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:

March 24, 20257 Engaging Ways to Use Task Cards
If you’ve got a favorite set of task cards, get ready for some fresh and creative ways to use them in your classroom!
In this episode, we’re diving into the many ways task cards can boost engagement, reinforce key concepts, and make learning more interactive. Whether you're using them for small groups, stations, or whole-class activities, you’ll walk away with practical strategies to maximize their impact!
Episode Highlights
What task cards are and why they are beneficial for students
7 engaging and fun ideas to use task cards in a variety of ways

Resources and Links
Blog Post - Episode 93
Social Studies Task Cards
Reading Comprehension Task Cards
Grammar Task Cards
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 17, 2025Coping and Regulation Supports for Test Anxiety with Caroline Koehler
In Part 3 of our test prep series, we're sitting down with Caroline Koehler to tackle a topic every teacher encounters—test anxiety. She’s sharing expert insights on why students feel overwhelmed and, more importantly, how we can help them build confidence before test day. Tune in for practical strategies to create a calm, supportive test-taking environment!
Episode Highlights:
What test anxiety is and how it typically shows up in students
Effective coping strategies that teachers can teach students to help them manage test anxiety
How to balance preparing students for tests while avoiding overwhelming them with pressure
How to support students who have severe test anxiety or other regulation challenges
Tips to involve parents in helping their children cope with test anxiety at home

Connect with our guest:
Celavora Education Website
https://www.instagram.com/carolinemsk/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCATkgk3-fK42QTXE-rCX5zw
Resources and Links:
Blog Post - Episode 92
SEL Activities Anxiety Support and Self-Regulation
Testing Schedule Template Elementary and Secondary School Coordination
Smart Cookie Activities and Worksheets
Kids Stress Management Tool Teach Social Skills How to Cope
Token Boards Template First Then Boards and I’m Working Bundle
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
32min
March 10, 2025Math Test Prep Strategies for Grades 3-5 with Cassi Noack
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 challenges teachers face when preparing students for state standardized math tests
The MOST important thing to do in order to prep your students for the test
How to keep students engaged and motivated during test prep without it feeling repetitive or overwhelming
Quick and easy test prep strategies that teachers can implement right away

Connect with our guest:
Follow Cassi on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mindsinbloom.tpt
Minds in Bloom Website
Resources and Links:
Blog Post - Episode 91
Math/ELA Membership mibunlimited.com
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
29min
March 03, 2025ELA Test Prep Strategies for Success with Custom Classroom by Angela
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 getting students ready for high-stakes ELA tests
Simple but effective ways teachers can help students understand how a test is structured so they feel confident going into test day
Easy ways teachers can help students break down and understand tough vocabulary
Best test-tasking strategies to "be smarter than the test"
Ways to can prep students without making it feel overwhelming
Steps to putting together a solid ELA test prep plan

Connect with our guest:
Youtube https://www.youtube.com/@customclassroombyangela
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/people/Custom-Classroom-By-Angela/61550264731197/
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/customclassroombyangela/
Resources and Links:
Blog Post - Episode 90
Best selling ELA Test Prep Bundle https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/STAAR-ELA-Reading-Test-Prep-Passages-Comprehension-Questions-3rd-4th-5th-Grade-4489775
4 Week Boot Camp video https://youtu.be/NRSFGTremYY?si=3c3Bpv1whZSqfdjN
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
53min
February 24, 2025 Try this Fun Social Studies Activity Before Spring Break!
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
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
15min
February 17, 20256 Ways to Engage Students Through Hands-On Social Studies Projects and Activities
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 to life with historical fiction
Sparking engagement with debates on historical and cultural topics
Creating interactive timelines
Designing cultural exploration projects
Engaging with primary sources and mock scenarios
Building hands-on geography projects

Resources and Links
Blog Post - Episode 88
Using Timelines in Social Studies
Library of Congress - Primary Sources
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
16min
February 10, 20253 Important Things to Teach Upper Elementary Students about Black History Month
While it’s easy to focus on well-known figures like Martin Luther King Jr. or Rosa Parks, Black History Month is an opportunity to go deeper and share a more comprehensive understanding of Black history and culture. Today, I’m sharing three important things to focus on with your students during Black History Month that can spark meaningful conversations, build empathy, and promote a greater understanding of history.
Episode Highlights
Black History Is American History
Highlight Unsung Heroes and Everyday Stories
Explore Black Culture Beyond Struggle

Resources and Links
Blog Post - Episode 87
My Black History Month unit has all of these elements ready to go for you - check it out here
Try the Webquest about the Civil Rights Movement here
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
12min
February 03, 2025What if I Get it Wrong? Tips to Teach Sensitive Social Studies Topics
If you’ve ever felt a knot in your stomach thinking, What if I get it wrong? What if I offend someone or give the wrong information?—you’re not alone. Teaching sensitive topics can be daunting, but it’s also incredibly important. Whether it’s discussing historical injustices, social movements, or cultural differences, these lessons help students understand the world, think critically, and develop empathy.
In this episode, I’m going to share strategies for approaching these discussions with care, ensuring accuracy and student engagement, and avoiding common pitfalls. By the end of this episode, I hope you’ll feel more confident and prepared to tackle sensitive topics without fear.
Episode Highlights
Why Teaching Sensitive Topics Matters
Acknowledge Your Fears and Do the Prep Work
Create a Safe Space for Discussion
Strategies for Teaching Sensitive Topics
Addressing Mistakes and Feedback
Teaching Without Fear

Resources and Links
Blog Post - Episode 86
https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/the-southern-teach
https://thesouthernteach.com/blog/primary-sources/
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
16min
January 27, 2025 A Behind the Scenes Look at the Smart and Simple Social Studies Guided Curriculum
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 Texas History Guided Curriculum
5th Grade U.S. History Guided Curriculum
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
29min
January 20, 20255 Fun Book Project Ideas for Upper Elementary
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 for success with book projects

Resources and Links
Blog Post - Episode 84
Chapter Book Series Recommendations
Using Multiple Intelligences in the Classroom
Multiple Intelligences Choice Boards
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
16min

FAQs about The Social Studies Teacher Podcast:

How many episodes does The Social Studies Teacher Podcast have?

The podcast currently has 135 episodes available.