What Does It Take to Teach 6th Grade Social Studies?
Are you ready to master teaching 6th-grade social studies and guide your students through the fascinating world of ancient civilizations?
You may have already scoured Pinterest, downloaded resources, or asked colleagues for advice, but I’m here to offer insights on what it truly takes to thrive in teaching this dynamic subject.
Many believe that teaching 6th-grade social studies is overwhelming because of the vast amount of content, but that mindset could be holding you back. If you’ve been struggling to structure your lessons or feel confident in your approach, you’re in the right place.
Ready to dive into a behind-the-scenes look at what makes teaching 6th-grade social studies both manageable and rewarding? Let’s get started!
Always Remember to Break It Down
If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed by the sheer breadth of topics—from early humans to the fall of Rome—you’re not alone. One of the most common misconceptions is that you need to cover every detail. Instead, focus on the big picture.
Ask yourself: What are the key takeaways I want my students to remember?
For example, when teaching Mesopotamia, the goal might be for students to understand the significance of the first writing system, irrigation, and the code of Hammurabi. Don’t worry if you can’t dive into every single dynasty—your students will thank you for keeping it focused.
Hint: I have another post on How to Streamline Ancient History Lessons that offers tips for prioritizing content effectively.
My Lesson Structure for Student Success
After years of teaching and refining my process, I’ve come to understand a simple but effective structure that helps me plan lessons and engage students. Here’s how I organize each class period:
Start with a Review: Begin with a quick and simple recap of what students have already learned. This might involve reviewing key vocabulary, revisiting yesterday’s notes, or discussing a warm-up question that ties into prior content.
Deliver New Content: Introduce new material clearly and concisely. For example, when teaching about Ancient Egypt, you could use a short video, a primary source, or a teacher-led presentation to explain the construction of the pyramids.
Student Processing Time: Give students an opportunity to engage with the new content. Activities like completing notebook entries, analyzing documents, or collaborating on a graphic organizer help them make sense of the material.
Wrap-Up with a Summary: End the period by summarizing the day’s lesson. This could be a class discussion, a student-led recap, or a quick exit ticket asking students to reflect on what they learned.
How is your lesson structure serving you? Don’t hesitate to adjust if something isn’t working—what matters most is finding a flow that keeps your students engaged and helps them connect with the material.
Some Advice from Experts
I’ve drawn inspiration from many educational leaders, but one of my favorites is John Hattie, who emphasizes the importance of visible learning. He suggests that students should understand not only what they are learning but why it matters.
For example, when teaching the concept of democracy in Ancient Greece, make connections to modern-day government. Ask, “How does what we’ve learned impact our lives today?” This approach makes lessons more relevant and engaging.
Never let the pressure to "cover everything" stop you from prioritizing deep understanding over surface-level memorization. Instead, focus on the skills and concepts your students will carry with them long after your class ends.
You Need A Clear Plan
Teaching 6th-grade social studies requires organization, creativity, and flexibility. While it may seem daunting, having a solid plan in place can make all the difference. Here are some steps to get you started:
- Start with the End in Mind: Identify key learning objectives for each unit. What do you want your students to know and be able to do by the end of the unit?
- Use a Timeline: Help students see the chronological connections between civilizations. A visual timeline can make abstract concepts more concrete.
- Incorporate Differentiation: Not every student will learn at the same pace or in the same way. Offer options like graphic organizers, hands-on projects, or leveled readings.
To make planning even easier, I created a free Ancient History Planning Guide. This guide includes pacing tips, essential topics, and ideas to help you streamline your lessons. Click here to download it.
Final Thoughts...
Teaching 6th-grade social studies can feel overwhelming, but with the right strategies, you can create a classroom environment where students are excited to learn about ancient civilizations. Did you follow all of the tips from this post? Focusing on big-picture themes and having a clear plan are great places to start.
Remember, you can download my free Ancient History Planning Guide to simplify your teaching process and keep your lessons engaging and effective. Click here to download it now.
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Welcome! I'm Hillary Midgley, a veteran 6th grade teacher.
I create educational materials and develop curriculum for other teachers. I specialize in teaching students how to learn through my Study Skills Curriculum. I have established fundamental classroom systems and structures for teachers to help them streamline their classroom. And my passion is teaching ancient history through engaging activities with foundations in academic skills. Here you will find resources on all of these topics and more. Learn more about me here.
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