The Social Studies Teacher Podcast

🎉 Plan the First 10 Days of Social Studies with Me! 🎉 In today’s episode, we’re planning out the first 10 days of your social studies block together. Whether you teach 3rd, 4th, or 5th grade, this episode is packed with low-prep, engaging activities to help you start the year strong. I’ll walk you through: ✔️ How to build classroom community from Day 1 ✔️ Tips for setting up interactive notebook...

Feeling overwhelmed trying to fit social studies into your school year? In this episode, I’ll walk you through how to map out a yearlong pacing plan for upper elementary social studies - whether you teach geography, history, government, economics, or culture. I’ll break it down quarter by quarter and show you how to plan realistically and effectively, even with limited time in your schedule. 📚 Pe...

Social studies often gets pushed to the back burner in elementary classrooms. But why? In this episode, I’m breaking down the two biggest challenges upper elementary social studies teachers face and sharing real solutions you can use starting tomorrow. Whether you’re struggling with limited time, lack of resources, or just feeling unsure where to start, you’re not alone - and there are solutions....

Fonts might seem like a small detail, but in the classroom, they can make a big impact. Whether you’re designing anchor charts, worksheets, slideshows, or decor, the right font can boost readability, student engagement, and your overall classroom vibe. In this episode, I’m sharing my go-to fonts from Google Fonts, Microsoft Office, Canva, and TPT - plus tips on how to use them effectively and wher...

One of my absolute favorite ways to bring history to life is through historical fiction - and yep, it just so happens to be my favorite genre! In today’s episode, I’m sharing how you can use historical fiction to help your upper elementary students connect with the past in a meaningful, memorable way. From book recs to tips for incorporating these stories into your social studies block, you’ll wal...

The last week of school is here, and let’s be honest - it’s wild, unpredictable, and full of energy. In this episode, I’m sharing five simple, low-prep social studies activities that are perfect for those short, chaotic time blocks. These ideas will help you wrap up the year with purpose and keep your students engaged while still reinforcing key social studies skills. Whether you're trying to fill...

Welcome to the 100th episode of The Social Studies Teacher Podcast! 🎉 I truly can’t believe we’ve made it to triple digits. I’m beyond grateful for this community of amazing educators, and I thought it’d be fun to celebrate by taking a trip back in time. In this episode, we’re looking at 100 years of social studies - what’s changed since 1925, and what surprisingly hasn’t. From old-school textboo...

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...

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...

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 opport...

With advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and edtech tools, the way we plan and teach social studies is evolving faster than ever. Whether you’re looking to streamline lesson planning or engage students with interactive resources, this episode is packed with insights on how AI and technology can enhance your teaching. Episode Highlights What is AI? How has AI evolved over time? My favorite...

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...

Today we’re diving into a foundational topic that every upper elementary teacher needs to cover at some point: the causes of the Civil War. Whether you’re teaching it for the first time or looking for a refresher, this episode will help you go beyond surface-level explanations and give your students the context they need to understand this critical period in U.S. history. Episode Highlights Enslav...

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 thei...

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 i...

In Part 2 of our test prep series, we're chatting with Cassi Noack of Minds in Bloom on how to effectively tackle math test prep! She’s sharing how task cards can be a game-changer and practical strategies to set students up for math standardized testing success. Don’t miss this episode packed with insights to help you focus your prep where it matters most! Episode Highlights Some of the biggest c...

In Part 1 of our test prep series, we're joined by Angela of Custom Classroom by Angela to rethink what it really means to “teach to the test.” She’s sharing strategies to make ELA test prep meaningful, engaging, and effective—without sacrificing great instruction. Tune in for actionable tips to help your students feel confident and ready for test day! Episode Highlights The toughest part of getti...

This episode is all about turning review time into game time, with a social studies activity that’s both educational and entertaining. Let’s dive in and talk about how to keep your students learning and having fun right before spring break! Resources and Links Blog Post - Episode 89 EduAide. Ai Digital Jeopardy Templates Let's Connect! Listen/watch on YouTube Shop TPT Resources Instagram Website A...

If you’ve ever wondered how to make your lessons more engaging and memorable, you’re in the right place! In this episode, I’ll share creative strategies like using historical fiction, debates, and interactive timelines to help your students connect with the content, encourage active learning, and even develop empathy for the people and events they’re studying. Episode Highlights Bringing history t...

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 unders...

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...

Take a look inside my guided curriculum today. I'll be sharing characteristics of each 36-week program, student and teacher features available (and what makes the guided curriculum SO great), some reviews from teachers who use this curriculum, and also a sneak peek of what related products are coming soon! Resources and Links Blog Post - Episode 85 3rd Grade Communities Guided Curriculum 4th Grade...

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

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

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