The Social Studies Teacher Podcast

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.

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!Check out the episode show notes!Listen/watch on YoutubeShop TPT ResourcesInstagramWebsiteJoin the Facebook GroupMentioned in this episode:Social Studies Guided CurriculumEasy-to-follow lesson plans and activities for social studies - just print and teach! The complete bundles for Communities, Texas History, and U.S. History are available. Click the link to learn more!Learn more about the Smart and Simple Social Studies Guided Curriculum! Video Podcasts coming in June!Season 3 of The Social Studies Teacher Podcast is coming this June with a brand-new format — video episodes! Every other week, you'll be able to watch face-to-camera episodes on YouTube where I'll share practical tips and engaging strategies for teaching upper elementary social studies. Prefer audio? You'll still get biweekly episodes right in your podcast feed!

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 LinksBlog Post - Episode 97Geometrocity PBL ProjectEnneagram for Big KidsEmoji End of the Year AwardsA Letter from Your Teacher End of YearLet's Connect!Check out the episode show notes!Listen/watch on YoutubeShop TPT ResourcesInstagramWebsiteJoin the Facebook GroupMentioned in this episode:Social Studies Guided CurriculumEasy-to-follow lesson plans and activities for social studies - just print and teach! The complete bundles for Communities, Texas History, and U.S. History are available. Click the link to learn more!Learn more about the Smart and Simple Social Studies Guided Curriculum! Video Podcasts coming in June!Season 3 of The Social Studies Teacher Podcast is coming this June with a brand-new format — video episodes! Every other week, you'll be able to watch face-to-camera episodes on YouTube where I'll share practical tips and engaging strategies for teaching upper elementary social studies. Prefer audio? You'll still get biweekly episodes right in your podcast feed!

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 LinksBlog Post - Episode 96Chat GPTMagic School AIEduAideQuizizzKahoot.comEdpuzzlehttps://artsandculture.google.com/ Google EarthGoogle GeminiLet's Connect!Check out the episode show notes!Listen/watch on YoutubeShop TPT ResourcesInstagramWebsiteJoin the Facebook GroupMentioned in this episode:Video Podcasts coming in June!Season 3 of The Social Studies Teacher Podcast is coming this June with a brand-new format — video episodes! Every other week, you'll be able to watch face-to-camera episodes on YouTube where I'll share practical tips and engaging strategies for teaching upper elementary social studies. Prefer audio? You'll still get biweekly episodes right in your podcast feed!Social Studies Guided CurriculumEasy-to-follow lesson plans and activities for social studies - just print and teach! The complete bundles for Communities, Texas History, and U.S. History are available. Click the link to learn more!Learn more about the Smart and Simple Social Studies Guided Curriculum!

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 LinksBlog 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!Check out the episode show notes!Listen/watch on YoutubeShop TPT ResourcesInstagramWebsiteJoin the Facebook GroupMentioned in this episode:Video Podcasts coming in June!Season 3 of The Social Studies Teacher Podcast is coming this June with a brand-new format — video episodes! Every other week, you'll be able to watch face-to-camera episodes on YouTube where I'll share practical tips and engaging strategies for teaching upper elementary social studies. Prefer audio? You'll still get biweekly episodes right in your podcast feed!Social Studies Guided CurriculumEasy-to-follow lesson plans and activities for social studies - just print and teach! The complete bundles for Communities, Texas History, and U.S. History are available. Click the link to learn more!Learn more about the Smart and Simple Social Studies Guided Curriculum!

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!Check out the episode show notes!Listen/watch on YoutubeShop TPT ResourcesInstagramWebsiteJoin the Facebook GroupMentioned in this episode:Social Studies Guided CurriculumEasy-to-follow lesson plans and activities for social studies - just print and teach! The complete bundles for Communities, Texas History, and U.S. History are available. Click the link to learn more!Learn more about the Smart and Simple Social Studies Guided Curriculum! Video Podcasts coming in June!Season 3 of The Social Studies Teacher Podcast is coming this June with a brand-new format — video episodes! Every other week, you'll be able to watch face-to-camera episodes on YouTube where I'll share practical tips and engaging strategies for teaching upper elementary social studies. Prefer audio? You'll still get biweekly episodes right in your podcast feed!

