The Social Studies Teacher Podcast

Pssst - that stack of social studies papers on your desk does not all need a grade! In Part 4 of this special PD Series, we are talking about how to assess student learning without creating unnecessary grading work. In this episode, you’ll learn how to use: One-question exit tickets Whole-class response checks… Read more

You do not need an elaborate classroom transformation to get students interested in a social studies lesson. In Part 3 of this PD Series, I’m sharing five simple lesson hooks that can be used in five minutes or less. We’ll explore: Mystery photographs Would-you-rather questions Map mysteries Fact-or-fiction statements… Read more

A slideshow can help you teach social studies, but simply presenting information does not guarantee students are actually learning it. In Part 2 of the PD Series, we are breaking down how to turn an informational slideshow into a complete lesson. You’ll learn a simple lesson structure that includes: A clear learning… Read more

Social studies does not have to be complicated to be meaningful. In Part 1 of this special PD series, we'll talk about five things teachers can stop doing to make social studies instruction simpler and more manageable. From trying to make every lesson exciting to grading every single assignment, we will look at common… Read more

Differentiating social studies can feel overwhelming - especially when you're trying to support struggling readers, English learners, students with accommodations, and advanced learners in the same classroom. But differentiation doesn't have to mean creating a completely different lesson for every student. In this… Read more

Quick note: This episode is a repost, but it’s perfect to revisit as you start thinking about back-to-school prep, classroom setup and the supplies that actually make teaching easier. Are you ready to refresh your teacher supply list? In this episode, I’m sharing 10 of my favorite teacher supplies for the upper… Read more

Teaching social studies for the first time? You're not alone, and you definitely don't have to figure it all out by yourself. In this episode, I'm sharing the five biggest mistakes I made as a new social studies teacher (and the same mistakes I see many teachers make today). More importantly, I'll show you simple,… Read more

Quick note: This episode is a repost, but it’s a great one to revisit as you plan ways to make economics and free enterprise easier for students to understand. Welcome to Part 5 of the Social Studies Summer Series! In this episode, we’re talking all about how to teach economics skills and the free enterprise system in… Read more

Quick note: This episode is a repost, but it’s a helpful one to revisit as you plan simple ways to make government and civics easier for students to understand. Welcome to Part 4 of the Social Studies Summer Series! In this episode, we’re talking about how to teach government and civics skills to 3rd, 4th and 5th… Read more

Quick note: This episode is a repost, but it’s a great one to revisit as you plan meaningful ways to help students learn about culture, community and the world around them. Welcome to Part 3 of the Social Studies Summer Series! In this episode, we’re focusing on how to teach culture and society skills to… Read more

Quick note: This episode is a repost, but it’s a great one to revisit as you plan simple, engaging ways to help students build stronger history skills. Welcome to Part 2 of the Social Studies Summer Series! In this episode, we’re talking all about how to teach history skills in a way that feels meaningful and engaging… Read more

Quick note: This episode is a repost, but it’s the perfect one to revisit during summer planning as you think about how to make geography more engaging and easier for students to understand. Welcome to Part 1 of the 5-part Social Studies Summer Series! In this episode, we’re going back to the basics of teaching… Read more

Summer is the perfect time to reset, reflect and get ahead before the back-to-school rush begins. In this episode, I’m sharing five simple steps to help you prep for social studies without spending your entire summer planning. You’ll learn how to organize your resources, look ahead at your standards, map out your… Read more

Have you ever been told you're teaching social studies… but given absolutely nothing to work with? No textbook. No pacing guide. No curriculum map. In this video, I’m walking you through exactly how to teach social studies without a curriculum- and still create structured, engaging, and meaningful lessons your… Read more

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… Read more

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… Read more

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… Read more

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… Read more

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… Read more

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… Read more

🎉 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… Read more

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,… Read more

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… Read more

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!… Read more

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… Read more

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. 👉… Read more

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… Read more

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… Read more

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… Read more

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… Read more

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! 📚… Read more

🎉 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… Read more

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… Read more

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… Read more

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,… Read more

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… Read more

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… Read more

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 -… Read more

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… Read more

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… Read more

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… Read more

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… Read more

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… Read more

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… Read more

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… Read more

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… Read more

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… Read more

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… Read more

This episode is all about turning review time into game time, with a social studies activity that’s both educational and entertaining. Let’s dive in and talk about how to keep your students learning and having fun right before spring break! Resources and Links Blog Post - Episode 89 EduAide.Ai Digital Jeopardy… Read more

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… Read more

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… Read more

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… Read more

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… Read more

Book projects don't just help students learn, they inspire them to explore, create and share their voices, and it's a great way to integrate ELA and social studies altogether. Let's explore 5 of my favorite project options! Episode Highlights What is a book project? Why try book projects? Ideas your students will love… Read more

