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. 6d ago

    5 Social Studies Lesson Hooks You Can Use in Under 5 Minutes

    You do not need an elaborate classroom transformation to get students interested in a social studies lesson. In Part 3 of this PD Series, I’m sharing five simple lesson hooks that can be used in five minutes or less. We’ll explore: Mystery photographsWould-you-rather questionsMap mysteriesFact-or-fiction statementsOne-minute challenges Each strategy can be used across history, geography, government, economics, and world cultures. You’ll also learn how to make sure your lesson hook connects to the actual learning objective instead of becoming a random activity students complete before the “real” lesson begins. Resources and Links Teaching with Kahoot Tips Teaching with Technology Tips 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 Leave a Review for The Social Studies Teacher Podcast! Are you loving the podcast? I'd love to hear your feedback! Click the link to leave a review! Rate and Review the Podcast

  2. Oct 5

    Your Slideshow Is NOT Your Lesson: Turn Information Into Learning

    A slideshow can help you teach social studies, but simply presenting information does not guarantee students are actually learning it. In Part 2 of the PD Series, we are breaking down how to turn an informational slideshow into a complete lesson. You’ll learn a simple lesson structure that includes: A clear learning objectiveFocused direct instructionOpportunities for student discussionMeaningful practiceA quick check for understanding We will also talk about how to avoid rushing through too much information and how to give students opportunities to actually use what they have learned. If your social studies lessons sometimes feel like you are racing through slides before the bell rings, this episode will help you rethink what happens before, during, and after your presentation. Resources and Links Guided Curriculum Social Studies Mini-Lessons (3-5) Social Studies Mini-Lessons (6-8) 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 Leave a Review for The Social Studies Teacher Podcast! Are you loving the podcast? I'd love to hear your feedback! Click the link to leave a review! Rate and Review the Podcast

  3. Sep 28

    Are You Overcomplicating Social Studies? 5 Things You Can Stop Doing

    Social studies does not have to be complicated to be meaningful. In Part 1 of this special PD series, we'll talk about five things teachers can stop doing to make social studies instruction simpler and more manageable. From trying to make every lesson exciting to grading every single assignment, we will look at common habits that can create extra work without necessarily improving student learning. In this episode, you’ll learn how to: Simplify your lesson planningChoose fewer, more purposeful activitiesReuse classroom routines and activity formatsFocus on the most important contentReduce unnecessary grading The goal is not to do less teaching. It is to spend less time on things that do not meaningfully impact student learning. 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 Leave a Review for The Social Studies Teacher Podcast! Are you loving the podcast? I'd love to hear your feedback! Click the link to leave a review! Rate and Review the Podcast

  4. Aug 17

    Differentiating Social Studies: Real Teacher Challenges + Practical Solutions

    Differentiating social studies can feel overwhelming - especially when you're trying to support struggling readers, English learners, students with accommodations, and advanced learners in the same classroom. But differentiation doesn't have to mean creating a completely different lesson for every student. In this episode, I'm breaking down what teachers say they're actually struggling with when differentiating social studies and sharing practical ways to make lessons more accessible without removing the critical thinking. Resources Implementing Guided Notes in Social Studies: https://youtu.be/IgswOEV015E If you want to read more about the major themes and ah-ha moments, check out the blog post! thesouthernteach.com/blog/differentiation-in-social-studies Want to access the replay of the 2026 Bootcamp? Check it out here! https://learn.thesouthernteach.com/offers/q9eD48hg/checkout 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 Leave a Review for The Social Studies Teacher Podcast! Are you loving the podcast? I'd love to hear your feedback! Click the link to leave a review! Rate and Review the Podcast

  5. Jul 15

    10 Must-Have Teacher Supplies for the Upper Elementary Classroom

    Quick note: This episode is a repost, but it’s perfect to revisit as you start thinking about back-to-school prep, classroom setup and the supplies that actually make teaching easier. Are you ready to refresh your teacher supply list? In this episode, I’m sharing 10 of my favorite teacher supplies for the upper elementary classroom. These are simple, practical items that can help you stay organized, keep students engaged and make your lessons run more smoothly throughout the year. Whether you are a brand-new teacher or a seasoned pro, this episode will give you ideas to add to your back-to-school shopping list. I’ll also share tips for using these supplies during social studies lessons, plus ways they can work across other subjects too. You’ll walk away with practical recommendations, easy classroom ideas and a few supply favorites that can make your teaching life just a little bit easier. And while you’re planning for the new school year, don’t forget to check out my free professional development podcast series on building classroom community. It’s a great next step if you want simple ideas for creating a positive classroom environment from the very beginning of the year. In this episode, you will learn:10 of my favorite teacher supplies for upper elementary teachersTips for using these supplies in social studiesIdeas for using these same supplies across other subjectsSimple ways to make your classroom more organized and engaging Related Resources and Links Blog Post - Episode 8Alesia MakesFull Focus PlannerPersonal LaminatorPersonal Paper TrimmerPost-It Chart PaperNeon Colors Dry Erase Pockets 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 Leave a Review for The Social Studies Teacher Podcast! Are you loving the podcast? I'd love to hear your feedback! Click the link to leave a review! Rate and Review the Podcast