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 LinksSocial Studies Task CardsReading Comprehension Task CardsGrammar Task CardsLet's Connect!Check out the episode show notes!Shop TPT ResourcesInstagramWebsiteJoin the Facebook GroupMentioned in this episode:3-Part Test Prep SeriesTesting season is upon us! Tune into The Social Studies Teacher Podcast in March for a special 3-part test prep series with 3 special guests! You can also watch on my Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thesouthernteach

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:SEL 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!Check out the episode show notes!Shop TPT ResourcesInstagramWebsiteJoin the Facebook GroupMentioned in this episode:3-Part Test Prep SeriesTesting season is upon us! Tune into The Social Studies Teacher Podcast in March for a special 3-part test prep series with 3 special guests! You can also watch on my Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thesouthernteach

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:Math/ELA Membership mibunlimited.com Let's Connect!Check out the episode show notes!Shop TPT ResourcesInstagramWebsiteJoin the Facebook GroupMentioned in this episode:3-Part Test Prep SeriesTesting season is upon us! Tune into The Social Studies Teacher Podcast in March for a special 3-part test prep series with 3 special guests! You can also watch on my Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thesouthernteach

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:Best 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!Check out the episode show notes!Shop TPT ResourcesInstagramWebsiteJoin the Facebook GroupMentioned in this episode:3-Part Test Prep SeriesTesting season is upon us! Tune into The Social Studies Teacher Podcast in March for a special 3-part test prep series with 3 special guests! You can also watch on my Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thesouthernteach

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 LinksEduAide.AiDigital Jeopardy TemplatesLet's Connect!Check out the episode show notes!Shop TPT ResourcesInstagramWebsiteJoin the Facebook GroupMentioned in this episode:3-Part Test Prep SeriesTesting season is upon us! Tune into The Social Studies Teacher Podcast in March for a special 3-part test prep series with 3 special guests! You can also watch on my Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thesouthernteach

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 LinksUsing Timelines in Social StudiesLibrary of Congress - Primary SourcesLet's Connect!Check out the episode show notes!Shop TPT ResourcesInstagramWebsiteJoin the Facebook GroupMentioned in this episode:3-Part Test Prep SeriesTesting season is upon us! Tune into The Social Studies Teacher Podcast in March for a special 3-part test prep series with 3 special guests! You can also watch on my Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thesouthernteach

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 LinksMy 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!Check out the episode show notes!Shop TPT ResourcesInstagramWebsiteJoin the Facebook GroupMentioned in this episode:Grab the Black History Bundle Today! Looking for an easy, engaging way to teach Black History? The Black History Month All-In-One Bundle is packed with ready-to-use biographies, activities, and nonfiction passages—perfect for upper elementary and middle school! Whether for Black History Month or year-round learning, this minimal-prep resource makes it simple to highlight diverse voices. This resource can: ✔️ Make Black History lessons meaningful ✔️ Save you time with no-prep activities ✔️ Boost reading comprehension and critical thinking Grab the resource here!

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 Linkshttps://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/the-southern-teach https://thesouthernteach.com/blog/primary-sources/ Let's Connect!Check out the episode show notes!Shop TPT ResourcesInstagramWebsiteJoin the Facebook GroupMentioned in this episode:Grab the Black History Bundle Today! Looking for an easy, engaging way to teach Black History? The Black History Month All-In-One Bundle is packed with ready-to-use biographies, activities, and nonfiction passages—perfect for upper elementary and middle school! Whether for Black History Month or year-round learning, this minimal-prep resource makes it simple to highlight diverse voices. This resource can: ✔️ Make Black History lessons meaningful ✔️ Save you time with no-prep activities ✔️ Boost reading comprehension and critical thinking Grab the resource here!

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 Links3rd Grade Communities Guided Curriculum4th Grade Texas History Guided Curriculum5th Grade U.S. History Guided CurriculumLet's Connect!Check out the episode show notes!Shop TPT ResourcesInstagramWebsiteJoin the Facebook GroupMentioned in this episode:Grab the Black History Bundle Today! Looking for an easy, engaging way to teach Black History? The Black History Month All-In-One Bundle is packed with ready-to-use biographies, activities, and nonfiction passages—perfect for upper elementary and middle school! Whether for Black History Month or year-round learning, this minimal-prep resource makes it simple to highlight diverse voices. This resource can: ✔️ Make Black History lessons meaningful ✔️ Save you time with no-prep activities ✔️ Boost reading comprehension and critical thinking Grab the resource here!

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 LinksBook Project IdeasChapter Book Series RecommendationsUsing Multiple Intelligences in the ClassroomMultiple Intelligences Choice BoardsLet's Connect!Check out the episode show notes!Shop TPT ResourcesInstagramWebsiteJoin the Facebook GroupMentioned in this episode:Grab the Black History Bundle Today! Looking for an easy, engaging way to teach Black History? The Black History Month All-In-One Bundle is packed with ready-to-use biographies, activities, and nonfiction passages—perfect for upper elementary and middle school! Whether for Black History Month or year-round learning, this minimal-prep resource makes it simple to highlight diverse voices. This resource can: ✔️ Make Black History lessons meaningful ✔️ Save you time with no-prep activities ✔️ Boost reading comprehension and critical thinking Grab the resource here!

