From setup to support, HMH will ensure your back-to-school season runs smoothly. Let’s go.

Shaped

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

 

OVER 10 MILLION READS

Featured Posts

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Closing the Gap Between Data and Decisions: From Scattered Data to One Clear Picture

Tier 1 instruction is where learning happens, but too often, data doesn’t translate into action. Discover how HMH Pulse turns assessment insights into clear, next-day instructional decisions teachers can trust.

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How to align multilingual instruction with the science of reading

What Does the Science of Reading Mean for Multilingual Learners?

Discover how research-based literacy practices and language support work together to help multilingual learners build strong reading skills and thrive in the classroom.

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Middle School Classroom Management

12 Middle School Classroom Management Strategies That Work

Create a healthy and happy learning environment with middle school classroom management strategies that are rooted in brain science.

Dr. Michael Vea

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WF2702202 Shaped 2026 Blog Post Science of Reading Lesson Plan Templates HERO

Science of Reading Lesson Plan Templates for K–5

Get free, printable science of reading lesson plan templates to help you plan evidence-based instruction across grades K-5 and learn more about what makes a lesson science of reading–aligned.

Onalee Smith

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2026 Back-to-School Articles for Educators

Bookmark this page featuring our 2026 back-to-school articles for educators. It’s filled with the resources you need to start the school year off strong, from prepping for the first day, to classroom management strategies, and more.

Shaped Staff

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Latest Posts

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Differentiated Instruction vs. Personalized Learning

This article walks through differentiated instruction vs. personalized learning, how they work together, and strategies for both.

Alicia Ivory
Shaped Editor

WF1417802 BTS Writing Prompts HS and MS Hero

35 Back-to-School Writing Prompts for Middle and High School

School's back in session, which means it's time for a fresh batch of writing prompts for the new year. Have your high school or middle school students try these back-to-school prompts this fall.

Ali Habashi
Former Shaped Editor

Jennifer Corujo
Shaped Editor

Female student smiling in elementary classroom

10 Math Icebreakers: Games and Activities for All Grades

These math icebreakers are games and activities that span all grades to help math teachers get students practicing math while getting to know one another.

Shaped Staff

School Calendar Themes Hero

2026–2027 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

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2026 Classroom Management Articles and Resources for Teachers

Use our curated list of classroom management articles and resources to help you organize and manage your classroom.

Zoe Del Mar
Shaped Executive Editor

Highschool classroom management hero

9 Effective High School Classroom Management Strategies

These high school classroom management strategies will create an environment where students feel respected, nurtured, and safe to express themselves.

Jennifer Prescott
Shaped Contributor

WF2683300 Shaped 2026 Blog Post Declaration of Independence Activity and Lesson Plan Ideas HERO

10 Fun Declaration of Independence Activities and Lesson Plan Ideas 

Try these 10 Declaration of Independence activity and lesson plan ideas to explore key ideas and the historical significance of this foundational historical document.

Christen Spehr
Shaped Editor

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Math Articles and Resources for Teachers and Educators

Explore math articles and resources for teachers and other educators looking for support teaching K-12 mathematics

Richard Blankman
Shaped Executive Editor

Earth Day Classroom Activities

8 Fun Earth Day Activities for Middle & High School Students

Honor the planet in your classroom with these fun Earth Day activities for middle school and high school students.

Danni Green
Writer, Girls Write Now

Alexa Dowlen
Learning Experience Design, K–12 Science

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What Are Tiered Assignments in Education?

What are tiered assignments in education? Learn how this differentiated instruction strategy meets students at every readiness level.

Alicia Ivory
Shaped Editor

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Research-Based Phonemic Awareness Interventions

Discover why research-based phonemic awareness interventions matter—and get strategies, sample intervention plans, and activities for K–12 students.

Amber Silverman
Shaped Contributor

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National Poetry Month Activities for Middle and High School Classrooms

From nursery rhymes to absurdist poetry to rap, these activities will help your middle or high school class celebrate National Poetry Month this April.

Ali Habashi
Former Shaped Editor

Fun Black History Month Activities For Kids 2

13 Fun Black History Month Activities for Elementary and Middle School Students

Download these fun Black History Month activities for elementary and middle school students to teach your class about African American history.

Jordan Friedman
Former Shaped Editor

Jennifer Corujo
Shaped Editor

WF2513200 Shaped 2025 Blog Post Winter Solstice Science Activities Hero Banner

6 Fun Winter Solstice Classroom Activities & Lesson Plans

Discover fun winter solstice classroom activities that celebrate the shortest day of the year.

Christen Spehr
Shaped Editor

WF2396139 Shaped 2025 Blog Post National STEM STEAM Day Hero

7 2026 National STEM/STEAM Day Activities

Explore 7 National STEM/STEAM Day activities that provide students in all grades the opportunity to develop key skills that will serve them throughout their lives.

Alicia Ivory
Shaped Editor

WF2285263 How to Teach Creative Hero

How to Teach Creative Writing

Asari Beale, writer, educator, and executive director of the Teachers & Writers Collaborative, shares tips for how to teach creative writing to students.

Asari Beale
Writer, Educator, and Executive Director of the Teachers & Writers Collaborative

Teacher with student in the classroom

Understanding the Academic Intervention Process

Learn how academic intervention can help close learning gaps and improve student academic achievement.

Donna Pappas
Regional Consultant, HMH

WF2420313 Math Meets Broadway Hero

Teaching Math Through Theater: 5 Activities Where Math Meets Broadway

Get activity ideas to teach math through theater and learn about the math that happens on Broadway

Richard Blankman
Shaped Executive Editor

AWARDS & ACCOLADES

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Shorty Awards

Audience Honor, 2023, Shaped

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Digiday Content Marketing Awards

Finalist, 2023, Shaped

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People’s Choice Podcast Awards

Finalist, 2021 & 2023, Teachers in America

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