Engagement, assessments, and more - here are 4 PBL project ideas that you won't want to miss! Resources and Links Blog Post - Episode 83 Create a Map Project - Map and Globes Unit Adventuring Budgeting Project - Ways to Earn Money Unit Mission and Presidio Project - Early Texas Settlements Unit American Revolution… Read more

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… Read more

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… Read more

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… Read more

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

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… Read more

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… Read more

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… Read more

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… Read more

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.… Read more

We're diving into one of my absolute favorite ways to bring social studies to life for our students: making it personal. Episode Highlights Why share real stories? 4 steps to making social studies person for your students through storytelling first-hand accounts Resources and Links Blog Post - Episode 73 Let's… Read more

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… Read more

Learning about our national leaders isn't just about memorizing names and dates. It's about understanding the people who make decisions that affect our lives! Episode Highlights Why it's important for students to understand information about our government leaders Scavenger hunt activity idea for upper elementary… Read more

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… Read more

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… Read more

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… Read more

Once you get to know your students, use that knowledge to allow them the power to choose the best way to demonstrate their learning! It's a win-win and today's episode will make it easy to get started. Episode Highlights What are choice boards and why they are beneficial Types of activities that can be included Best… Read more

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… Read more

When you hear the term" PBL" you likely think about project-based learning! Today we're going to dive into problem-based learning to give you some ideas on how to bring real-world scenarios into your social studies block. Episode Highlights Identify problem Gather information List and consider options Consider… Read more

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… Read more

Rich, thought-provoking discussions are in your future because this year class read-alouds are IN for upper elementary students. In this episode I'm sharing all my tips for class read-alouds with big kids. Episode Highlights How to choose the right text The importance of previewing a text Guided class discussion tips… Read more

Those first 10-15 minutes of the block are so important. Let's talk about my favorite ways to make the most of the classroom warm-up time. Episode Highlights What are warmups Why warmups help How to use warmups How to prep for warmups Some resources I love for the warmup block Resources and Links Social Studies Daily… Read more

If reading the newly updated TEKS is making your head spin, let's break it down together and make a game plan before the new school year begins. Episode Highlights When the new updates go into effect Topics we MUST cover Topics we CAN cover if time allows Breaking down the 8 strands How to support STAAR testing at the… Read more

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

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… Read more

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… Read more

Once you've established rules and routines and built that important classroom community, it's time to move into teaching social studies curriculum! Today's episode shares 5 activities you can use in this important transitional time that takes place around the 2nd week of school. Episode Highlights Create a classroom… Read more

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… Read more

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… Read more

This is part 4 of the Social Studies Summer Series! Here are some simple steps to help you effectively teach government and civics skills to your 3rd, 4th, and 5th-grade students. Episode Highlights Starting with the basics Using real-life examples Leveraging interactive activities Incorporating multimedia resources… Read more

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… Read more

This is part 2 of the SS Summer Series! Here are some straightforward tips, along with fun activities, to help 3rd-5th graders master history skills. Episode Highlights Connecting history to today Diving into primary sources Exploring like detectives Bringing history to life Thinking critically Reflecting on lessons… Read more

This is part 1 of the 5-part Social Studies Summer Series! Today's episode is full of tips on how to make geography fun and understandable for students in upper elementary. Episode Highlights Back to basics Making it relevant Learning about different cultures Using technology Encouraging questions Connecting with… Read more

Have you ever been curious about the process of turning your Google Drive of teaching resources into a Teachers Pay Teachers store? I made this episode just for curious teachers itching to start a summer side hustle! Episode Highlights My TPT story 10 tips for getting started on TPT Resources and Links Blog Post -… Read more

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

Whether you're planning for a day off soon, or you know you need a better solution for next school year, you'll love these realistic tips on preparing for a substitute teacher. Episode Highlights My 7 best tips on getting ready for a sub Low prep activities to fill your sub tub Resources and Links Blog Post - Episode… Read more

Today you get a sneak peek into one of the trainings from the video vault of the Smart and Simple Social Studies membership. Listen for ways you can use novel studies to teach social studies! Episode Highlights What is a novel study? Why you may want to use novel studies in your classroom. My favorite books to use for… Read more

Summer break might be just around the corner, but that does not mean classic classroom activities are forgotten. Grab some school supplies, get creative and enjoy the memories made over this past year! Episode Highlights Poetry scavenger hunts Texts to compare The Year in Review poem Writing a letter to the teacher /… Read more

Journal prompts can really help students gain a deeper understanding of a topic. If you are looking for new ways to develop critical thinking and foster academic discussion then you'll love today's episode. Episode Highlights 5 steps to using journal prompts in social studies 10 journal prompt examples that can be… Read more

Have you ever felt that you’re just not up to par with all those teachers on social media? They seem to always be doing everything right and are picture-perfect. Can you relate? Today I’m sharing with you 4 big mistakes I’ve made as a teacher, and what I’ve learned from these mistakes. I always strive to be my best… Read more

