Shaped

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

 

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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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Tarwos Read 180 Story HMH hero

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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MTSS Umbrella Hero

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

WF2091474 Shaped 2024 Blog Post Vocabulary Intervention Strategies hero

Evidence-Based Vocabulary Intervention Strategies

Implement these evidence-based vocabulary intervention strategies and activities to support students in building vocabulary knowledge.

Amber Silverman
Shaped Contributor

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

WF2035277 Shaped 2024 Blog Post My Top Five Reading Strategies for Secondary Students Hero

My Top Five Reading Strategies for Secondary Students

Read more about five essential reading strategies for secondary students, including tips to enhance comprehension and help students become active readers.

Jakeima (Jai) Lewis, MEd
Sixth-Grade Teacher, Instructional Coach & Teacher’s Corner Contributor

WF2057751 Shaped 2024 Blog Post Hispanic Heritage Hero2

9 National Hispanic Heritage Month Activities for Students: A Celebration of Culture

Use these National Hispanic Heritage Month activities and lesson ideas to honor Hispanic American contributions and influences in our society.

Daniel Poremba
Senior Tier II Specialist, HMH

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Why Is Writing Important for Students?

Explore how teaching writing and providing writing practice instill skills in students that they can use throughout their academic career and beyond.

Amber Silverman
Shaped Contributor

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

Teachers having a discussion WF2049411

What Teachers Really Think about the Science of Reading and the Role of AI in Education

Two major discussions are happening in education right now: science of reading and the use of AI in the classroom. But how do teachers actually feel about them? Learn how educators view these important topics.

Lindsay Dworkin
NWEA SVP of Policy and Government Affairs, HMH

Miah Daughtery, EdD
NWEA VP, Content Advocacy-Literacy, HMH

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

WF2013900 Shaped 2024 Blog Post Guide to Creating Student Podcasts Hero

How to Start a Student Podcast: A Quick Guide

A quick guide for how to start a student podcast, with tips and tricks for teachers for the whole recording process

Erik Palmer
Program Consultant, Into Reading and Into Literature

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

Teacher observing students reading hero WF1953376

Effective Reading Comprehension Strategies for the Literacy Classroom

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

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Podcast: Building Vocabulary to Increase Reading Comprehension with Abbey Behnke in WI on Teachers in America

HMH Teacher Ambassador Abbey Behnke shares instructional strategies and activities to engage students in vocabulary learning. Plus, she discusses how vocabulary is a catalyst for building reading comprehension skills.

Jennifer Corujo
Shaped Editor

Strategies for Teaching Elementary Writing hero

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

WF1880715 Shaped 2024 Blog Post Science of Reading Small Group Reading Instruction Hero

Science of Reading: Small-Group Instruction Strategies

This article shares ideas on how to integrate the science of reading and evidenced-based instructional techniques in small-group reading instruction.

Dr. Martha C. Hougen
National Consultant, Presenter, Researcher, and Author

Dr. Heather Haynes Smith
Associate Professor in the Department of Education, Trinity University

WF1943213 Shaped 2024 Blog Post What Is Academic Vocabulary Hero

What Is Academic Vocabulary?

Learn about what is academic vocabulary and find strategies for effective vocabulary instruction.

Jennifer Corujo
Shaped Editor

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Podcast: Partnering with Families to Build Early Literacy Skills with Melissa Hawkins in HI on Teachers in America

Kindergarten teacher Melissa Hawkins joins us from Hawai'i to discuss student engagement, literacy instruction, and connecting with families.

Jennifer Corujo
Shaped 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

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