The Social Studies Teacher Podcast

By Kirsten Hammond, The Southern Teach LLC

Are you an upper elementary or middle school educator looking for simple strategies to make teaching social studies easier and more fun? This podcast is perfect for 3rd-8th grade teachers and parents ... more

Download on the App Store

Download on the App Store

Get it on Google Play

FAQs about The Social Studies Teacher Podcast:

How many episodes does The Social Studies Teacher Podcast have?

The podcast currently has 135 episodes available.

The Social Studies Teacher Podcast episodes:

May 26, 2025My Favorite Teacher Fonts to Use for the Classroom
Fonts might seem like a small detail, but in the classroom, they can make a big impact. Whether you’re designing anchor charts, worksheets, slideshows, or decor, the right font can boost readability, student engagement, and your overall classroom vibe. In this episode, I’m sharing my go-to fonts from Google Fonts, Microsoft Office, Canva, and TPT - plus tips on how to use them effectively and where to find the best teacher-friendly options for your next project (or next school year!).
Episode Highlights:
My favorite Google Fonts
My GO-TO font available through Microsoft Office
Canva fonts that are perfect for classroom visuals
Where to find cute and clear fonts on TPT
Tips for choosing fonts that work with your content - not against it

If you’ve ever found yourself down a rabbit hole searching for the perfect font… this one’s for you!
Resources and Links
Blog Post - Episode 103
https://ladybugsteacherfiles.com/how-to-find-new-google-fonts-fast/
https://thesouthernteach.com/blog/font-pairing-tips/
KG Fonts
AG Fonts
KA Fonts
Let's Connect!
Listen/watch on YouTube
Shop TPT Resources
Instagram
Website
Amazon
Mentioned 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 Resource
Free Guided Lesson Sampler for Texas Social Studies Teachers
Looking for a ready-to-use social studies lesson for your grade level? Grab a free guided lesson sample created specifically for Texas teachers.
Choose from 3rd grade Communities, 4th grade Texas History, 5th grade U.S. History, 6th grade World Cultures, or 7th grade Texas History.
Each sampler includes a teacher guide, lesson slideshow, digital version, guided notes, practice activity, exit ticket, answer keys, and more information about the full 36-week guided curriculum program.
Download your free sampler and choose your grade level at thesouthernteach.com/lessons
...more
18min
May 19, 2025Learning History Through Literature: Historical Fiction Recommendations for Upper Elementary
One of my absolute favorite ways to bring history to life is through historical fiction - and yep, it just so happens to be my favorite genre! In today’s episode, I’m sharing how you can use historical fiction to help your upper elementary students connect with the past in a meaningful, memorable way. From book recs to tips for incorporating these stories into your social studies block, you’ll walk away with fresh ideas for making history feel real.
Episode Highlights:
Why historical fiction is a powerful tool for teaching history
My top historical fiction recommendations for upper elementary
Creative ways to integrate literature into your social studies lessons

Books open doors - and in this case, they just might open a window into the past for your students.
Resources and Links
Blog Post - Episode 102
https://www.goodreads.com/shelf/show/historical-fiction-picture-books
https://www.goodreads.com/shelf/show/5th-grade-historical-fiction
https://shop.scholastic.com/teachers-ecommerce/teacher/genre/historical-fiction.html?p=1&n=20
Let's Connect!
Listen/watch on YouTube
Shop TPT Resources
Instagram
Website
Amazon
Mentioned in this episode:
Free Guided Lesson Sampler for Texas Social Studies Teachers
Looking for a ready-to-use social studies lesson for your grade level? Grab a free guided lesson sample created specifically for Texas teachers.
Choose from 3rd grade Communities, 4th grade Texas History, 5th grade U.S. History, 6th grade World Cultures, or 7th grade Texas History.
Each sampler includes a teacher guide, lesson slideshow, digital version, guided notes, practice activity, exit ticket, answer keys, and more information about the full 36-week guided curriculum program.
Download your free sampler and choose your grade level at thesouthernteach.com/lessons
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 Resource
...more
19min
May 12, 20255 Social Studies Activity Ideas for the Last Week of School
The last week of school is here, and let’s be honest - it’s wild, unpredictable, and full of energy. In this episode, I’m sharing five simple, low-prep social studies activities that are perfect for those short, chaotic time blocks. These ideas will help you wrap up the year with purpose and keep your students engaged while still reinforcing key social studies skills. Whether you're trying to fill 10 minutes or plan a whole class period, these activities are fun, meaningful, and easy to implement.
Episode Highlights:
“Where Do You Live?”
Classroom Timeline Capsule
Historical Figures Headbands
Create a Summer Road Trip Plan
Interview a Classmate or Family Member