Engagement, assessments, and more - here are 4 PBL project ideas that you won't want to miss!Resources and LinksCreate 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!Check out the episode show notes!Shop TPT ResourcesInstagramWebsiteJoin the Facebook GroupMentioned in this episode:Leave a Review for The Social Studies Teacher Podcast!Are you loving the podcast? I'd love to hear your feedback! Click the link to leave a review!Rate and Review the PodcastJoin Winter Summit ‘25!Have you heard the news yet? I am a featured presenter at The Educator Summit and tickets are on sale NOW for Winter Summit ‘25: your go-to source for grade-specific, ready for the classroom, inspirational Professional Development! I am presenting my BRAND NEW session: Project-Based Learning in Social Studies for third to fifth grade teachers! Get over 25 hours worth of PD training for one low price. Make sure you select the Third to Fifth Grade option to see my session!

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 LinksLeave a review on TPTReview The Southern Teach TPT resourcesLeave a review on my Website StoreLet's Connect!Check out the episode show notes!Shop TPT ResourcesInstagramWebsiteJoin the Facebook GroupMentioned in this episode:Leave a Review for The Social Studies Teacher Podcast!Are you loving the podcast? I'd love to hear your feedback! Click the link to leave a review!Rate and Review the PodcastJoin Winter Summit ‘25!Have you heard the news yet? I am a featured presenter at The Educator Summit and tickets are on sale NOW for Winter Summit ‘25: your go-to source for grade-specific, ready for the classroom, inspirational Professional Development! I am presenting my BRAND NEW session: Project-Based Learning in Social Studies for third to fifth grade teachers! Get over 25 hours worth of PD training for one low price. Make sure you select the Third to Fifth Grade option to see my session!

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 LinksPaul Revere's RideProject Choice Board IdeasLet's Connect!Check out the episode show notes!Shop TPT ResourcesInstagramWebsiteJoin the Facebook GroupMentioned in this episode:Join Winter Summit ‘25!Have you heard the news yet? I am a featured presenter at The Educator Summit and tickets are on sale NOW for Winter Summit ‘25: your go-to source for grade-specific, ready for the classroom, inspirational Professional Development! I am presenting my BRAND NEW session: Project-Based Learning in Social Studies for third to fifth grade teachers! Get over 25 hours worth of PD training for one low price. Make sure you select the Third to Fifth Grade option to see my session!

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 LinksHow to Teach Using TimelinesHow to Use Primary SourcesFacebook Group - Upper Elementary Social Studies TeachersLet's Connect!Check out the episode show notes!Shop TPT ResourcesInstagramWebsiteJoin the Facebook GroupMentioned in this episode:Leave a Review for The Social Studies Teacher Podcast!Are you loving the podcast? I'd love to hear your feedback! Click the link to leave a review!Rate and Review the PodcastJoin Winter Summit ‘25!Have you heard the news yet? I am a featured presenter at The Educator Summit and tickets are on sale NOW for Winter Summit ‘25: your go-to source for grade-specific, ready for the classroom, inspirational Professional Development! I am presenting my BRAND NEW session: Project-Based Learning in Social Studies for third to fifth grade teachers! Get over 25 hours worth of PD training for one low price. Make sure you select the Third to Fifth Grade option to see my session!

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 LinksGuided Curriculum unitsDaily PassagesLet's Connect!Check out the episode show notes!Shop TPT ResourcesInstagramWebsiteJoin the Facebook GroupMentioned in this episode:Join Winter Summit ‘25!Have you heard the news yet? I am a featured presenter at The Educator Summit and tickets are on sale NOW for Winter Summit ‘25: your go-to source for grade-specific, ready for the classroom, inspirational Professional Development! I am presenting my BRAND NEW session: Project-Based Learning in Social Studies for third to fifth grade teachers! Get over 25 hours worth of PD training for one low price. Make sure you select the Third to Fifth Grade option to see my session!

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 LinksThree Branches of Government UnitA Guide to Learning Intention and Success Criteria7 Fun Social Studies Activity IdeasHow to Use Primary SourcesLet's Connect!Check out the episode show notes!Shop TPT ResourcesInstagramWebsiteJoin the Facebook GroupMentioned in this episode:Join Winter Summit ‘25!Have you heard the news yet? I am a featured presenter at The Educator Summit and tickets are on sale NOW for Winter Summit ‘25: your go-to source for grade-specific, ready for the classroom, inspirational Professional Development! I am presenting my BRAND NEW session: Project-Based Learning in Social Studies for third to fifth grade teachers! Get over 25 hours worth of PD training for one low price. Make sure you select the Third to Fifth Grade option to see my session!

