The Social Studies Teacher Podcast

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...

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 collaborat...

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:

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.

👉 Here’s what we’ll cover:

With a little planning, your students won’t just learn it and lose it — they’ll carry that knowledge with them al...

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 history, geography, government, and culture. It is expected that these standards are put into effect beginning 2030.

I’ll walk you through:

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 social studies fits in. Then, I’ll walk you through four practical strategies you can start using right away in your classroom:

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 planning stress-free for you!

What You'll Learn

Whether you’re teaching 3rd, 4th, or 5th grad...

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 engaged!

📚 What You’ll Learn:

✔️ How to set up 5 easy reading stations

✔️ Literacy center activities that save you time

✔️ Differentiation tips for upper elementary classrooms

✔️ Strategies to keep students motivated and on task

Whether you’re a 3rd, 4th, or 5th grade teacher, these ideas...

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!

📚 Whether you teach 3rd, 4th, or 5th grade and only have 30 minutes (if you're lucky!), these stations will help you reinforce reading skills like main idea, summarizing, and inferencing - all while covering key social studies topics.

Here’s what we’ll cover:

✔️ Daily Social Studies Passa...

🎉 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 notebooks

✔️ When (and how!) to introduce warmups and guided lessons

✔️ How to gradually build routines for a smooth year ahead

✔️ Examples of what I used...

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.

📚 Perfect for 3rd–5th grade teachers who want:

Links and...

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. If you want to teach engaging, standards-aligned social studies without the overwhelm, this video is for you.

🎯 What You’ll Learn:

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:

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:

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:

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 f...

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...

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:

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...

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

AI isn’t here to replace teachers - it’s here to help us work smarter, not harder!

Resources and Links<...

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 Pri...

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

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

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:

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

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

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

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Social Studies Guid...

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

Resources and Links

Blog P...

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

Resources and Links

Blog Post - Episode 87

My...

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...

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

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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

Resources and Links

Blog Post - Episode 84

Chapter Book Series Recommendations

Using Multiple Intelligences in the Classroom

Multiple Intelligences Choice Boards<...

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!

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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

Resources and Links

Blog Post - Episode 82

Leave a review o...

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 the new year in a fresh way.

Episode Highlights

Resources and Links

Blog Post - Episode 81

Paul Revere's Ride

Project Choice...

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 about the steps I took to overcome that fear, including the resources I used, the importance of continued learning, and how I built the confidence to teach topics I once avoided.

This episode will help fellow teachers feel empowered to tackle those intimidating subjec...

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

Resources and Links

Blog Post - Episode 79

Guided Curriculum units

Daily Passages

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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 interested.

Episode Highlights

Resources and Links

Blog Post - Episode 78

Three Branches of Government Unit

A Guide to Learning Intention and Success Criteria

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 for us!

But don’t worry, I’ll share some techniques for breaking these topics down and making them not only digestible but also enjoyable for upper elementary students. 

Episode Highlights

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 that your students may or may not have heard about!

Episode Highlights

Resources and Links

Easily incorporate these holidays into your classroom using this r...

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 to help you avoid burnout and ensure you’re biting off just the right amount to chew during this hectic time of year.

Resources and Links

For more support, take a closer look at my 20 Ti...

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.

Episode Highlights

Resources and Links

Blog Post - Epis...

We're diving into one of my absolute favorite ways to bring social studies to life for our students: making it personal.

Episode Highlights

Resources and Links

Blog Post - Episode 73

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5 Social Studies Guided Notes

Get guided notes covering 5...

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 concept to 3rd-5th graders.

Episode Highlights

Resources and Links

https://thesouthernteach.com/blog/presidential-election

Blog Post - Episode 72

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

Resources and Links

A copy of this activity is ready to use in your classroom. Check it out!

https://www.whitehouse.gov/

https://www.senate.gov/states/

https://www.house.gov/representatives/find-your-representative

...

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 schedules and creative ideas to help you make the most of your time.

Episode Highlights

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 upper elementary students.

Episode Highlights

Resources and Links

Check out my social studies resources!

Blog Post...

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 throughout the election season and share this episode with a teacher friend!

Episode Highlights

Resources and Links

Amy Groesbeck Election Results Map

Blog Post - Episode 68

Let's Connect!

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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

Resources and Links

Multiple Intelligences Choice Boards

Enneagram Choice Boards

Reading Response Choice Board Bundle

Blog Post - Episode 67

Let's Connect!

Listen/watch...

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 that supports the diverse learning styles and personalities of your students!

Episode Highlights

Resources and Links<...

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.

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Social Studies Guided Curriculum

Easy-to-follow...

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 upper elementary students will love (whether you're in Texas or not)!

Resources and Links

Field Trip Directory.com

Education in Action

Blog Post - Episode 64

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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

Resources and Links

My Favorite Read Alouds

Blog Post - Episode 63

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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

Resources and Links

Social Studies Daily Passage Warmups

3rd Grade Daily Language Warmups

4th Grade ELA Spiral Review Warmups

5th Grade Daily Language Warmups

Blog Post - Episode 62

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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

Resources and Links

Additional reading on this topic is available on the TEA website

For more information about the 2024 update, here is a helpful YouTube video:

Blog Post - Episode 61

...

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

Resources and Recommended Links

Morning Meeting Slides

Morning Meeting Discussion Cards

Star Student Compliment Book

Check out my classroom community FREE podcast series

Blog Post - Episode 60<...

