The Social Studies Teacher Podcast

History lessons often focus on dates, events, and timelines. But when students understand why events happened, history begins to make sense!In this video, we explore practical strategies for helping students think like historians by focusing on cause and effect, perspectives, evidence, and historical reasoning.This episode walks through several ways to shift your instruction from teaching only the “what” of history to helping students understand the deeper reasons behind historical events.In this episode:Why teaching only historical facts can limit understandingWhat it means for students to think like historiansHow to start lessons with compelling historical questionsWays to model cause-and-effect thinking in historyUsing multiple perspectives to deepen understandingHow primary sources help students analyze evidenceConnecting historical events to issues in the presentA simple lesson structure that encourages historical thinkingBy focusing on the “why” behind history, students develop stronger critical thinking skills, build empathy, and begin to see how past decisions continue to shape the world today.Related Linkshttps://thesouthernteach.com/blog/history-lessons/Let's Connect!Listen/watch on YouTubeShop TPT ResourcesInstagramWebsiteAmazonMentioned 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-150624235 Social Studies Guided NotesGet 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!

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 understandingResources 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-13118072Let's Connect!Listen/watch on YouTubeShop TPT ResourcesInstagramWebsiteAmazonMentioned 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-150624235 Social Studies Guided NotesGet 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!

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_0kqGjYG60zgSiSWEmail your SBOE district representative: https://sboe.texas.gov/state-board-of-education/sboe-board-members/sboe-membersHere 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.pdfMentioned 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-150624235 Social Studies Guided NotesGet 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!

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 lessonsStrategies for analyzing texts, maps, and primary sourcesWays to encourage evidence-based discussions and written responsesIdeas to promote critical thinking and comprehension across content areasTeaching Tips:Use short nonfiction passages to build content knowledgeIncorporate writing prompts tied to historical or civic themesModel how to cite evidence from social studies textsPair literacy centers with map skills or document analysis activitiesResources Mentioned:Download the free week of map skills: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/FREE-Social-Studies-Map-and-Globe-Skills-Cardinal-and-Intermediate-Directions-7994399Let's Connect!Listen/watch on YouTubeShop TPT ResourcesInstagramWebsiteAmazonMentioned in this episode:5 Social Studies Guided NotesGet 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 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

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 PerfectionistPersonality 2 - The People PleaserPersonality 3 - The Role ModelPersonality 4 - The CreativePersonality 5 - The ThinkerPersonality 6 - The SkepticPersonality 7 - The Life of the PartyPersonality 8 - The Go-GetterPersonality 9 - The DreamerFinal ThoughtsEnneagram Activities for StudentsResources 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-5777575Enneagram Primary - https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Enneagram-Personality-Type-for-1st-2nd-3rd-Grades-Community-Building-Activity-6771407Enneagram Bundle - https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Enneagram-Bundle-Student-Personality-Type-Community-Building-Activities-6170227Let's Connect!Listen/watch on YouTubeShop TPT ResourcesInstagramWebsiteAmazonMentioned 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-150624235 Social Studies Guided NotesGet 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 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 teachersClassrooms with limited time for social studiesTeachers who want to foster curiosity and civic awarenessEven 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 117Recommended Resources:Recommended Current Events Sources:CNN 10 https://www.youtube.com/cnn10Scholastic News https://classroommagazines.scholastic.com/Newsla https://newsela.com/Time for Kids https://www.timeforkids.com/Let's Connect!Listen/watch on YouTubeShop TPT ResourcesInstagramWebsiteAmazonMentioned 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-150624235 Social Studies Guided NotesGet 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! 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 toQuick takeaways from each episodeWhy these lessons continue to inspire upper elementary classroomsWhether 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)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-150624235 Social Studies Guided NotesGet 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!

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 comparisonThese 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 NotesGet 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 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

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 Christmas6️⃣ 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 DePaolaLet's Connect!Listen/watch on YouTubeShop TPT ResourcesInstagramWebsiteAmazonMentioned 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-150624235 Social Studies Guided NotesGet 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!

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 assessmentThese 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 postCourse: Social Studies Simplified Learning Intentions PostersThirteen Colonies UnitLet's Connect!Listen/watch on YouTubeShop TPT ResourcesInstagramWebsiteAmazonMentioned 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-150624235 Social Studies Guided NotesGet 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!

