you can utilize the Enneagram in the elementary classroom too?

Conducting an Enneagram test is a great way for students to assess their personality type and be more self-aware of their basic wants, worries, and best ways to learn.

In the episode, you will learn:

The 9 types of students - based on the 9 Enneagram types
Steps on how students can discover their own Enneagram type
Simple ideas to discuss and reflect on Enneagram types

Related Resources and Links:

Let's Connect!

Listen/watch on YouTube

Mentioned in this episode:

7th Grade Texas History Guided Curriculum (Growing Bundle)

5 Social Studies Guided Notes

Get guided notes covering 5 common social studies topics that are low-prep and easy to use as reference guides, anchor charts, and more!

Grab the Free Guided Notes!

5 Key Takeaways from The Social Studies Teacher Bootcamp

Tue, 25 Jul 2023 05:00:00 -0500

If you're a social studies teacher looking for ways to take your classroom to the next level, then this podcast episode is just for you! Join me as we dive into the top five key takeaways from The Social Studies Teacher Bootcamp.

This episode is chock-full of actionable ideas and inspiration that will help you enhance your teaching skills and offer them an incredible learning experience in social studies. Tune in to learn how you can elevate your social studies teaching game!

In this episode, you will learn:

what happens when we put social studies on the back burner
two eye-opening survey Q&As from my audience
a quote that's applicable inside AND outside of the classroom
ways to make social studies work with 4 schedule ideas
how you can amplify your social studies instruction this upcoming school year

Related Resources and Links

Let's Connect!

Listen/watch on YouTube

Mentioned in this episode:

5 Social Studies Guided Notes

Get guided notes covering 5 common social studies topics that are low-prep and easy to use as reference guides, anchor charts, and more!

Grab the Free Guided Notes!

7th Grade Texas History Guided Curriculum (Growing Bundle)

3 Important Social Studies Skills Every Upper Elementary Student Needs to Know

Tue, 18 Jul 2023 05:00:00 -0500

Integrating social studies with other subjects can be done through the incorporation of social studies skills. These skills are crucial for upper elementary students and can have a significant impact on their future success.

In this episode, we'll explore the top three social studies skills that students need to know and discuss why they are so important. Join me to learn more about how social studies skills can benefit students in all areas of their education.

In this episode, you will learn:

3 social studies skills to integrate with other subjects
reasons why these social studies skills are important

Related Resources and Links

Let's Connect!

Listen/watch on YouTube

Mentioned in this episode:

7th Grade Texas History Guided Curriculum (Growing Bundle)

5 Social Studies Guided Notes

Get guided notes covering 5 common social studies topics that are low-prep and easy to use as reference guides, anchor charts, and more!

Grab the Free Guided Notes!

7 Fun Social Studies Activities that Students Will Love

Tue, 11 Jul 2023 05:00:00 -0500

In this podcast episode, we'll dive into some exciting and engaging social studies activities that your students are sure to enjoy!

As a teacher, you understand the importance of integrating hands-on experiences and interactive learning into your lesson plans, and these ideas will help you achieve just that.

By the end of this episode, you'll have a whole toolkit of fun ideas at your disposal for teaching social studies in a dynamic and effective way! So tune in and discover how you can elevate your social studies lessons with these enlightening activities!

In this episode, you will learn:

7 fun social studies activities your students will enjoy
resources for extra support

Related Resources and Links

Let's Connect!

Listen/watch on YouTube

Mentioned in this episode:

7th Grade Texas History Guided Curriculum (Growing Bundle)

5 Social Studies Guided Notes

Get guided notes covering 5 common social studies topics that are low-prep and easy to use as reference guides, anchor charts, and more!

Grab the Free Guided Notes!

4 Ways to Make Social Studies Lessons Engaging

Tue, 04 Jul 2023 05:00:00 -0500

Are you tired of your social studies lessons falling flat? Do you want to make sure your students are engaged, challenged, and excited about learning about history, geography, and current events?

In this episode, we explore 4 ways to make social studies lessons engaging. Whether you're a new teacher looking to spice up your curriculum or a veteran educator seeking fresh ideas, tune in to discover how to get your students excited about social studies lessons.

In this episode, you will learn:

4 ways to make social studies interesting for upper elementary
examples of how I made my lessons engaging in the classroom
resources for extra support

Related Resources and Links

Let's Connect!

Listen/watch on YouTube

Mentioned in this episode:

5 Social Studies Guided Notes

Get guided notes covering 5 common social studies topics that are low-prep and easy to use as reference guides, anchor charts, and more!

Grab the Free Guided Notes!

7th Grade Texas History Guided Curriculum (Growing Bundle)

4 Reasons Why Social Studies Should be a Priority in the Classroom

Tue, 27 Jun 2023 05:00:00 -0500

Social studies is more than just memorizing dates and facts!

Time and time again, social studies is often overshadowed by other subjects. Even still, it is important for students to have a solid foundation in this subject.

Let's dive deeper into why teaching social studies should be a priority for the upcoming school year!

In this episode, you will learn:

4 reasons why social studies should be a priority
resources for extra support

Related Resources and Links

Let's Connect!

Listen/watch on YouTube

Mentioned in this episode:

7th Grade Texas History Guided Curriculum (Growing Bundle)

5 Social Studies Guided Notes

Get guided notes covering 5 common social studies topics that are low-prep and easy to use as reference guides, anchor charts, and more!

Grab the Free Guided Notes!

3 Frustrating Challenges Faced by Social Studies Teachers in Upper Elementary

Tue, 20 Jun 2023 05:00:00 -0500

Let's face it - social studies teachers in upper elementary face unique challenges!

Most of the time, we teach social studies in conjunction to other subjects, and those other subjects are usually high-stakes and are emphasized more. This causes social studies to be pushed to the side more than we'd like.

I recently read an article on exactly this topic, so I wanted to share with you my thoughts of 3 challenges mentioned and some potential solutions.

In this episode, you will learn:

3 common challenges faced by upper elementary teachers who teach social studies
potential solutions and ways to combat the major challenges

Related Resources and Links

Let's Connect!

Listen/watch on YouTube

Mentioned in this episode:

5 Social Studies Guided Notes

Get guided notes covering 5 common social studies topics that are low-prep and easy to use as reference guides, anchor charts, and more!

Grab the Free Guided Notes!

7th Grade Texas History Guided Curriculum (Growing Bundle)

The Social Studies Teacher Podcast: 6 Exciting Reasons You Should Listen

Mon, 12 Jun 2023 05:00:00 -0500

Welcome to the official trailer of The Social Studies Teacher Podcast!

In this podcast for educators who teach upper elementary, I'm excited to share with you some tips, strategies, and insights into how to make social studies culturally relevant, engaging, and fun for you and your students in the upper elementary classroom.

The first episode of the podcast will be launched on June 20, 2023!

In this trailer, you will learn:

my background in education + some fun facts
3 reasons why I created this podcast
3 reasons why you should tune in (what to expect on the podcast)

Related Resources and Links

Trailer Show Notes

Let's Connect!

Listen/watch on YouTube