You don’t need a lot of time or energy to make the end of the year special - just hit play and grab an idea or two to finish strong!
Resources and Links
Blog Post - Episode 101
https://thesouthernteach.com/blog/jeopardy-fun-social-studies-activity/
Let's Connect!
Listen/watch on YouTube
Shop TPT Resources
Instagram
Website
Amazon
Mentioned in this episode:
Free Guided Lesson Sampler for Texas Social Studies Teachers
Looking for a ready-to-use social studies lesson for your grade level? Grab a free guided lesson sample created specifically for Texas teachers.
Choose from 3rd grade Communities, 4th grade Texas History, 5th grade U.S. History, 6th grade World Cultures, or 7th grade Texas History.
Each sampler includes a teacher guide, lesson slideshow, digital version, guided notes, practice activity, exit ticket, answer keys, and more information about the full 36-week guided curriculum program.
Download your free sampler and choose your grade level at thesouthernteach.com/lessons
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 Resource
...more
19min
May 05, 2025100 Years of Social Studies: What’s Changed & What Hasn’t
Welcome to the 100th episode of The Social Studies Teacher Podcast! 🎉
I truly can’t believe we’ve made it to triple digits. I’m beyond grateful for this community of amazing educators, and I thought it’d be fun to celebrate by taking a trip back in time.
In this episode, we’re looking at 100 years of social studies - what’s changed since 1925, and what surprisingly hasn’t. From old-school textbooks to the way geography and history were taught, we’re diving into the past to better understand the present (and maybe even spark a few ideas for the future).
Episode Highlights:
A peek at what social studies textbooks looked like in 1925
How geography and world history were originally taught
The progress we’ve made in social studies education
What still needs to change for our students today

Thanks for being part of this milestone moment - here’s to 100 more episodes of making social studies simple, engaging, and fun!
Resources and Links
Blog Post - Episode 100
Let's Connect!
Listen/watch on YouTube
Shop TPT Resources
Instagram
Website
Amazon
Mentioned 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 Resource
Free Guided Lesson Sampler for Texas Social Studies Teachers
Looking for a ready-to-use social studies lesson for your grade level? Grab a free guided lesson sample created specifically for Texas teachers.
Choose from 3rd grade Communities, 4th grade Texas History, 5th grade U.S. History, 6th grade World Cultures, or 7th grade Texas History.
Each sampler includes a teacher guide, lesson slideshow, digital version, guided notes, practice activity, exit ticket, answer keys, and more information about the full 36-week guided curriculum program.
Download your free sampler and choose your grade level at thesouthernteach.com/lessons
...more
41min
April 28, 2025Social Studies at Home – 5 Steps for Parents on Having Important Conversations with Your Kids
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 Highlights
Why Social Studies Conversations at Home Matter
5 Steps for Parents to Talk About Social Studies at Home
Additional 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 Links
Blog Post - Episode 99
Newsela
Scholastic News
Guess in 10
Catan Junior
Ticket to Ride
I Survived
Liberty's Kids
Brainpop Jr.
https://thesouthernteach.com/blog/hands-on-social-studies/
thesouthernteach.com
smartandsimplesocialstudies.com
Let's Connect!
Listen/watch on YouTube
Shop TPT Resources
Instagram
Website
Amazon
Mentioned 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 Resource
Free Guided Lesson Sampler for Texas Social Studies Teachers
Looking for a ready-to-use social studies lesson for your grade level? Grab a free guided lesson sample created specifically for Texas teachers.
Choose from 3rd grade Communities, 4th grade Texas History, 5th grade U.S. History, 6th grade World Cultures, or 7th grade Texas History.
Each sampler includes a teacher guide, lesson slideshow, digital version, guided notes, practice activity, exit ticket, answer keys, and more information about the full 36-week guided curriculum program.
Download your free sampler and choose your grade level at thesouthernteach.com/lessons
...more
21min
April 21, 2025Teacher Time-Savers: Planning, Grading & Managing Social Studies Efficiently
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 harder
Reuse & Adapt Resources – Make the most of what you already have
Use Self-Grading Quizzes – Cut down on grading time
Grade Assignments Efficiently – Strategies to speed up the process
Streamline Social Studies Stations & Group Work – Keep things organized and effective
Use AI & Tech Tools for Social Studies – Let technology do some of the heavy lifting
Set Work Time Limits & Stick to Them – Avoid overworking and stay on track

