The Social Studies Teacher Podcast

Kirsten Hammond, The Southern Teach LLC
  • 4.8 (6)
  • Courses
  • Updated Weekly

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 who want to maximize their time and bring social studies to life in their classrooms! Your host, Kirsten of The Southern Teach, is a mom and educator with over a decade of experience teaching in the classroom. She is all about simple and actionable strategies that result in wins, big or small. Each week, she'll share a variety of tips on integrating social studies with other subjects, teaching accurate and culturally-relevant social studies topics, lesson and resource ideas, and more! Listen in for ways to make teaching social studies manageable, fun, and best of all - rewarding for both you and your kids!

  1. Jun 5

    5 Steps to the Ultimate Summer Prep

    Summer is the perfect time to reset, reflect and get ahead before the back-to-school rush begins. In this episode, I’m sharing five simple steps to help you prep for social studies without spending your entire summer planning. You’ll learn how to organize your resources, look ahead at your standards, map out your first few units, create a simple routine and set yourself up for a smoother school year. Whether you have a full social studies block or just a few minutes a day, this episode will help you feel more prepared, more confident and a whole lot less overwhelmed when the new school year begins. In this episode, you’ll learn: How to review your social studies standards without overcomplicating itWhy planning your first few weeks can make the biggest differenceSimple ways to organize your resources before school startsHow to create a repeatable routine for your social studies blockWhat to prep now so you are not scrambling later Resources and Links: Bootcamp 2026 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 June Summer Bash Sale: Save 50% on Social Studies Resources Kick off summer with big savings during the June Summer Bash Sale! From June 15–17, you can save 50% off regular pricing on low-prep, standards-aligned social studies resources for upper elementary and middle school students. Use code SUMMER26 at checkout to grab classroom favorites, guided lessons, and time-saving tools to help you plan ahead for the upcoming school year. Shop the sale here: thesouthernteach.com/shop Sale ends Wednesday, June 17 at 11:59 PM Central.

    13 min

  2. Apr 27

    No Curriculum? No Problem! How to Teach Social Studies Without One

    Have you ever been told you're teaching social studies… but given absolutely nothing to work with? No textbook. No pacing guide. No curriculum map. In this video, I’m walking you through exactly how to teach social studies without a curriculum- and still create structured, engaging, and meaningful lessons your students will love. Whether your district is in transition, resources are limited, or you're expected to build from the standards, this video will give you a clear system you can actually use. In this video, you’ll learn how to: • Use your state standards to build your curriculum • Create a simple year-at-a-glance plan • Structure your week so planning feels manageable • Find and use quality resources without starting from scratch • Focus on social studies skills, not just content • Build consistency in your lessons without overwhelm You don’t need a full curriculum to be an effective social studies teacher. You just need a plan—and I’ll show you how to build one. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or unsure where to start, this will help you move forward with confidence. ➡️ Want ready-to-use, structured social studies lessons? Check out my resources here: Social Studies Guided Curriculum Amazon Workbooks Social Studies Yearly Plan Episode Blog Post - Episode 122 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 June Summer Bash Sale: Save 50% on Social Studies Resources Kick off summer with big savings during the June Summer Bash Sale! From June 15–17, you can save 50% off regular pricing on low-prep, standards-aligned social studies resources for upper elementary and middle school students. Use code SUMMER26 at checkout to grab classroom favorites, guided lessons, and time-saving tools to help you plan ahead for the upcoming school year. Shop the sale here: thesouthernteach.com/shop Sale ends Wednesday, June 17 at 11:59 PM Central.

    22 min

  3. Mar 9

    How to Help Students Think Like Historians | Teaching the Why in Social Studies

    History lessons often focus on dates, events, and timelines. But when students understand why events happened, history begins to make sense! In this video, we explore practical strategies for helping students think like historians by focusing on cause and effect, perspectives, evidence, and historical reasoning. This episode walks through several ways to shift your instruction from teaching only the “what” of history to helping students understand the deeper reasons behind historical events. In this episode: Why teaching only historical facts can limit understandingWhat it means for students to think like historiansHow to start lessons with compelling historical questionsWays to model cause-and-effect thinking in historyUsing multiple perspectives to deepen understandingHow primary sources help students analyze evidenceConnecting historical events to issues in the presentA simple lesson structure that encourages historical thinking By focusing on the “why” behind history, students develop stronger critical thinking skills, build empathy, and begin to see how past decisions continue to shape the world today. Related Links https://thesouthernteach.com/blog/history-lessons/ Let's Connect! Listen/watch on YouTube Shop TPT Resources Instagram Website Amazon Mentioned in this episode: June Summer Bash Sale: Save 50% on Social Studies Resources Kick off summer with big savings during the June Summer Bash Sale! From June 15–17, you can save 50% off regular pricing on low-prep, standards-aligned social studies resources for upper elementary and middle school students. Use code SUMMER26 at checkout to grab classroom favorites, guided lessons, and time-saving tools to help you plan ahead for the upcoming school year. Shop the sale here: thesouthernteach.com/shop Sale ends Wednesday, June 17 at 11:59 PM Central. 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