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 DiscussActive 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 112Let's Connect!Listen/watch on YouTubeShop TPT ResourcesInstagramWebsiteAmazonMentioned in this episode:5 Social Studies Guided NotesGet 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 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

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 ASAPWith 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 StudiesWorld Cultures CurriculumBlog Post - Episode 111Let's Connect!Listen/watch on YouTubeShop TPT ResourcesInstagramWebsiteAmazonMentioned in this episode:5 Social Studies Guided NotesGet 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 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

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 meetingHow each grade (K–8) will change under the new proposalThe move from 8 strands down to 5 strandsThe timeline for implementation (likely 2030)What this means for your classroom right nowIf 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 YouTubeShop TPT ResourcesInstagramWebsiteAmazonMentioned in this episode:5 Social Studies Guided NotesGet 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 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

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 engagingTeach vocabulary beyond boring worksheetsSave 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 PostLet's Connect!Listen/watch on YouTubeShop TPT ResourcesInstagramWebsiteAmazonMentioned 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-150624235 Social Studies Guided NotesGet 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!

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 Learn4 ready-to-use activities perfect for social studies centers or whole-group lessonsIdeas that build critical thinking, collaboration, and problem-solving skillsWays to integrate history and geography with engaging projectsLow-prep activities that work with any social studies curriculumWhether 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 BundleGuided Notes Texas HistoryGuided Notes Upper ElementaryProject Bundle All Learning StationsGuided CurriculumBlog Post - Episode 109Let's Connect!Listen/watch on YouTubeShop TPT ResourcesInstagramWebsiteAmazonMentioned 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-150624235 Social Studies Guided NotesGet 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!

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 taskWhether 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 BundleWriting Response Menu BundleGrammar and Vocabulary Task Card BundleInternet WebQuest BundleAcademic Vocabulary Word of the Week - Grade 3, Grade 4, Grade 5 Blog Post - Episode 108Let's Connect!Listen/watch on YouTubeShop TPT ResourcesInstagramWebsiteAmazonMentioned in this episode:5 Social Studies Guided NotesGet 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 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

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 CentersLet's Connect!Listen/watch on YouTubeShop TPT ResourcesInstagramWebsiteAmazonMentioned 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-150624235 Social Studies Guided NotesGet 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!

🎉 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 classroomEven 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 NotesGet 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 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

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 guideTips for balancing standards across the yearReal solutions that work in real classroomsLinks and ResourcesEpisode 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 NotesGet 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 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

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 studiesWhy these issues are so common across schoolsSimple, actionable ways to bring social studies back into your weekly routineOG Blog PostFamous People in HistoryTeaching Literary Nonfiction Check out the Guided CurriculumLearn more about the Membership School Subscriptions for Texas Teachers 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-150624235 Social Studies Guided NotesGet 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!

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 FontsMy GO-TO font available through Microsoft OfficeCanva fonts that are perfect for classroom visualsWhere to find cute and clear fonts on TPTTips for choosing fonts that work with your content - not against itIf you’ve ever found yourself down a rabbit hole searching for the perfect font… this one’s for you!Resources and LinksBlog Post - Episode 103https://ladybugsteacherfiles.com/how-to-find-new-google-fonts-fast/ https://thesouthernteach.com/blog/font-pairing-tips/ KG FontsAG FontsKA FontsLet's Connect!Listen/watch on YouTubeShop TPT ResourcesInstagramWebsiteAmazonMentioned 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-150624235 Social Studies Guided NotesGet 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!

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 historyMy top historical fiction recommendations for upper elementaryCreative ways to integrate literature into your social studies lessonsBooks open doors - and in this case, they just might open a window into the past for your students.Resources and LinksBlog Post - Episode 102https://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 YouTubeShop TPT ResourcesInstagramWebsiteAmazonMentioned in this episode:5 Social Studies Guided NotesGet 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 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

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 CapsuleHistorical Figures HeadbandsCreate a Summer Road Trip PlanInterview a Classmate or Family MemberYou 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 LinksBlog Post - Episode 101https://thesouthernteach.com/blog/jeopardy-fun-social-studies-activity/ Let's Connect!Listen/watch on YouTubeShop TPT ResourcesInstagramWebsiteAmazonMentioned in this episode:5 Social Studies Guided NotesGet 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 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

