Best Kirsten Hammond, The Southern Teach Podcasts (2025)

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My Favorite Teacher Fonts to Use for the Classroom 17:40

6d ago17:40

17:40

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 -…

1
Learning History Through Literature: Historical Fiction Recommendations for Upper Elementary 18:37

13d ago18:37

18:37

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 …

1
5 Social Studies Activity Ideas for the Last Week of School 16:52

20d ago16:52

16:52

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 so…

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100 Years of Social Studies: What’s Changed & What Hasn’t 39:58

27d ago39:58

39:58

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 …

1
Social Studies at Home – 5 Steps for Parents on Having Important Conversations with Your Kids 19:16

1M ago19:16

19:16

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 de…

1
Teacher Time-Savers: Planning, Grading & Managing Social Studies Efficiently 19:03

1M ago19:03

19:03

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,…

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BONUS Episode: 10 Fun Ways to Build a Classroom Community at End of Year 18:58

1M ago18:58

18:58

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 s…

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The Future of Social Studies: How AI & Technology Are Changing the Way We Teach 21:03

2M ago21:03

21:03

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 Wha…

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4 Simple Engagement Hacks for Boring Social Studies Units 20:31

2M ago20:31

20:31

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 excit…

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Causes of the Civil War (and How to Effectively Teach It To Students) 19:07

2M ago19:07

19:07

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…

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7 Engaging Ways to Use Task Cards 20:34

2M ago20:34

20:34

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 wa…

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Coping and Regulation Supports for Test Anxiety with Caroline Koehler 31:05

3M ago31:05

31:05

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 en…

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Math Test Prep Strategies for Grades 3-5 with Cassi Noack 28:46

3M ago28:46

28:46

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 matt…

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ELA Test Prep Strategies for Success with Custom Classroom by Angela 51:58

3M ago51:58

51:58

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 …

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Try this Fun Social Studies Activity Before Spring Break! 14:32

3M ago14:32

14:32

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 …

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6 Ways to Engage Students Through Hands-On Social Studies Projects and Activities 15:38

3M ago15:38

15:38

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’…

1
3 Important Things to Teach Upper Elementary Students about Black History Month 11:39

4M ago11:39

11:39

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 conversa…

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What if I Get it Wrong? Tips to Teach Sensitive Social Studies Topics 15:27

4M ago15:27

15:27

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 un…

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A Behind the Scenes Look at the Smart and Simple Social Studies Guided Curriculum 28:09

4M ago28:09

28:09

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…

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5 Fun Book Project Ideas for Upper Elementary 15:24

4M ago15:24

15:24

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 re…

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4 PBL Project Ideas That Your Students Will LOVE 19:18

5M ago19:18

19:18

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 Revolutio…

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Why Reviews Matter: Unlocking the Benefits of Leaving Feedback on TPT 14:12

5M ago14:12

14:12

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 benefits of leaving reviews…

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Fun Facts and Surprising Stories: 4 Steps to Hooking Students on Social Studies 9:17

5M ago9:17

9:17

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. Ep…

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How I Gained Confidence in Teaching Tricky Social Studies Topics 13:53

5M ago13:53

13:53

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 …

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3 Simple Strategies for Assessing Social Studies Learning Without the Stress 10:16

6M ago10:16

10:16

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 Quick and simple quizzes Creative pr…

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5 Key Components to Include in a Social Studies Lesson 9:17

6M ago9:17

9:17

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 C…

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4 Easy Ways to Teach History Without Boring Your Students 9:42

6M ago9:42

9:42

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 …

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8 Special Holiday Celebrations to Teach Your Students 11:28

6M ago11:28

11:28

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…

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6 Ways to Prioritize Busy Times of the Year 13:17

6M ago13:17

13:17

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 …

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Using Charts, Tables, and Graphs in Social Studies 12:55

7M ago12:55

12:55

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 Why use charts, t…

1
Making Social Studies Personal For Your Students 13:45

7M ago13:45

13:45

We're diving into one of my absolute favorite ways to bring social studies to life for our students: making it personal. Episode Highlights Why share real stories? 4 steps to making social studies person for your students through storytelling first-hand accounts Resources and Links Blog Post - Episode 73 Let's Connect! Listen/watch on Youtube Shop …

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Teaching Students About the Electoral College 13:41

7M ago13:41

13:41

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. Epis…

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Do Your Students Know Important U.S. National Leaders? 13:44

7M ago13:44

13:44

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 Why it's important for students to understand information about our government leaders Scavenger hunt activity idea for upper elementary students Additional tips on impleme…

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Teaching Social Studies in Longer Blocks of Time 18:19

8M ago18:19

18:19

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…

1
Teaching Social Studies in Shorter Blocks of Time 15:37

8M ago15:37

15:37

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. Epi…

1
6 Lesson Ideas About the Presidential Election 13:27

8M ago13:27

13:27

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…

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How to Use Choice Boards in the Upper Elementary Classroom 10:21

8M ago10:21

10:21

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 What are choice boards and why they are beneficial Types of activities that can be included Best practices when using choice boar…

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Using Multiple Intelligences in the Elementary Classroom 16:18

9M ago16:18

16:18

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…

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6 Steps of the Problem-Solving Process in Social Studies 11:46

9M ago11:46

11:46

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. Episode Highlights Identify problem Gather information List and consider options Consider advantages and disadvantages Choose an…

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Field Trip Ideas for Students in Texas 15:17

9M ago15:17

15:17

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 lo…

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4 Classroom Read-Aloud Tips for Grades 3-5 11:09

9M ago11:09

11:09

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 How to choose the right text The importance of previewing a text Guided class discussion tips Wrapping up the learning activi…

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Using Bell-Ringers and Warm Ups in Grades 3-5 16:33

10M ago16:33

16:33

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 What are warmups Why warmups help How to use warmups How to prep for warmups Some resources I love for the warmup block Resources and Links Social Studies Daily Passage Warmups 3rd Grade Daily…

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Breaking Down the TEKS: Texas Social Studies Standards for Grades 3-5 19:34

10M ago19:34

19:34

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 When the new updates go into effect Topics we MUST cover Topics we CAN cover if time allows Breaking down the 8 strands How to support STAAR testing at the secondary levels Resources and…

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6 Fun and Engaging Class Meeting Ideas 15:15

10M ago15:15

15:15

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 Slideshows Question of the day Spreading out Sca…

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Smart and Simple Social Studies Membership Q&A 25:30

10M ago25:30

25:30

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! What is Smart and Simple Social Studies? Are the resources standards-based? Who can join Smart and Simple Social Studies? What is included in the Texas/TEKS membership option? C…

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New Changes to the TEKS Social Studies Standards in 2024 13:54

10M ago13:54

13:54

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 What wa…

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5 Social Studies Activity Ideas for the 2nd Week of School 15:04

11M ago15:04

15:04

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 Create a classroom map My place in the world Commun…

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5 Social Studies Activity Ideas for the 1st Week of School 14:54

11M ago14:54

14:54

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 classro…

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Social Studies Summer Series Part 5: How to Teach Economics Skills 15:43

11M ago15:43

15:43

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 engag…

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Social Studies Summer Series Part 4: How to Teach Government/Civics Skills 13:00

11M ago13:00

13:00

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 Starting with the basics Using real-life examples Leveraging interactive activities Incorporating multimedia resources Connecting with community resour…

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Kirsten Hammond, The Southern Teach Podcasts

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