  6. Jul 8

    5 Mistakes New Social Studies Teachers Make (and How to Fix Them)

    Teaching social studies for the first time? You're not alone, and you definitely don't have to figure it all out by yourself. In this episode, I'm sharing the five biggest mistakes I made as a new social studies teacher (and the same mistakes I see many teachers make today). More importantly, I'll show you simple, practical solutions that you can implement before the first day of school. Whether you've been assigned a new grade level, don't have a curriculum, or simply want to feel more confident planning your year, these tips will help you build a social studies block that is engaging, organized, and sustainable. In This VideoWhy passage-only instruction often leads to disengagementHow planning by unit saves time all year longWhy consistency matters more than long social studies blocksThe classroom routines every social studies teacher should establishHow to save time by using quality, ready-to-use resourcesSimple strategies to build an engaging and sustainable social studies routine If you're preparing for back-to-school, these five mindset shifts can help you avoid burnout and spend more time focusing on what matters most...your students. Resources Mentioned Social Studies Bootcamp - thesouthernteach.com/bootcamp Plan Your Social Studies Year From Start to Finish Mentioned in this episode: Leave a Review for The Social Studies Teacher Podcast! Are you loving the podcast? I'd love to hear your feedback! Click the link to leave a review! Rate and Review the Podcast 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

  7. Jun 19

    Social Studies Summer Series Day 5: How to Teach Economics Skills

    Quick note: This episode is a repost, but it’s a great one to revisit as you plan ways to make economics and free enterprise easier for students to understand. Welcome to Part 5 of the Social Studies Summer Series! In this episode, we’re talking all about how to teach economics skills and the free enterprise system in upper elementary. Economics can feel like a big, overwhelming topic at first, but it does not have to be complicated. With the right approach, you can break down concepts like goods, services, producers, consumers, supply, demand, saving, spending and business into simple, student-friendly lessons. I’ll share practical ways to make economics more engaging through hands-on activities, visual examples, real-world connections and critical thinking. You’ll also hear ideas for helping students see how economics connects to their everyday lives and the world around them. Whether you’re teaching economics for the first time or looking for fresh ideas to make it more interactive, this episode will give you simple strategies you can use in your classroom. Episode HighlightsIn this episode, you’ll hear ideas for: Starting with the basics of economicsMaking economics more interactiveUsing visual aids to support understandingExploring real-world examplesPromoting critical thinkingConnecting economics to current eventsEncouraging collaboration among students Resources and Links More Economics-related resources Economics Daily Passages Social Studies Daily Passage Bundle Smart and Simple Social Studies Membership Join the 2026 Bootcamp Waitlist! - Registration opens July 10th! Mentioned in this episode: Leave a Review for The Social Studies Teacher Podcast! Are you loving the podcast? I'd love to hear your feedback! Click the link to leave a review! Rate and Review the Podcast 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

  8. Jun 18

    Social Studies Summer Series Day 4: How to Teach Government/Civics Skills

    Quick note: This episode is a repost, but it’s a helpful one to revisit as you plan simple ways to make government and civics easier for students to understand. Welcome to Part 4 of the Social Studies Summer Series! In this episode, we’re talking about how to teach government and civics skills to 3rd, 4th and 5th grade students in a way that feels clear, practical and engaging. Government can sometimes feel like a big topic for upper elementary students, but it becomes much easier when we connect it to real-life examples, classroom routines, community helpers, current events and everyday decision-making. I’ll share simple steps for helping students understand the basics of government, the role of citizens and how people can participate in their communities. You’ll also hear ideas for using interactive activities, multimedia resources and critical thinking questions to make these lessons more meaningful. Whether you’re teaching branches of government, rights and responsibilities or active citizenship, this episode will give you practical ideas to help students see why civics matters. Episode HighlightsIn this episode, you’ll hear ideas for: Starting with the basics of government and civicsUsing real-life examples students can understandAdding interactive activitiesIncorporating multimedia resourcesConnecting with community resourcesEncouraging critical thinkingPromoting active citizenshipReflecting and assessing student understandingMaking government and civics more fun Resources and Links Check out my government and civics daily passages! CNN10 is a great resource for this age! More government-related resources Civics-related resources Mentioned in this episode: Leave a Review for The Social Studies Teacher Podcast! Are you loving the podcast? I'd love to hear your feedback! Click the link to leave a review! Rate and Review the Podcast 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

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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
    137
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Kirsten Hammond, The Southern Teach LLC
  • Show Website
    The Social Studies Teacher Podcast

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