While the 20th century is a fascinating topic to cover, it can be a challenge to find resources that include the correct level of depth for the upper elementary classroom. Let's dive in to unpack this puzzle together. Episode Highlights Introduction to the 20th and 21st Centuries The 1900s and 1910s World War I The… Read more

Student engagement is the name of the game, so today I'm sharing 5 activities you can incorporate into your classroom plans to make social students fun for learners! Episode Highlights biography lapbooks meme activities creating your own map/country virtual field trips webquests Resources and Links Blog Post -… Read more

You may have heard of the Enneagram the trending and fun (and scarily accurate) personality test. This episode is going into our teacher world with Enneagram for Teachers! I will be giving you some insights on your Enneagram type with a teacher twist on your strengths, weaknesses, and ways to be your best teacher… Read more

Today's test prep-themed episode has 8 tips for you as a teacher and then a special section that you can play for your students as they build a toolbox of test prep strategies. Episode Highlights 8 test prep tips for teachers 8 test prep tips for students Blog Post - Episode 40 Let's Connect! Listen/watch on YouTube… Read more

If your test prep strategies are feeling stale, today I've got a teamwork approach that might just turn things around. Episode Highlights Test Prep Power Hour 101 How to group students How to divide up the planning How to find an hour in your instructional schedule Resources so you can get started and try your first… Read more

It's so easy to just give students free time on their devices, but today I'm sharing some simple tweaks that can help you make the most of those miscellaneous pockets of free time. Adding enrichment time to your classroom might be more simple than you think! Episode Highlights What is enrichment time? 5 steps to… Read more

Visual learner here to share that timelines are extremely helpful tools for understanding the chronological order of events. Today I've got 6 tips to help you effectively incorporate timelines into your upper elementary social studies lessons. Episode Highlights Timeline basics Interactive timelines Timelines of a… Read more

Not sure how you can make time to cover your curriculum AND mix in current events? You'll love today's short and sweet episode. Episode Highlights Kid-friendly sources for current events Student engagement strategies Resources and Links Episode 36 - Blog Let's Connect! Listen/watch on YouTube Shop TPT Resources… Read more

You get to unlock the stories of famous people in history for upper elementary students - what a gift! Today I'm sharing 8 steps for keeping this task simple and effective. Episode Highlights Choosing relevant figures Establishing context Developing engaging lesson plans Humanizing historical figures Incorporating… Read more

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

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

Wondering if the Smart and Simple Social Studies Guided Curriculum is right for you? Not sure if the units will fit the needs of you and your students? This bonus episode is a must-listen! I get a lot of questions about the guided curriculum, how the growing bundle works, and if the units would be applicable to a… Read more

Teaching your students about biographies or autobiographies soon? You don't want to miss out on this jam-packed episode! In this episode, we are going to talk about what literary nonfiction is some characteristics of this genre, some examples of literary nonfiction, some recommendations, why it's important, and also… Read more

What if there was an easy way to incorporate social studies skills every day of the week, for just five to 10 minutes a day ---there is! I'll share my method in today's episode. Episode Highlights Why does social studies even matter? How can we find the time to teach social studies? Resources and Links Free Daily… Read more

Are you the teacher with the peaceful and orderly classroom as soon as the day begins? Or do your students noisily enter the room and ask endless questions about what to do next? Starting off right each day is not only beneficial for the students, but the teachers as well. It never feels good to be rushed and frazzled… Read more

Parents are an important piece of the puzzle to a positive classroom community. Today I'm sharing 5 seasoned teacher tips to help you achieve a smoothly run classroom community made up of happy students and grownups! Episode Highlights practicing patience and reassurance being firm but kind clear boundaries how to… Read more

Burnout is real. But there are strategies to help alleviate or lessen those feelings. There may not be a one-size-fits-all solution, and we may not be sure when the feelings will go away. But it's still worth the fight. Episode Highlights What teacher burnout is and how to recognize the signs of burnout How focusing… Read more

Sometimes there just doesn't seem like there's enough time in the day. If you find yourself constantly cutting activities short to move to the next event on the agenda, hopefully this episode will have some supportive ideas to help. Episode Highlights digital slides daily agendas timers expectations Resources and… Read more

Counting down the days until break? Trust me, I have been there. This podcast episode will give you five really great strategies on how to get students redirected and make it through to the break. Episode Highlights Class rewards Expectations Structured discussions Timing projects strategically Getting outside… Read more

You know you need to differentiate, but do you need fresh ideas for HOW to differentiate? This episode is packed full of practical tips that truly make a difference for learners. Episode Highlights What is differentiation? Hands on activities Tips for giving directions effectively Grouping students Resources and Links… Read more