    14 min

  4. Feb 16

    4 Tips for Teaching Famous Figures Year-Round | Make Biographies Meaningful in Social Studies

    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 Let's Connect! Listen/watch on YouTube Shop TPT Resources Instagram Website Amazon Mentioned in this episode: June Summer Bash Sale: Save 50% on Social Studies Resources Kick off summer with big savings during the June Summer Bash Sale! From June 15–17, you can save 50% off regular pricing on low-prep, standards-aligned social studies resources for upper elementary and middle school students. Use code SUMMER26 at checkout to grab classroom favorites, guided lessons, and time-saving tools to help you plan ahead for the upcoming school year. Shop the sale here: thesouthernteach.com/shop Sale ends Wednesday, June 17 at 11:59 PM Central. 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

    17 min

  5. Feb 8

    Texas SBOE Jan 2026 Updates - Social Studies Topics and Subtopics...TMI?

    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: Join a Work Group to help draft the TEKS standards. Apply here if you're interested! > https://tea.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0kqGjYG60zgSiSWEmail 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: June Summer Bash Sale: Save 50% on Social Studies Resources Kick off summer with big savings during the June Summer Bash Sale! From June 15–17, you can save 50% off regular pricing on low-prep, standards-aligned social studies resources for upper elementary and middle school students. Use code SUMMER26 at checkout to grab classroom favorites, guided lessons, and time-saving tools to help you plan ahead for the upcoming school year. Shop the sale here: thesouthernteach.com/shop Sale ends Wednesday, June 17 at 11:59 PM Central. 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

    19 min

  6. Jan 19

    Building Literacy Skills Through Social Studies - Reading and Writing Strategies

    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: How to integrate reading and writing into social studies lessonsStrategies for analyzing texts, maps, and primary sourcesWays to encourage evidence-based discussions and written responsesIdeas to promote critical thinking and comprehension across content areas Teaching Tips: Use short nonfiction passages to build content knowledgeIncorporate writing prompts tied to historical or civic themesModel how to cite evidence from social studies textsPair 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! 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 June Summer Bash Sale: Save 50% on Social Studies Resources Kick off summer with big savings during the June Summer Bash Sale! From June 15–17, you can save 50% off regular pricing on low-prep, standards-aligned social studies resources for upper elementary and middle school students. Use code SUMMER26 at checkout to grab classroom favorites, guided lessons, and time-saving tools to help you plan ahead for the upcoming school year. Shop the sale here: thesouthernteach.com/shop Sale ends Wednesday, June 17 at 11:59 PM Central.

    19 min

  7. Jan 5

    Getting to Know Your Students - 9 Common Classroom Personalities

    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 Instagram Website Amazon Mentioned in this episode: June Summer Bash Sale: Save 50% on Social Studies Resources Kick off summer with big savings during the June Summer Bash Sale! From June 15–17, you can save 50% off regular pricing on low-prep, standards-aligned social studies resources for upper elementary and middle school students. Use code SUMMER26 at checkout to grab classroom favorites, guided lessons, and time-saving tools to help you plan ahead for the upcoming school year. Shop the sale here: thesouthernteach.com/shop Sale ends Wednesday, June 17 at 11:59 PM Central. 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

    17 min

  8. 12/15/2025

    Teaching About Current Events | Helping Students Make Sense of the World Around Them

    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 teachersClassrooms with limited time for social studiesTeachers 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 Shop TPT Resources Instagram Website Amazon Mentioned in this episode: June Summer Bash Sale: Save 50% on Social Studies Resources Kick off summer with big savings during the June Summer Bash Sale! From June 15–17, you can save 50% off regular pricing on low-prep, standards-aligned social studies resources for upper elementary and middle school students. Use code SUMMER26 at checkout to grab classroom favorites, guided lessons, and time-saving tools to help you plan ahead for the upcoming school year. Shop the sale here: thesouthernteach.com/shop Sale ends Wednesday, June 17 at 11:59 PM Central. 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

    19 min
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About

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 who want to maximize their time and bring social studies to life in their classrooms! Your host, Kirsten of The Southern Teach, is a mom and educator with over a decade of experience teaching in the classroom. She is all about simple and actionable strategies that result in wins, big or small. Each week, she'll share a variety of tips on integrating social studies with other subjects, teaching accurate and culturally-relevant social studies topics, lesson and resource ideas, and more! Listen in for ways to make teaching social studies manageable, fun, and best of all - rewarding for both you and your kids!

Information

  • Creator
    Kirsten Hammond, The Southern Teach LLC
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    122
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Kirsten Hammond, The Southern Teach LLC
  • Show Website
    The Social Studies Teacher Podcast