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 LinksBrainpop VideosFree Enterprise System UnitAmerican Revolution UnitMultiple Intelligences ResourceLet's Connect!Check out the episode show notes!Shop TPT ResourcesInstagramWebsiteJoin the Facebook GroupMentioned in this episode:Join Winter Summit ‘25!Have you heard the news yet? I am a featured presenter at The Educator Summit and tickets are on sale NOW for Winter Summit ‘25: your go-to source for grade-specific, ready for the classroom, inspirational Professional Development! I am presenting my BRAND NEW session: Project-Based Learning in Social Studies for third to fifth grade teachers! Get over 25 hours worth of PD training for one low price. Make sure you select the Third to Fifth Grade option to see my session!

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.Let's Connect!Check out the episode show notes!Shop TPT ResourcesInstagramWebsiteJoin the Facebook GroupMentioned in this episode:Smart and Simple Social Studies Membership WaitlistCalling all Texas teachers! Take Social Studies off the back burner with time-saving, easy-to-prep, and engaging resources at your fingertips! Be the first to know when the Smart and Simple Social Studies Membership opens this summer!Join the Membership Waitlist!Join Winter Summit ‘25!Have you heard the news yet? I am a featured presenter at The Educator Summit and tickets are on sale NOW for Winter Summit ‘25: your go-to source for grade-specific, ready for the classroom, inspirational Professional Development! I am presenting my BRAND NEW session: Project-Based Learning in Social Studies for third to fifth grade teachers! Get over 25 hours worth of PD training for one low price. Make sure you select the Third to Fifth Grade option to see my session!

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 resourceLet's Connect!Check out the episode show notes!Shop TPT ResourcesInstagramWebsiteJoin the Facebook GroupMentioned in this episode:Join Winter Summit ‘25!Have you heard the news yet? I am a featured presenter at The Educator Summit and tickets are on sale NOW for Winter Summit ‘25: your go-to source for grade-specific, ready for the classroom, inspirational Professional Development! I am presenting my BRAND NEW session: Project-Based Learning in Social Studies for third to fifth grade teachers! Get over 25 hours worth of PD training for one low price. Make sure you select the Third to Fifth Grade option to see my session!

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 HighlightsWhy use charts, tables, and graphs?Types of visuals to use in your social studies lessonsHow to integrate visuals into lessonsActivities and assessment ideasThe end game - why it will benefit students in the long runLet's Connect!Check out the episode show notes!Shop TPT ResourcesInstagramWebsiteJoin the Facebook GroupMentioned in this episode:Smart and Simple Social Studies Membership WaitlistCalling all Texas teachers! Take Social Studies off the back burner with time-saving, easy-to-prep, and engaging resources at your fingertips! Be the first to know when the Smart and Simple Social Studies Membership opens this summer!Join the Membership Waitlist!Join Winter Summit ‘25!Have you heard the news yet? I am a featured presenter at The Educator Summit and tickets are on sale NOW for Winter Summit ‘25: your go-to source for grade-specific, ready for the classroom, inspirational Professional Development! I am presenting my BRAND NEW session: Project-Based Learning in Social Studies for third to fifth grade teachers! Get over 25 hours worth of PD training for one low price. Make sure you select the Third to Fifth Grade option to see my session!

We're diving into one of my absolute favorite ways to bring social studies to life for our students: making it personal.Episode HighlightsWhy share real stories?4 steps to making social studies person for your students through storytelling first-hand accountsLet's Connect!Check out the episode show notes!Shop TPT ResourcesInstagramWebsiteJoin the Facebook GroupMentioned in this episode:Smart and Simple Social Studies Membership WaitlistCalling all Texas teachers! Take Social Studies off the back burner with time-saving, easy-to-prep, and engaging resources at your fingertips! Be the first to know when the Smart and Simple Social Studies Membership opens this summer!Join the Membership Waitlist!Join Winter Summit ‘25!Have you heard the news yet? I am a featured presenter at The Educator Summit and tickets are on sale NOW for Winter Summit ‘25: your go-to source for grade-specific, ready for the classroom, inspirational Professional Development! I am presenting my BRAND NEW session: Project-Based Learning in Social Studies for third to fifth grade teachers! Get over 25 hours worth of PD training for one low price. Make sure you select the Third to Fifth Grade option to see my session!