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 1925How geography and world history were originally taughtThe progress we’ve made in social studies educationWhat still needs to change for our students todayThanks for being part of this milestone moment - here’s to 100 more episodes of making social studies simple, engaging, and fun!Resources and LinksBlog Post - Episode 100Let's Connect!Listen/watch on YouTubeShop TPT ResourcesInstagramWebsiteAmazonMentioned in this episode:5 Social Studies Guided NotesGet 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 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

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 HighlightsWhy Social Studies Conversations at Home Matter5 Steps for Parents to Talk About Social Studies at HomeAdditional 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 LinksBlog Post - Episode 99NewselaScholastic NewsGuess in 10Catan JuniorTicket to RideI SurvivedLiberty's KidsBrainpop Jr.https://thesouthernteach.com/blog/hands-on-social-studies/ thesouthernteach.comsmartandsimplesocialstudies.comLet's Connect!Listen/watch on YouTubeShop TPT ResourcesInstagramWebsiteAmazonMentioned in this episode:5 Social Studies Guided NotesGet 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 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

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 harderReuse & Adapt Resources – Make the most of what you already haveUse Self-Grading Quizzes – Cut down on grading timeGrade Assignments Efficiently – Strategies to speed up the processStreamline Social Studies Stations & Group Work – Keep things organized and effectiveUse AI & Tech Tools for Social Studies – Let technology do some of the heavy liftingSet Work Time Limits & Stick to Them – Avoid overworking and stay on trackIf you’re looking for ways to lighten your workload and make social studies more manageable, this episode is for you!Resources and LinksBlog Post - Episode 98https://thesouthernteach.com/blog/grading-tips/ https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Time-Management-Strategies-for-Teachers-6262172 Let's Connect!Listen/watch on YouTubeShop TPT ResourcesInstagramWebsiteAmazonMentioned 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-150624235 Social Studies Guided NotesGet 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!

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 97Geometrocity PBL ProjectEnneagram for Big KidsEmoji End of the Year AwardsA Letter from Your Teacher End of YearLet's Connect!Listen/watch on YouTubeShop TPT ResourcesInstagramWebsiteAmazonMentioned 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-150624235 Social Studies Guided NotesGet 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!

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 HighlightsWhat is AI?How has AI evolved over time?My favorite tools to enhance instruction using AIAI isn’t here to replace teachers - it’s here to help us work smarter, not harder! Resources and Links Blog Post - Episode 96Chat GPTMagic School AIEduAideQuizizzKahoot.comEdpuzzlehttps://artsandculture.google.com/ Google EarthGoogle GeminiLet's Connect!Listen/watch on YouTubeShop TPT ResourcesInstagramWebsiteAmazonMentioned in this episode:5 Social Studies Guided NotesGet 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 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

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 954 Steps to Hooking Social Studies for Students Teaching With WebQuestsUsing Primary SourcesConducting Book Projects in Grades 3-54 PBL Project IdeasLet's Connect!Listen/watch on YouTubeShop TPT ResourcesInstagramWebsiteAmazonMentioned 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-150624235 Social Studies Guided NotesGet 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!

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 HighlightsEnslavement as the central issueStates' rights vs Federal powerEconomic and cultural differencesThe role of westward expansionThe election of Abraham LincolnTeaching tips for the causes of the Civil WarResources and LinksBlog Post - Episode 94Unit 8 American Civil War UnitLet's Connect!Listen/watch on YouTubeShop TPT ResourcesInstagramWebsiteAmazonMentioned in this episode:5 Social Studies Guided NotesGet 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 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

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 HighlightsWhat task cards are and why they are beneficial for students7 engaging and fun ideas to use task cards in a variety of ways Resources and LinksBlog Post - Episode 93Social Studies Task CardsReading Comprehension Task CardsGrammar Task CardsLet's Connect!Listen/watch on YouTubeShop TPT ResourcesInstagramWebsiteAmazonMentioned in this episode:5 Social Studies Guided NotesGet 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 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

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 studentsEffective coping strategies that teachers can teach students to help them manage test anxietyHow to balance preparing students for tests while avoiding overwhelming them with pressureHow to support students who have severe test anxiety or other regulation challengesTips to involve parents in helping their children cope with test anxiety at homeConnect with our guest:Celavora Education Websitehttps://www.instagram.com/carolinemsk/https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCATkgk3-fK42QTXE-rCX5zwResources and Links:Blog Post - Episode 92SEL Activities Anxiety Support and Self-RegulationTesting Schedule Template Elementary and Secondary School CoordinationSmart Cookie Activities and WorksheetsKids Stress Management Tool Teach Social Skills How to CopeToken Boards Template First Then Boards and I’m Working BundleLet's Connect!Listen/watch on YouTubeShop TPT ResourcesInstagramWebsiteAmazonMentioned 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-150624235 Social Studies Guided NotesGet 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!

