Do you save teaching about famous figures for one unit or month...and then move on? Let’s change that.

In this video, you’ll learn 4 easy ways to teach famous figures year-round so biographies feel meaningful, connected, and engaging. When students see diverse leaders, thinkers, and changemakers woven throughout your lessons, history comes alive all year long.

🎯 In this video:

✅ How to choose historical figures with purpose and diversity

✅ Ways to set historical context before introducing a person

✅ Strategies for bringing history to life through stories and sources

✅ Tips to make learning relevant and help students show understanding

Resources Mentioned in the Episode

- Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Kirsten-Hammond/author/B0GFC9GQ6C?ref=ap_rdr&shoppingPortalEnabled=true&ccs_id=5a8e741b-2736-48b3-83ba-54b0c8a12547

- U.S. History Biography Daily Passages: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Biography-US-History-Social-Studies-Worksheets-Daily-Passages-Activities-Quiz-14930406

- Biography Webquests: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Biography-WebQuest-Internet-Scavenger-Hunt-Digital-Inquiry-Activity-Bundle-7735827

- Black History Biography Passages: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Black-History-Month-Activities-Reading-Comprehension-Biography-Passages-BUNDLE-6588414

- Women's History Biographies: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Womens-History-Month-Women-in-History-Mini-Lesson-and-WebQuest-Activities-13118072

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Mentioned in this episode:

7th Grade Texas History Guided Curriculum (Growing Bundle)

A TEKS-aligned Texas History curriculum designed to make planning simple and instruction engaging. Organized units, ready-to-use lessons, and ongoing updates as new units are added!

Black History Month Unit for your Social Studies Curriculum

Are you an upper elementary teacher looking to find a quality TEKS- and CCSS-aligned resource that covers important events and figures in black history? Looking for minimal-prep and engaging lessons and activities to teach social studies concepts to your 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade students? Look no further!

Purchase the Black History Month Unit!

I spent over 9 hours listening to the SBOE meeting, so you don't have to! In this bonus audio-only episode, I share with you takeaways and recaps (with my opinions sprinkled in) as a new social studies framework is being constructed for K-12 in the state of Texas. The new TEKS will not be into effect until the 2030-2031 school year, but it's important to keep an eye on the process before it is too late to make changes.

Action Steps you can take to help make the standards the best they can be:

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

Here is a draft of the key topics and subtopics as of Jan 2026: https://sboe.texas.gov/state-board-of-education/sboe-2026/sboe-2026-january/cofb5-key-topics-considerations-attach2.pdf

Mentioned in this episode:

7th Grade Texas History Guided Curriculum (Growing Bundle)

A TEKS-aligned Texas History curriculum designed to make planning simple and instruction engaging. Organized units, ready-to-use lessons, and ongoing updates as new units are added!

In this video, you’ll learn practical ways to strengthen literacy skills through social studies instruction. Discover how reading, writing, and critical thinking strategies can help students better understand complex topics, analyze information, and make meaningful connections to history, geography, and culture.

In this video:

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

Teaching Tips:

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

Resources Mentioned:

Download the free week of map skills: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/FREE-Social-Studies-Map-and-Globe-Skills-Cardinal-and-Intermediate-Directions-7994399

Let's Connect!

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Mentioned in this episode:

Black History Month Unit for your Social Studies Curriculum

Are you an upper elementary teacher looking to find a quality TEKS- and CCSS-aligned resource that covers important events and figures in black history? Looking for minimal-prep and engaging lessons and activities to teach social studies concepts to your 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade students? Look no further!

Purchase the Black History Month Unit!

7th Grade Texas History Guided Curriculum (Growing Bundle)

A TEKS-aligned Texas History curriculum designed to make planning simple and instruction engaging. Organized units, ready-to-use lessons, and ongoing updates as new units are added!

Every classroom is full of unique personalities - and understanding how your students think, learn, and interact can make all the difference.

In this video, we’ll explore 9 common student personalities you’re likely to meet in your classroom and share practical tips for supporting each one. From the quiet observer to the natural leader, you’ll walk away with new insights and strategies to help every learner succeed.

What you'll learn:

Personality 1 - The Perfectionist

Personality 2 - The People Pleaser

Personality 3 - The Role Model

Personality 4 - The Creative

Personality 5 - The Thinker

Personality 6 - The Skeptic

Personality 7 - The Life of the Party

Personality 8 - The Go-Getter

Personality 9 - The Dreamer

Final Thoughts

Enneagram Activities for Students

Resources Mentioned:

Blog Post: https://thesouthernteach.com/blog/9-types-of-students-you-should-know-about-and-how-to-support-them-all/

Enneagram Test - https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Enneagram-Personality-Types-Classroom-Community-Building-Learning-Styles-Test-5777575

Enneagram Primary - https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Enneagram-Personality-Type-for-1st-2nd-3rd-Grades-Community-Building-Activity-6771407

Enneagram Bundle - https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Enneagram-Bundle-Student-Personality-Type-Community-Building-Activities-6170227

Let's Connect!