We want ALL students to feel a sense of belonging and see their important holidays and traditions represented in our classrooms. If you aren't sure how to accomplish this goal, this episode is for you. Episode Highlights What culturally responsive teaching is Why it is important to be culturally responsive How we can… Read more

In the world of social studies, primary sources are considered very important for teaching and learning. But don't forget about secondary sources – they're crucial too! Episode Highlights What Are Secondary Sources in Social Studies? Why Do Secondary Sources Matter in Teaching Social Studies? How to Find Good… Read more

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

Can you find 20-30 minutes of instructional time to celebrate our Veterans? Let's talk about some practical ways to teach about this important holiday. Episode Highlights Nearpod Letter Writing Webquests Compare and contrast patriotic holidays Resources and Links Nearpod A Million Thanks.org Veterans Day Webquest Blog… Read more

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

Chapter book read-alouds are my favorite part of the day! Even during a year where I only taught math and science, I still found ways to weave in chapter books during my day. Today I'm sharing with you my favorite read-alouds that are enjoyed by teachers and students alike! Episode Highlights My Top 10 Chapter Book… Read more

Kids these days have it pretty easy - all they have to do to look for the answers to a question is to go to Google, look it up on TikTok, or type it into ChatGPT! BUT do they know that what they're seeing as the "answers" may not always be accurate or reliable? That's where research skills come in! In this digital… Read more

Are you a month or two into the school year and already feeling burnt out? The grading, the demands, the protocols - it's enough to make you wish you could fast-forward to winter break! The pressure of the school year is an all too familiar feeling for many teachers. If it seems like you're working overtime and… Read more

Grading can be a b - sometimes... ya feel me? It feels like a constant cycle that will pile up if you don't take some time to knock it out. Even worse? Trying to track down multiple classes full of students who are missing assignments or need retakes. Are you feeling this way? I’ve found just a few grading tips for… Read more

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

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

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

Teaching 9/11 in upper elementary classrooms is a sensitive yet important topic to approach. As educators, it is important to create a safe space for students to discuss and understand the events of September 11th, 2001. By age-appropriate materials and open dialogue, you can navigate this subject with sensitivity and… Read more

Are you tired of the traditional classroom setup? Do you want to create a positive and engaging learning environment for your students? Flexible seating is a growing trend in education that focuses on providing students with a variety of seating options to enhance their comfort, focus, and collaboration. Join me as we… Read more

Are you a social studies teacher looking for a fun and engaging way to enhance your students' learning? Look no further than interactive notebooks! Interactive notebooks have taken the education world by storm, providing an innovative way for students to take ownership of their learning while promoting critical… Read more

Are you a teacher looking to enhance your teacher supplies game? You'll love this episode! In this episode, I have curated a list of must-have teacher supplies that will elevate your classroom and make your teaching journey even more rewarding. From essential tools to innovative ideas, I have got you covered. Whether… Read more

Ever heard of the popular Enneagram test? It's a great way for people to discover their main personality type. Did you know that you can utilize the Enneagram in the elementary classroom too? Conducting an Enneagram test is a great way for students to assess their personality type and be more self-aware of their basic… Read more

If you're a social studies teacher looking for ways to take your classroom to the next level, then this podcast episode is just for you! Join me as we dive into the top five key takeaways from The Social Studies Teacher Bootcamp. This episode is chock-full of actionable ideas and inspiration that will help you enhance… Read more

Integrating social studies with other subjects can be done through the incorporation of social studies skills. These skills are crucial for upper elementary students and can have a significant impact on their future success. In this episode, we'll explore the top three social studies skills that students need to know… Read more

In this podcast episode, we'll dive into some exciting and engaging social studies activities that your students are sure to enjoy! As a teacher, you understand the importance of integrating hands-on experiences and interactive learning into your lesson plans, and these ideas will help you achieve just that. By the… Read more

Are you tired of your social studies lessons falling flat? Do you want to make sure your students are engaged, challenged, and excited about learning about history, geography, and current events? In this episode, we explore 4 ways to make social studies lessons engaging. Whether you're a new teacher looking to spice… Read more

Social studies is more than just memorizing dates and facts! Time and time again, social studies is often overshadowed by other subjects. Even still, it is important for students to have a solid foundation in this subject. Let's dive deeper into why teaching social studies should be a priority for the upcoming school… Read more

Let's face it - social studies teachers in upper elementary face unique challenges! Most of the time, we teach social studies in conjunction to other subjects, and those other subjects are usually high-stakes and are emphasized more. This causes social studies to be pushed to the side more than we'd like. I recently… Read more

Welcome to the official trailer of The Social Studies Teacher Podcast! In this podcast for educators who teach upper elementary, I'm excited to share with you some tips, strategies, and insights into how to make social studies culturally relevant, engaging, and fun for you and your students in the upper elementary… Read more