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 HighlightsWhat is the electoral college?Fun facts about the electoral college4 tips for teaching about the electoral college Resources and Linkshttps://thesouthernteach.com/blog/presidential-election Blog Post - Episode 72Let's Connect!Check out the episode show notes!Shop TPT ResourcesInstagramWebsiteJoin the Facebook GroupMentioned in this episode:Smart and Simple Social Studies Membership WaitlistCalling all Texas teachers! Take Social Studies off the back burner with time-saving, easy-to-prep, and engaging resources at your fingertips! Be the first to know when the Smart and Simple Social Studies Membership opens this summer!Join the Membership Waitlist!Social Studies Guided CurriculumEasy-to-follow lesson plans and activities for social studies - just print and teach! The growing bundle for Communities, Texas History, and U.S. History is now available. Click the link to learn more!Learn more about the Smart and Simple Social Studies Guided Curriculum!

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 HighlightsWhy it's important for students to understand information about our government leadersScavenger hunt activity idea for upper elementary studentsAdditional tips on implementing the scavenger huntResources and LinksA 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-representativehttps://www.supremecourt.gov/about/biographies.aspx Let's Connect!Shop ResourcesInstagramWebsiteJoin the Facebook GroupMentioned in this episode:Love the podcast? Leave a review! If you've been loving the episodes, I'd really appreciate it if you could take a quick minute to rate and review the show. Your reviews help more teachers discover the podcast and let me know what content you're finding most valuable! Here's how you can leave a review on Apple Podcasts: 1. Open the Apple Podcasts app on your device. 2. Search for The Social Studies Teacher Podcast. 3. Scroll down to the Ratings & Reviews section. 4. Tap the stars to rate the show. 5. Click Write a Review, share what you love about the podcast, and hit Submit! It only takes a moment, but it makes a big difference. Thank you so much for your support, and for tuning in each week!Rate and Review the PodcastRegister for Winter Education Summit 2025!Have you heard the news? I'm beyond excited to announce that I'll be a featured presenter at The Educator Summit, and tickets are officially on sale for Winter Summit '25! If you're searching for grade-specific, classroom-ready, and truly inspiring professional development, this is the event for you. I'll be presenting my brand-new session on Project-Based Learning in Social Studies—perfectly crafted for third to fifth grade teachers. If you're ready to make social studies engaging, hands-on, and inquiry-based, you won't want to miss it! Right now, grab your ticket to access over 25 hours of PD. Be sure to select the Third to Fifth Grade track so you don't miss my session. I can't wait to see you in January—it's going to be an incredible event! Secure your ticket today, and let's make Winter Summit unforgettable!Winter Education Summit 2025

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 Highlightslesson ideas and examples for a 45-60 minute social studies blocklesson ideas and examples for a 90-minute social studies blockpractical tips for teaching social studies for more than 30 minutesResources and LinksCheck out my social studies resources!Blog Post - Episode 70Let's Connect!Shop ResourcesInstagramWebsiteJoin the Facebook GroupMentioned in this episode:Register for Winter Education Summit 2025!Have you heard the news? I'm beyond excited to announce that I'll be a featured presenter at The Educator Summit, and tickets are officially on sale for Winter Summit '25! If you're searching for grade-specific, classroom-ready, and truly inspiring professional development, this is the event for you. I'll be presenting my brand-new session on Project-Based Learning in Social Studies—perfectly crafted for third to fifth grade teachers. If you're ready to make social studies engaging, hands-on, and inquiry-based, you won't want to miss it! Right now, grab your ticket to access over 25 hours of PD. Be sure to select the Third to Fifth Grade track so you don't miss my session. I can't wait to see you in January—it's going to be an incredible event! Secure your ticket today, and let's make Winter Summit unforgettable!Winter Education Summit 2025Love the podcast? Leave a review! If you've been loving the episodes, I'd really appreciate it if you could take a quick minute to rate and review the show. Your reviews help more teachers discover the podcast and let me know what content you're finding most valuable! Here's how you can leave a review on Apple Podcasts: 1. Open the Apple Podcasts app on your device. 2. Search for The Social Studies Teacher Podcast. 3. Scroll down to the Ratings & Reviews section. 4. Tap the stars to rate the show. 5. Click Write a Review, share what you love about the podcast, and hit Submit! It only takes a moment, but it makes a big difference. Thank you so much for your support, and for tuning in each week!Rate and Review the Podcast

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 Highlights10-minute lesson ideas and examples20-minute lesson ideas and examplespractical tips for teaching social studies in less than 30 minutesResources and LinksCheck out my social studies resources!Blog Post - Episode 69Let's Connect!Shop ResourcesInstagramWebsiteJoin the Facebook Group

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 HighlightsMock ElectionDebate AnalysisState TrackingCampaign ResearchVoting Rights HistoryReflection and DiscussionResources and LinksAmy Groesbeck Election Results MapBlog Post - Episode 68Let's Connect!Shop ResourcesInstagramWebsiteJoin the Facebook GroupMentioned 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!Smart and Simple Social Studies Membership WaitlistCalling all Texas teachers! Take Social Studies off the back burner with time-saving, easy-to-prep, and engaging resources at your fingertips! Be the first to know when the Smart and Simple Social Studies Membership opens this summer!Join the Membership Waitlist!