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!

In this bonus live from The Social Studies Bootcamp, we'll be talking about planning meaningful and engaging activities in social studies, and I'll go into more depth about the social studies membership and what it all includes.

This is a limited-time episode that will be available until August 2nd, 2024.

Learn more about the membership >> smartandsimplesocialstudies.com

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 classroom.

Episode Highlights

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

Resources and Links

Blog Post - Episode 57

Back to School Social Studies Pack

Multiple Intelligences Book Companion

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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 ways to build a positive classroom community in your homeroom or your social studies classroom.

Episode Highlights

Resources and Links

Blog Post - Episode 56

Back to School Social Studies...

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 steps, and hands-on activities engaging activities, you can empower your students to understand the fundamentals of economics and how they apply to the world around them.

Let's talk about ways you can effectively teach economics and the free enterprise system...

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

Resources and Links

Check out my government and civics daily passages!

CNN10 is a great resource for this age!

Blog Post - Episode 54

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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 with activities and examples to help you teach culture and related topics to 3rd-5th grade students!

Episode Highlights

Resources and Links

Check out...

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

Resources and Links

Check out my history daily passages

Blog Post - Episode 52

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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

Resources and Links

Check out the Create A Country Project

Check out the Geography Daily Passages

Blog Post - Episode 51

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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!

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Resources and Links

Blog Post - Episode 50

Getting Started Checklist

Listen to my podcast for Teacher Sellers

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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.

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Blog Post - Episode 49

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.

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Blog Post - Episode 48

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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

Resources and Links

Get access to more trainings like this one inside my social studies teacher membership

Blog Post - Episode 47

Let's Connect!

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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!

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Blog Post - Episode 46

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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

Blog Post - Episode 45

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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 and these are some mistakes that I’ve grown from as an educator and have shaped how I teach today.

Episode Highlights

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

Resources and Links

Blog Post - Episode 43

The United States in the 20th and 21st Century SS Unit

First Website

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

Resources and Links

Blog Post - Episode 42

Famous Heroes in Communities Unit

Create a Country Project

WebQuest Mega Bundle

Texas Historical Commission Virtual Field Trips

Anne Frank Secret Annex Virtual Field Trip

Episode 32 - Using Literary Nonfiction in Social Studies

Ep...

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 self. 

Episode Highlights

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I wanted to create this episode as a spin-off on one of my best-sellers - E...

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.

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Blog Post - Episode 40

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5 Social Studies Guided Notes

Get guided notes covering 5 common...

If your test prep strategies are feeling stale, today I've got a teamwork approach that might just turn things around.

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Nonfiction Reading Comprehension Passages

Fiction Reading Comprehension Passages

Reading Graphic Organizer Bundle

Project Bundle for Elementary Students

Multiple Intelligences Project Menu

Blog Post - Episode 39<...

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!

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Grab the Enrichment Time Template!

Blog Post - Episode 38

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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.

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Episode 37 - Blog

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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.

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Episode 36 - Blog

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5 Social Studies Guided Notes

Get guided notes covering 5 common social studies topics that are low-prep and easy...

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.

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Blog Post - Episode 35

Using Webquests for Research and Inquiry

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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 how people in black history have shaped our culture.

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...

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!

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Resources and Links

Reading Graphic Organizer Bundle

https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Reading-Graphic-Organizer-Bundle-for-Fiction-and-Nonfiction-7794279

Reading Comprehension Task Cards

https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Reading-Comprehension-Task-Cards-Year-Round-Bundle-Color-by-Number-Activities-8375759

Blog...

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 state beyond Texas.

I answer a few frequently asked questions and share some stellar reviews of upper elementary teachers who are LOVING the guided curriculum and why these are working well for their classrooms.

If...

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 some activity ideas that you can implement in your classroom.

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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.

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Free Daily Passage Curriculum Guide

Membership

Blog Post - Episode 31

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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 as students come in each day roaming around the classroom or unsure of what to do when they arrive. That's where morning routines come in! 

This episode is filled with tips to help your mornings move m...

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!

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The Essential Classroom Community FREE Podcast Series

Blog Post - Episode 29

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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.

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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.

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No time to create your own slides? Try my editable slides!

Refresh your classroom management in a flash with this FREE classroom community mini course.

Blog Post - Episode 27

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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.

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Grab your FREE Smart and Simple Ways to Engage guide

Check out a favorite activity I reach for when taking student learning outdoors

Blog Post - Episode 26

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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.

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Ready for even more FREE differentiation ideas? You'll love this 10 minute training.

You might also enjoy this podcast episode about 7 Ways to Use Flexible Seating to Create a Positive Learning Environment

Blog Post - Episode 25

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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.

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Blog Post - Episode 24

Kid Power Article

Holiday Webquest Bundle

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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!

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Blog Post - Episode 23

Guided Curriculum

Daily Passages Social Studies Bundle

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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!

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Blog Post - Episode 22

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.

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Nearpod

A Million Thanks.org

Veterans Day Webquest

Blog Post - Episode 21

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Social Studies Guided Curriculum<...

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!

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Learn more about the Social Studies Membership

Constitution...

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!

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⁠Each Kindness Book Companion⁠

⁠Creature Features Book Companion⁠

⁠The Name Jar Book Companion<...

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 age, it's important for students to be able use their research and inquiry skills to sift the valid and reliable information from the fake and inaccurate ones.

Webquests are a perfect way...