Listen/watch on YouTube

Shop TPT Resources

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Amazon

Mentioned in this episode:

7th Grade Texas History Guided Curriculum (Growing Bundle)

A TEKS-aligned Texas History curriculum designed to make planning simple and instruction engaging. Organized units, ready-to-use lessons, and ongoing updates as new units are added!

Black History Month Unit for your Social Studies Curriculum

Are you an upper elementary teacher looking to find a quality TEKS- and CCSS-aligned resource that covers important events and figures in black history? Looking for minimal-prep and engaging lessons and activities to teach social studies concepts to your 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade students? Look no further!

Purchase the Black History Month Unit!

How can you help students understand what’s happening in the world (without overwhelming them)?

In this episode, we’re diving into how to teach current events in the classroom in an age-appropriate, engaging, and meaningful way. You’ll learn practical strategies for connecting real-world news to social studies standards while helping students build critical-thinking and empathy skills.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

✅ Why teaching current events matters for social studies and citizenship

✅ Common challenges (and how to handle them)

✅ Recommendations for kid-friendly news sources

✅ Ways to connect headlines to history, geography, and culture

✅ How to use videos, podcasts, and visuals to make the news come alive

💡 Perfect for:

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

Even short, structured current-events discussions can help your students think critically, stay informed, and see the connections between history and the present day.

Action Tip: Pick one kid-friendly news story this week and bring it into your classroom, and see how your students connect and engage!

Related Links:

Blog Post: Episode 117

Recommended Resources:

Recommended Current Events Sources:

CNN 10 https://www.youtube.com/cnn10

Scholastic News https://classroommagazines.scholastic.com/

Newsla https://newsela.com/

Time for Kids https://www.timeforkids.com/

Let's Connect!

Listen/watch on YouTube

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Mentioned in this episode:

7th Grade Texas History Guided Curriculum (Growing Bundle)

A TEKS-aligned Texas History curriculum designed to make planning simple and instruction engaging. Organized units, ready-to-use lessons, and ongoing updates as new units are added!

Black History Month Unit for your Social Studies Curriculum

Are you an upper elementary teacher looking to find a quality TEKS- and CCSS-aligned resource that covers important events and figures in black history? Looking for minimal-prep and engaging lessons and activities to teach social studies concepts to your 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade students? Look no further!

Purchase the Black History Month Unit!

🎉 10K DOWNLOADS! I can’t believe The Social Studies Teacher Podcast has officially hit this milestone - all thanks to YOU!

To celebrate, I’m counting down the Top 10 most downloaded episodes of the podcast — the ones you’ve loved, shared, and replayed the most. These episodes are packed with practical tips and real-classroom ideas to make social studies engaging, meaningful, and low-prep.

👩‍🏫 In this special episode, you’ll hear:

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

Whether you’re new to the podcast or a longtime listener, this is the perfect place to start!

📲 Listen to the full episodes:

The Social Studies Teacher Podcast: https://pod.link/1692254335

🎧 Links to the Top 10 Episodes:

https://thesouthernteach.com/blog/cultural-sensitivity-during-the-holiday-season/

https://thesouthernteach.com/blog/social-studies-lesson-key-components/

https://thesouthernteach.com/blog/social-studies-interactive-notebooks/

https://thesouthernteach.com/blog/challenges-social-studies-teachers/

https://thesouthernteach.com/blog/social-studies-pacing-guide/

https://thesouthernteach.com/blog/teaching-social-studies-priority/

https://thesouthernteach.com/blog/first-week-of-school/

https://thesouthernteach.com/blog/engaging-social-studies-lessons/

https://thesouthernteach.com/blog/podcast-for-educators/

https://thesouthernteach.com/blog/fun-social-studies-activities/

If you’ve found the podcast helpful, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a teacher friend who loves social studies!

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-social-studies-teacher-podcast/id1692254335

Mentioned in this episode:

7th Grade Texas History Guided Curriculum (Growing Bundle)

A TEKS-aligned Texas History curriculum designed to make planning simple and instruction engaging. Organized units, ready-to-use lessons, and ongoing updates as new units are added!

Black History Month Unit for your Social Studies Curriculum

Are you an upper elementary teacher looking to find a quality TEKS- and CCSS-aligned resource that covers important events and figures in black history? Looking for minimal-prep and engaging lessons and activities to teach social studies concepts to your 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade students? Look no further!

Purchase the Black History Month Unit!

Holidays can be a magical time in the classroom, but they can also be tricky to navigate. In this episode, I’m sharing 4 practical ways to make your holiday lessons more inclusive, culturally responsive, and welcoming for every student.

You’ll learn how to celebrate the season while respecting the diverse backgrounds, beliefs, and traditions your students bring to class.

In this episode, you’ll discover how to:

✅ Shift from “holiday parties” to cultural learning experiences

✅ Include global celebrations in your lessons

✅ Encourage student voice and family traditions

✅ Use reflection and connection instead of comparison

These ideas are easy to implement, low-prep, and perfect for upper elementary classrooms, especially if you want to build community and cultural understanding during the winter months.