If you’re looking for ways to lighten your workload and make social studies more manageable, this episode is for you!
Resources and Links
Blog Post - Episode 98
https://thesouthernteach.com/blog/grading-tips/
https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Time-Management-Strategies-for-Teachers-6262172
Let's Connect!
Listen/watch on YouTube
Shop TPT Resources
Instagram
Website
Amazon
Mentioned 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 Resource
Free Guided Lesson Sampler for Texas Social Studies Teachers
Looking for a ready-to-use social studies lesson for your grade level? Grab a free guided lesson sample created specifically for Texas teachers.
Choose from 3rd grade Communities, 4th grade Texas History, 5th grade U.S. History, 6th grade World Cultures, or 7th grade Texas History.
Each sampler includes a teacher guide, lesson slideshow, digital version, guided notes, practice activity, exit ticket, answer keys, and more information about the full 36-week guided curriculum program.
Download your free sampler and choose your grade level at thesouthernteach.com/lessons
...more
20min
April 17, 2025 BONUS Episode: 10 Fun Ways to Build a Classroom Community at End of Year
As the end of the school year approaches, it’s completely normal for students to start counting down the days until summer break - let’s be honest, teachers do the same! But just because the finish line is in sight doesn’t mean engagement has to drop.
In this episode, we’ll explore 10 ways to keep students motivated while fostering a positive and supportive learning environment. By creating opportunities for students to connect with one another, we can wrap up the year on a high note and make those final weeks meaningful and enjoyable.
Tune in for practical strategies that will help you maintain engagement, build community, and make the most of the time you have left with your students!
Resources and Links
Blog Post - Episode 97
Geometrocity PBL Project
Enneagram for Big Kids
Emoji End of the Year Awards
A Letter from Your Teacher End of Year
Let's Connect!
Listen/watch on YouTube
Shop TPT Resources
Instagram
Website
Amazon
Mentioned in this episode:
Free Guided Lesson Sampler for Texas Social Studies Teachers
Looking for a ready-to-use social studies lesson for your grade level? Grab a free guided lesson sample created specifically for Texas teachers.
Choose from 3rd grade Communities, 4th grade Texas History, 5th grade U.S. History, 6th grade World Cultures, or 7th grade Texas History.
Each sampler includes a teacher guide, lesson slideshow, digital version, guided notes, practice activity, exit ticket, answer keys, and more information about the full 36-week guided curriculum program.
Download your free sampler and choose your grade level at thesouthernteach.com/lessons
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 Resource
...more
21min
April 14, 2025The Future of Social Studies: How AI & Technology Are Changing the Way We Teach
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 tools to enhance instruction using AI

