Shaped

A community-driven blog supporting educators, building lifelong learners, and shaping the future of education.* 

 

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Featured Posts

Students using tech

Exploring the Benefits of Artificial Intelligence in Education

We break down the pros and cons of AI in education to help you harness the advantages of this technology while minimizing the risks.

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Podcast Transforming Education Through Innovation and Student Engagement with Dr. Mary Hemphill

Podcast: Transforming Education Through Innovation and Student Engagement with Dr. Mary Hemphill

Leadership expert, educator, and Center for Model Schools senior fellow Dr. Mary Hemphill shares how to leverage the unique instructional practice of the One-Minute Meeting to engage and empower students as school stakeholders.

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How Reading Intervention Turned an Indifferent Learner into a Passionate Educator

When Tarwo Konbloa came to the United States from a Côte d'Ivoire refugee camp at age 11, he struggled in school. But in time his academics improved through a mix of perseverance, intervention, and dedicated teachers.

Brenda Iasevoli

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A Close Look at the MTSS Umbrella Graphic

We break down the MTSS umbrella graphic and how it provides cover for students to prevent them from falling behind.

Dana Leon

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Thanksgiving Activities Elementary Hero

10 Fun Thanksgiving Activities for Elementary Students

No hand-traced turkeys here! Celebrate the holiday while boosting critical math, reading, and writing skills with these fun Thanksgiving activities for elementary students.

Brenda Iasevoli

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Latest Posts

WF2082551 Shaped 2024 Blog Post Ridgeland Success Story

A Math Program That Empowers Students and Teachers: An Into Math Success Story

KT Browne
Marketing Manager, HMH

WF1995913 Shaped 2024 Classcraft blog migration images17

Fun Reading Activities and Lesson Plan Ideas for All Grades

Looking for fun reading activities to keep your students engaged? Check out our collection of reading and writing activities.

Christen Spehr
Shaped Editor

Background knowledge reading comprehension hero

The Importance of Building Background Knowledge in Reading

In this blog, we break down the importance of building background knowledge in reading, and provide ways to build and strengthen comprehension.

Jennifer Prescott
Shaped Contributor

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7 Diwali Activities for Students

Try these 7 Diwali activities for students to celebrate the holiday in your classroom.

Samina Ahmed
Shaped Editor

WF2045303 Shaped 2024 Blog Post Fall Science Experiments Hero

7 Fun Fall Science Experiments and Activities

Get into the spirit of the season with these 7 fun fall science experiments and activities for elementary school students.

Alicia Ivory
Shaped Editor

Inauguration Hero US Capitol A

5 Presidential Inauguration Activities for Students

Inauguration Day is January 20. These presidential inauguration activities for students can be integrated into social studies or language arts lessons and used in remote or in-person classrooms.

Brenda Iasevoli
Shaped Executive Editor

Community Building Shout Outs 1

11 Classroom Community-Building Activities for Elementary Students

Ready to help your kiddos develop meaningful relationships and connect with their classmates? Try these classroom community-building activities for elementary students.

Brenda Iasevoli
Shaped Executive Editor

WF2019950 Shaped 2024 Blog Post Early Reading Intervention Hero

Early Reading Intervention Strategies for Young Learners

Learn more about effective early reading intervention strategies designed to support young learners.

Danielle Bouchard
Shaped Contributor

WF2026787 Shaped 2024 Blog Post Monthly Calendar Themes Update

2024–2025 Monthly Calendar Themes for School

Check out these monthly calendar themes for school, complete with teaching resources for holidays and other days of significance for all grade levels.

Jordan Friedman
Former Shaped Editor

Zoe Del Mar
Shaped Executive Editor

WF1982984 Building Background Knowledge in K 6 Literacy Hero

Strategies for Building Background Knowledge in Reading, Grades K–6

Learn more about and get strategies for building background knowledge in reading.

Alicia Ivory
Shaped Editor

HMH Staff

First Day of School Checklist for Teachers hero

First-Day-of-School Checklist for Teachers

Our first-day-of-school checklist for teachers will help get the new school year off to a great start.

Katie Risolo Radovich
First-Grade Teacher

WF1953363 Shaped 2024 Blog Post Scaffolding Writing Instruction Hero

Scaffolding Writing Instruction

Learn more about scaffolding writing instruction, a process that provides the support that students need to grow as writers.

Alicia Ivory
Shaped Editor

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8 Research-Based Writing Strategies for Elementary Students

Provide students with plenty of opportunities to practice writing, incorporate feedback, and revise with these research-backed writing strategies for elementary students.

Katie Risolo Radovich
First-Grade Teacher

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9 Effective Teaching Strategies for Every Classroom

Explore nine effective teaching strategies for the classroom that you can use right now to help support your students in performing their best.

Mary Dean
Shaped Contributor

Activities to prevent math summer slide hero

9 Summer Math Activities: Preventing Math Summer Slide

Try these 9 summer math activities designed for preventing math summer slide. These are repeatable games and activities appropriate for all children in any grade.

Richard Blankman
Shaped Executive Editor

Summer School Activities Hero

15 Fun Summer School Activities for Elementary and Middle School Students

As the school year ends, keep kids engaged with these fun summer school activities for elementary and middle school students.

Richard Blankman
Shaped Executive Editor

Brenda Iasevoli
Shaped Executive Editor

Mothers Day Hero

13 Mother’s Day Celebration Ideas in School

Check out our list of 13 Mother’s Day celebration ideas for school. From primary to middle school, explore fun Mother’s Day classroom activities and projects.

Marcela Grillo
Writer, Girls Write Now

Alicia Ivory
Shaped Editor

WF1529100 Shaped 2022 Blog Post Reading Intervention Strategies for Struggling Readers Hero

Reading Intervention Strategies for Struggling Readers

In order to accelerate students’ reading to grade-level proficiency, here is a list of reading intervention strategies to help students make progress.

Dr. Amy Endo
Education Research Director, Supplemental & Intervention Language & Literacy

*The views expressed in our blog are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of HMH.