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 HighlightsWhat are choice boards and why they are beneficialTypes of activities that can be includedBest practices when using choice boardsResources and LinksMultiple Intelligences Choice BoardsEnneagram Choice BoardsReading Response Choice Board BundleBlog Post - Episode 67Let's Connect!Shop ResourcesInstagramWebsiteJoin the Facebook GroupMentioned in this episode:Smart and Simple Social Studies Membership WaitlistCalling all Texas teachers! Take Social Studies off the back burner with time-saving, easy-to-prep, and engaging resources at your fingertips! Be the first to know when the Smart and Simple Social Studies Membership opens this summer!Join the Membership Waitlist!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!

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 HighlightsThe history of the Multiple Intelligences theoryCharacteristics and typical careers of each of the 8 learning profilesBest ways to support each intelligence in the classroomResources and LinksMultiple Intelligences for Big KidsWaitlist MembershipBlog Post - Episode 66Let's Connect!Shop ResourcesInstagramWebsiteJoin the Facebook GroupMentioned in this episode:Grab the Back to School Social Studies Pack!Get your upper elementary students excited to start the school year using these low-prep back to school social studies getting to know you worksheets! With 20 pages of engaging activities targeting geography, history, and classroom community building, it makes a great back to school resource for the first week or first month of school!Learn more about the Back to School Social Studies ResourceFREE PODCAST SERIESReady to foster a classroom community you and your students love? Tune into the FREE 5-day podcast series with a unique approach to 4 key strategies on building a positive classroom community!Listen to the Essential Classroom Community Podcast Series!

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 HighlightsIdentify problemGather informationList and consider optionsConsider advantages and disadvantagesChoose and implement a solutionEvaluate effectiveness of solutionLet's Connect!Shop ResourcesInstagramWebsiteJoin the Facebook GroupMentioned in this episode:Grab the Back to School Social Studies Pack!Get your upper elementary students excited to start the school year using these low-prep back to school social studies getting to know you worksheets! With 20 pages of engaging activities targeting geography, history, and classroom community building, it makes a great back to school resource for the first week or first month of school!Learn more about the Back to School Social Studies ResourceFREE PODCAST SERIESReady to foster a classroom community you and your students love? Tune into the FREE 5-day podcast series with a unique approach to 4 key strategies on building a positive classroom community!Listen to the Essential Classroom Community Podcast Series!

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 LinksField Trip Directory.comEducation in ActionBlog Post - Episode 64Let's Connect!Shop ResourcesInstagramWebsiteJoin the Facebook GroupMentioned in this episode:Grab the Back to School Social Studies Pack!Get your upper elementary students excited to start the school year using these low-prep back to school social studies getting to know you worksheets! With 20 pages of engaging activities targeting geography, history, and classroom community building, it makes a great back to school resource for the first week or first month of school!Learn more about the Back to School Social Studies ResourceFREE PODCAST SERIESReady to foster a classroom community you and your students love? Tune into the FREE 5-day podcast series with a unique approach to 4 key strategies on building a positive classroom community!Listen to the Essential Classroom Community Podcast Series!

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 HighlightsHow to choose the right textThe importance of previewing a textGuided class discussion tipsWrapping up the learning activityResources and LinksMy Favorite Read AloudsBlog Post - Episode 63Let's Connect!Shop ResourcesInstagramWebsiteJoin the Facebook GroupMentioned in this episode:Grab the Back to School Social Studies Pack!Get your upper elementary students excited to start the school year using these low-prep back to school social studies getting to know you worksheets! With 20 pages of engaging activities targeting geography, history, and classroom community building, it makes a great back to school resource for the first week or first month of school!Learn more about the Back to School Social Studies ResourceFREE PODCAST SERIESReady to foster a classroom community you and your students love? Tune into the FREE 5-day podcast series with a unique approach to 4 key strategies on building a positive classroom community!Listen to the Essential Classroom Community Podcast Series!

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 HighlightsWhat are warmupsWhy warmups helpHow to use warmupsHow to prep for warmupsSome resources I love for the warmup blockResources and LinksSocial Studies Daily Passage Warmups3rd Grade Daily Language Warmups4th Grade ELA Spiral Review Warmups5th Grade Daily Language WarmupsBlog Post - Episode 62Let's Connect!Shop ResourcesInstagramWebsiteJoin the Facebook GroupMentioned in this episode:Grab the Back to School Social Studies Pack!Get your upper elementary students excited to start the school year using these low-prep back to school social studies getting to know you worksheets! With 20 pages of engaging activities targeting geography, history, and classroom community building, it makes a great back to school resource for the first week or first month of school!Learn more about the Back to School Social Studies ResourceFREE PODCAST SERIESReady to foster a classroom community you and your students love? Tune into the FREE 5-day podcast series with a unique approach to 4 key strategies on building a positive classroom community!Listen to the Essential Classroom Community Podcast Series!