AI isn’t here to replace teachers - it’s here to help us work smarter, not harder!
Resources and Links
Blog Post - Episode 96
Chat GPT
Magic School AI
EduAide
Quizizz
Kahoot.com
Edpuzzle
https://artsandculture.google.com/
Google Earth
Google Gemini
Let's Connect!
Listen/watch on YouTube
Shop TPT Resources
Instagram
Website
Amazon
Mentioned in this episode:
Free Guided Lesson Sampler for Texas Social Studies Teachers
Looking for a ready-to-use social studies lesson for your grade level? Grab a free guided lesson sample created specifically for Texas teachers.
Choose from 3rd grade Communities, 4th grade Texas History, 5th grade U.S. History, 6th grade World Cultures, or 7th grade Texas History.
Each sampler includes a teacher guide, lesson slideshow, digital version, guided notes, practice activity, exit ticket, answer keys, and more information about the full 36-week guided curriculum program.
Download your free sampler and choose your grade level at thesouthernteach.com/lessons
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 Resource
...more
22min
April 07, 2025 4 Simple Engagement Hacks for Boring Social Studies Units
Let’s be real—some social studies topics can feel dry, complex, or just plain overwhelming for students. But what if I told you there are simple ways to make even the most challenging content engaging and meaningful?
In this episode, I’m sharing four easy-to-implement hacks that will transform your social studies lessons and get your students excited to learn.
Episode Highlights:
✅ Hack #1: Start with a Story – Capture attention and make history personal with powerful storytelling.
✅ Hack #2: Gamify the Content – Turn learning into a fun and interactive experience.
✅ Hack #3: Use Primary Sources in a Hands-On Way – Bring history to life with real artifacts and documents.
✅ Hack #4: Bring Social Studies to Life with Hands-On Projects – Engage students with creative and immersive learning experiences.
If you’re looking for fresh ways to engage your students and make social studies a class they look forward to, this episode is for you!
Resources and Links
Blog Post - Episode 95
4 Steps to Hooking Social Studies for Students
Teaching With WebQuests
Using Primary Sources
Conducting Book Projects in Grades 3-5
4 PBL Project Ideas
Let's Connect!
Listen/watch on YouTube
Shop TPT Resources
Instagram
Website
Amazon
Mentioned 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 Resource
Free Guided Lesson Sampler for Texas Social Studies Teachers
Looking for a ready-to-use social studies lesson for your grade level? Grab a free guided lesson sample created specifically for Texas teachers.
Choose from 3rd grade Communities, 4th grade Texas History, 5th grade U.S. History, 6th grade World Cultures, or 7th grade Texas History.
Each sampler includes a teacher guide, lesson slideshow, digital version, guided notes, practice activity, exit ticket, answer keys, and more information about the full 36-week guided curriculum program.
Download your free sampler and choose your grade level at thesouthernteach.com/lessons
...more
21min
March 31, 2025Causes of the Civil War (and How to Effectively Teach It To Students)
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
Enslavement as the central issue
States' rights vs Federal power
Economic and cultural differences
The role of westward expansion
The election of Abraham Lincoln
Teaching tips for the causes of the Civil War

Resources and Links
Blog Post - Episode 94
Unit 8 American Civil War Unit
Let's Connect!
Listen/watch on YouTube
Shop TPT Resources
Instagram
Website
Amazon
Mentioned in this episode:
Free Guided Lesson Sampler for Texas Social Studies Teachers
Looking for a ready-to-use social studies lesson for your grade level? Grab a free guided lesson sample created specifically for Texas teachers.
Choose from 3rd grade Communities, 4th grade Texas History, 5th grade U.S. History, 6th grade World Cultures, or 7th grade Texas History.
Each sampler includes a teacher guide, lesson slideshow, digital version, guided notes, practice activity, exit ticket, answer keys, and more information about the full 36-week guided curriculum program.
Download your free sampler and choose your grade level at thesouthernteach.com/lessons
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 Resource
...more
20min

FAQs about The Social Studies Teacher Podcast:

How many episodes does The Social Studies Teacher Podcast have?

The podcast currently has 135 episodes available.