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 HighlightsSome of the biggest challenges teachers face when preparing students for state standardized math testsThe MOST important thing to do in order to prep your students for the testHow to keep students engaged and motivated during test prep without it feeling repetitive or overwhelmingQuick and easy test prep strategies that teachers can implement right awayConnect with our guest:Follow Cassi on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mindsinbloom.tpt Minds in Bloom WebsiteResources and Links:Blog Post - Episode 91Math/ELA Membership mibunlimited.com Let's Connect!Listen/watch on YouTubeShop TPT ResourcesInstagramWebsiteAmazonMentioned in this episode:5 Social Studies Guided NotesGet 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 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

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 HighlightsThe toughest part of getting students ready for high-stakes ELA testsSimple but effective ways teachers can help students understand how a test is structured so they feel confident going into test dayEasy ways teachers can help students break down and understand tough vocabularyBest test-tasking strategies to "be smarter than the test" Ways to can prep students without making it feel overwhelmingSteps to putting together a solid ELA test prep planConnect with our guest:Youtube https://www.youtube.com/@customclassroombyangelaFacebook https://www.facebook.com/people/Custom-Classroom-By-Angela/61550264731197/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/customclassroombyangela/Resources and Links:Blog Post - Episode 90Best selling ELA Test Prep Bundle https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/STAAR-ELA-Reading-Test-Prep-Passages-Comprehension-Questions-3rd-4th-5th-Grade-44897754 Week Boot Camp video https://youtu.be/NRSFGTremYY?si=3c3Bpv1whZSqfdjNLet's Connect!Listen/watch on YouTubeShop TPT ResourcesInstagramWebsiteAmazonMentioned in this episode:5 Social Studies Guided NotesGet 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 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

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 LinksBlog Post - Episode 89EduAide.AiDigital Jeopardy TemplatesLet's Connect!Listen/watch on YouTubeShop TPT ResourcesInstagramWebsiteAmazonMentioned in this episode:5 Social Studies Guided NotesGet 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 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

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 HighlightsBringing history to life with historical fictionSparking engagement with debates on historical and cultural topicsCreating interactive timelinesDesigning cultural exploration projectsEngaging with primary sources and mock scenariosBuilding hands-on geography projectsResources and LinksBlog Post - Episode 88Using Timelines in Social StudiesLibrary of Congress - Primary SourcesLet's Connect!Listen/watch on YouTubeShop TPT ResourcesInstagramWebsiteAmazonMentioned in this episode:5 Social Studies Guided NotesGet 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 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

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 HighlightsBlack History Is American HistoryHighlight Unsung Heroes and Everyday StoriesExplore Black Culture Beyond StruggleResources and LinksBlog Post - Episode 87My Black History Month unit has all of these elements ready to go for you - check it out hereTry the Webquest about the Civil Rights Movement hereLet's Connect!Listen/watch on YouTubeShop TPT ResourcesInstagramWebsiteAmazonMentioned in this episode:5 Social Studies Guided NotesGet 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 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

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 HighlightsWhy Teaching Sensitive Topics MattersAcknowledge Your Fears and Do the Prep WorkCreate a Safe Space for DiscussionStrategies for Teaching Sensitive TopicsAddressing Mistakes and FeedbackTeaching Without FearResources and LinksBlog Post - Episode 86https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/the-southern-teach https://thesouthernteach.com/blog/primary-sources/ Let's Connect!Listen/watch on YouTubeShop TPT ResourcesInstagramWebsiteAmazonMentioned in this episode:5 Social Studies Guided NotesGet 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 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

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 LinksBlog Post - Episode 853rd Grade Communities Guided Curriculum4th Grade Texas History Guided Curriculum5th Grade U.S. History Guided CurriculumLet's Connect!Listen/watch on YouTubeShop TPT ResourcesInstagramWebsiteAmazonMentioned in this episode:5 Social Studies Guided NotesGet 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 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