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 HighlightsWhen the new updates go into effectTopics we MUST coverTopics we CAN cover if time allowsBreaking down the 8 strandsHow to support STAAR testing at the secondary levelsResources and LinksAdditional reading on this topic is available on the TEA websiteFor more information about the 2024 update, here is a helpful YouTube video:Blog Post - Episode 61Let's Connect!Shop ResourcesInstagramWebsiteJoin the Facebook Group

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 HighlightsSlideshowsQuestion of the daySpreading outScavenger huntsKahootStudent spotlightResources and Recommended LinksMorning Meeting SlidesMorning Meeting Discussion CardsStar Student Compliment BookCheck out my classroom community FREE podcast seriesBlog Post - Episode 60Let's Connect!Shop ResourcesInstagramWebsiteJoin the Facebook Group

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 LinksJoin the Membership!Multiple Teacher License DiscountsLet's Connect!Shop ResourcesInstagramWebsiteJoin the Facebook GroupMentioned in this episode:Smart and Simple Social Studies MembershipGet access to the resource bank filled with engaging, hands-on social studies lessons for 3rd-5th grade. Let's minimize the prep time while maximizing learning opportunities - whether you have 5 minutes or 55 minutes to fill.Join the Smart and Simple Social Studies Membership!Social Studies Guided CurriculumEasy-to-follow lesson plans and activities for social studies - just print and teach! The growing bundle for Communities, Texas History, and U.S. History is now available. Click the link to learn more!Learn more about the Smart and Simple Social Studies Guided Curriculum!

In this bonus live from The Social Studies Bootcamp, we'll be talking about planning meaningful and engaging activities in social studies, and I'll go into more depth about the social studies membership and what it all includes.This is a limited-time episode that will be available until August 2nd, 2024. Learn more about the membership >> smartandsimplesocialstudies.com

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 HighlightsWhat 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 gradeIdeas to implement social studies TEKS changesHow the Smart and Simple Social Studies Guided Curriculum can helpResources and LinksSource: https://tea.texas.gov/academics/subject-areas/social-studiesJoin the Social Studies Bootcamp Watch the YouTube videoUsing Primary Sources Blog PostUsing Secondary Sources Blog PostBlog Post - Episode 58Let's Connect!Shop ResourcesInstagramWebsiteJoin the Facebook GroupMentioned in this episode:Social Studies Guided CurriculumEasy-to-follow lesson plans and activities for social studies - just print and teach! The growing bundle for Communities, Texas History, and U.S. History is now available. Click the link to learn more!Learn more about the Smart and Simple Social Studies Guided Curriculum! Smart and Simple Social Studies MembershipGet access to the resource bank filled with engaging, hands-on social studies lessons for 3rd-5th grade. Let's minimize the prep time while maximizing learning opportunities - whether you have 5 minutes or 55 minutes to fill.Join the Smart and Simple Social Studies Membership!

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 HighlightsCreate a classroom mapMy place in the worldCommunity puzzleMap challengeLandmark PictionaryResources and LinksBlog Post - Episode 57Back to School Social Studies PackMultiple Intelligences Book CompanionLet's Connect!Shop ResourcesInstagramWebsiteJoin the Facebook GroupMentioned in this episode:Social Studies Bootcamp for Upper Elementary TeachersStart the upcoming school year on the right foot! Join us for a week of free social studies trainings for 3rd-5th grade teachers! Register today for the free video series happening on July 22-24, 2024!Join The Social Studies Bootcamp!Smart and Simple Social Studies Membership WaitlistCalling all Texas teachers! Take Social Studies off the back burner with time-saving, easy-to-prep, and engaging resources at your fingertips! Be the first to know when the Smart and Simple Social Studies Membership opens this summer!Join the Membership Waitlist!

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 HighlightsCommunity BingoMapping My SummerGeoTag IcebreakerClassroom TimelineClassroom ConstitutionResources and LinksBlog Post - Episode 56Back to School Social Studies PackOur Class is a Family Book CompanionLet's Connect!Shop ResourcesInstagramWebsiteJoin the Facebook GroupMentioned in this episode:Smart and Simple Social Studies Membership WaitlistCalling all Texas teachers! Take Social Studies off the back burner with time-saving, easy-to-prep, and engaging resources at your fingertips! Be the first to know when the Smart and Simple Social Studies Membership opens this summer!Join the Membership Waitlist!Social Studies Bootcamp for Upper Elementary TeachersStart the upcoming school year on the right foot! Join us for a week of free social studies trainings for 3rd-5th grade teachers! Register today for the free video series happening on July 22-24, 2024!Join The Social Studies Bootcamp!