Related Blog Post: https://thesouthernteach.com/blog/cultural-sensitivity-during-the-holiday-season/

Explore more classroom-ready holiday resources:

❄️ Winter Holidays Around the World Unit: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Winter-Holidays-Around-the-World-Unit-Activities-Social-Studies-Mini-Lessons-14563801

🎄 Christmas Around the World Unit: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Christmas-Holidays-Around-the-World-Unit-Activities-Social-Studies-Mini-Lessons-14563832

Mentioned in this episode:

Black History Month Unit for your Social Studies Curriculum

Are you an upper elementary teacher looking to find a quality TEKS- and CCSS-aligned resource that covers important events and figures in black history? Looking for minimal-prep and engaging lessons and activities to teach social studies concepts to your 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade students? Look no further!

Purchase the Black History Month Unit!

7th Grade Texas History Guided Curriculum (Growing Bundle)

A TEKS-aligned Texas History curriculum designed to make planning simple and instruction engaging. Organized units, ready-to-use lessons, and ongoing updates as new units are added!

Bring global celebrations to life in your classroom this season! 🌎✨

In this episode, I’m sharing 8 winter holidays celebrated around the world that are perfect for teaching cultural awareness, geography, and world traditions — all while keeping your students engaged and inspired. These holidays span from October through January and include hands-on classroom ideas you can use right away.

🎉 Here’s what we’ll explore:

1️⃣ Diwali

2️⃣ Día de los Muertos

3️⃣ Hanukkah

4️⃣ Las Posadas

5️⃣ Christmas

6️⃣ Kwanzaa

7️⃣ New Year’s Eve/Day

8️⃣ Three Kings Day/Epiphany

Perfect for:

Upper elementary teachers (Grades 3–5) looking for multicultural holiday lessons, social studies activities, or winter-themed projects that go beyond Christmas.

Resources Mentioned:

Blog Post - Episode 114

🕯️ Winter Holidays Around the World Unit

🎄 Christmas Around the World Unit

📖 The Night of Las Posadas by Tomie DePaola

Let's Connect!

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Mentioned in this episode:

7th Grade Texas History Guided Curriculum (Growing Bundle)

A TEKS-aligned Texas History curriculum designed to make planning simple and instruction engaging. Organized units, ready-to-use lessons, and ongoing updates as new units are added!

Black History Month Unit for your Social Studies Curriculum

Are you an upper elementary teacher looking to find a quality TEKS- and CCSS-aligned resource that covers important events and figures in black history? Looking for minimal-prep and engaging lessons and activities to teach social studies concepts to your 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade students? Look no further!

Purchase the Black History Month Unit!

Planning social studies lessons doesn’t have to be stressful! In this episode, I’m walking you through 5 key components every social studies lesson needs to keep students engaged and learning - without adding extra prep time.

This is a remix episode that includes a brand new lesson example on the Thirteen colonies!

Whether you’re teaching about the Thirteen Colonies, U.S. History, or any other topic, you’ll learn how to:

✅ Write clear and student-friendly learning objectives

✅ Start with an engaging hook or question

✅ Incorporate active learning and collaboration

✅ Use primary sources and real-world connections

✅ End with meaningful reflection and assessment

These strategies work for upper elementary social studies, including 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade — and you can easily adapt them for any unit.

Resources Mentioned:

Blog post

Course: Social Studies Simplified

Learning Intentions Posters

Thirteen Colonies Unit

Let's Connect!

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Mentioned in this episode:

7th Grade Texas History Guided Curriculum (Growing Bundle)

A TEKS-aligned Texas History curriculum designed to make planning simple and instruction engaging. Organized units, ready-to-use lessons, and ongoing updates as new units are added!

Black History Month Unit for your Social Studies Curriculum

Are you an upper elementary teacher looking to find a quality TEKS- and CCSS-aligned resource that covers important events and figures in black history? Looking for minimal-prep and engaging lessons and activities to teach social studies concepts to your 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade students? Look no further!

Purchase the Black History Month Unit!

Raise your hand if you’ve ever shown a history video or documentary in class… only to see your students zoning out after 15 minutes.

Yup, I've been there!

Today’s students are used to short-form, high-stimulation content like TikTok and YouTube shorts, so long educational films can feel slow, even when the content is great.

In this video, I’ll share 5 practical strategies to keep your students engaged and actually learning from videos in social studies and history.

👉 Here’s what you’ll learn:

1. Purposeful Viewing Guides
2. Pause and Discuss
3. Active Note-Taking Structures
4. Movement and Roles
5. Creative Post-Video Activities

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

Blog Post - Episode 112

Let's Connect!

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Mentioned in this episode:

Black History Month Unit for your Social Studies Curriculum

Are you an upper elementary teacher looking to find a quality TEKS- and CCSS-aligned resource that covers important events and figures in black history? Looking for minimal-prep and engaging lessons and activities to teach social studies concepts to your 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade students? Look no further!

Purchase the Black History Month Unit!

7th Grade Texas History Guided Curriculum (Growing Bundle)

A TEKS-aligned Texas History curriculum designed to make planning simple and instruction engaging. Organized units, ready-to-use lessons, and ongoing updates as new units are added!