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 HighlightsWhat is a book project?Why try book projects?Ideas your students will loveWhy book projects workBook recommendations for upper elementary projectsTips for success with book projectsResources and LinksBlog Post - Episode 84Chapter Book Series RecommendationsUsing Multiple Intelligences in the ClassroomMultiple Intelligences Choice BoardsLet's Connect!Listen/watch on YouTubeShop TPT ResourcesInstagramWebsiteAmazonMentioned in this episode:5 Social Studies Guided NotesGet 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 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

Engagement, assessments, and more - here are 4 PBL project ideas that you won't want to miss!Resources and LinksBlog Post - Episode 83Create a Map Project - Map and Globes UnitAdventuring Budgeting Project - Ways to Earn Money UnitMission and Presidio Project - Early Texas Settlements UnitAmerican Revolution Quilt Project - American Revolution UnitRegister for the Winter Education Summit!Let's Connect!Listen/watch on YouTubeShop TPT ResourcesInstagramWebsiteAmazonMentioned in this episode:5 Social Studies Guided NotesGet 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 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

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 Highlightsbenefits of leaving reviews on TPThow to leave a review on TPTperks of leaving reviewstips for writing an effective TPT reviewResources and LinksBlog Post - Episode 82Leave a review on TPTReview The Southern Teach TPT resourcesLeave a review on my Website StoreLet's Connect!Listen/watch on YouTubeShop TPT ResourcesInstagramWebsiteAmazonMentioned in this episode:5 Social Studies Guided NotesGet 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 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

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 HighlightsStart with weird or surprising factsUse humor to humanize historical figuresTie surprising stories to key conceptsResources and LinksBlog Post - Episode 81Paul Revere's RideProject Choice Board IdeasLet's Connect!Listen/watch on YouTubeShop TPT ResourcesInstagramWebsiteAmazonMentioned 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-150624235 Social Studies Guided NotesGet 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!

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 HighlightsThe anxiety of teaching what you don't knowHow I started building confidenceBuilding confidence over timePractical tips for teaching tough topicsResources and LinksBlog Post - Episode 80How to Teach Using TimelinesHow to Use Primary SourcesFacebook Group - Upper Elementary Social Studies TeachersLet's Connect!Listen/watch on YouTubeShop TPT ResourcesInstagramWebsiteAmazonMentioned 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-150624235 Social Studies Guided NotesGet 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!

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 HighlightsQuick and simple quizzesCreative projects for deeper learningInformal assessments through class discussions and journalsResources and LinksBlog Post - Episode 79Guided Curriculum unitsDaily PassagesLet's Connect!Listen/watch on YouTubeShop TPT ResourcesInstagramWebsiteAmazonMentioned 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-150624235 Social Studies Guided NotesGet 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!

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 HighlightsClear learning objectivesAn engaging hook or introductionActive learning and student engagementPrimary sources or real world examplesReflection and assessmentResources and LinksBlog Post - Episode 78Three Branches of Government UnitA Guide to Learning Intention and Success Criteria7 Fun Social Studies Activity IdeasHow to Use Primary SourcesLet's Connect!Listen/watch on YouTubeShop TPT ResourcesInstagramWebsiteAmazonMentioned in this episode:5 Social Studies Guided NotesGet 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 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

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 HighlightsUsing storytelling to make connectionsUsing visuals and interactive elementsTurning complex topics into hands-on projectsBreaking it down with mini-lessonsResources and LinksBlog Post - Episode 77Brainpop VideosFree Enterprise System UnitAmerican Revolution UnitMultiple Intelligences ResourceLet's Connect!Listen/watch on YouTubeShop TPT ResourcesInstagramWebsiteAmazonMentioned 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-150624235 Social Studies Guided NotesGet 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!

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 HighlightsLunar New Year Mardi GrasNowruz Holi Las Posadas Diwali St. Lucia’s Day La TomatinaResources and LinksEasily 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 76Let's Connect!Listen/watch on YouTubeShop TPT ResourcesInstagramWebsiteAmazonMentioned in this episode:5 Social Studies Guided NotesGet 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 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

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 LinksFor more support, take a closer look at my 20 Time Management Strategies resourceBlog Post - Episode 75Let's Connect!Listen/watch on YouTubeShop TPT ResourcesInstagramWebsiteAmazonMentioned in this episode:5 Social Studies Guided NotesGet 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 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