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 HighlightsStart with the basicsMake it interactiveUse visual aidsExplore real-world examplesPromote critical thinkingConnect to current eventsEncourage collaborationResources and LinksEconomics Daily PassagesSocial Studies Daily Passage BundleSmart and Simple Social Studies Membership WaitlistBlog Post - Episode 55Let's Connect!Shop ResourcesInstagramWebsiteJoin the Facebook GroupMentioned in this episode:Social Studies Guided CurriculumEasy-to-follow lesson plans and activities for social studies - just print and teach! The growing bundle for Communities, Texas History, and U.S. History is now available. Click the link to learn more!Learn more about the Smart and Simple Social Studies Guided Curriculum! Smart and Simple Social Studies Membership WaitlistCalling all Texas teachers! Take Social Studies off the back burner with time-saving, easy-to-prep, and engaging resources at your fingertips! Be the first to know when the Smart and Simple Social Studies Membership opens this summer!Join the Membership Waitlist!

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 HighlightsStarting with the basicsUsing real-life examplesLeveraging interactive activitiesIncorporating multimedia resourcesConnecting with community resourcesEncouraging critical thinkingPromoting active citizenshipReflecting and assessingMaking it funResources and LinksCheck out my government and civics daily passages!CNN10 is a great resource for this age!Blog Post - Episode 54Let's Connect!Shop ResourcesInstagramWebsiteJoin the Facebook GroupMentioned 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!Smart and Simple Social Studies Membership WaitlistCalling all Texas teachers! Take Social Studies off the back burner with time-saving, easy-to-prep, and engaging resources at your fingertips! Be the first to know when the Smart and Simple Social Studies Membership opens this summer!Join the Membership Waitlist!

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 HighlightsKnowing yourself and your studentsCreating a welcoming classroomUsing stories and personal experiencesIncorporating hands-on activitiesExploring with technologyGetting involvedAssessing understandingResources and LinksCheck out the comparing celebrations project!Check out my culture and society daily passages!Blog Post - Episode 53Let's Connect!Shop ResourcesInstagramWebsiteJoin the Facebook GroupMentioned 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!Smart and Simple Social Studies Membership WaitlistCalling all Texas teachers! Take Social Studies off the back burner with time-saving, easy-to-prep, and engaging resources at your fingertips! Be the first to know when the Smart and Simple Social Studies Membership opens this summer!Join the Membership Waitlist!

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 HighlightsConnecting history to todayDiving into primary sourcesExploring like detectivesBringing history to lifeThinking criticallyReflecting on lessons learnedResources and LinksCheck out my history daily passagesBlog Post - Episode 52Let's Connect!Shop ResourcesInstagramWebsiteJoin the Facebook GroupMentioned 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!Smart and Simple Social Studies Membership WaitlistCalling all Texas teachers! Take Social Studies off the back burner with time-saving, easy-to-prep, and engaging resources at your fingertips! Be the first to know when the Smart and Simple Social Studies Membership opens this summer!Join the Membership Waitlist!

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 HighlightsBack to basicsMaking it relevantLearning about different culturesUsing technologyEncouraging questionsConnecting with other subjectsPracticing map skillsUnderstanding the worldMy favorite geography activity ideasResources and LinksCheck out the Create A Country ProjectCheck out the Geography Daily PassagesBlog Post - Episode 51Let's Connect!Shop ResourcesInstagramWebsiteJoin the Facebook GroupMentioned 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!Smart and Simple Social Studies Membership WaitlistCalling all Texas teachers! Take Social Studies off the back burner with time-saving, easy-to-prep, and engaging resources at your fingertips! Be the first to know when the Smart and Simple Social Studies Membership opens this summer!Join the Membership Waitlist!

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 HighlightsMy TPT story10 tips for getting started on TPTResources and LinksBlog Post - Episode 50Getting Started ChecklistListen to my podcast for Teacher SellersLet's Connect!Shop ResourcesInstagramWebsiteJoin the Facebook GroupMentioned in this episode:Smart and Simple Social Studies Membership WaitlistTake Social Studies off the back burner with time-saving, easy-to-prep, and engaging resources at your fingertips! Be the first to know when the Smart and Simple Social Studies Membership opens this summer!Join the Membership Waitlist!Social Studies Guided CurriculumEasy-to-follow lesson plans and activities for social studies - just print and teach! The growing bundle for Communities, Texas History, and U.S. History is now available. Click the link to learn more!Learn more about the Smart and Simple Social Studies Guided Curriculum!