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Shaped

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

 

OVER 10 MILLION READS

Featured Posts

Black image with sunburst that reads HMH Pulse Foundations

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

Is AI improving learning—or just performance?

AI can make learning faster—but are we improving performance or deep thinking where it matters most?

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Two educators talking with a laptop open in front of them

The 2026 Educator Confidence Report (ECR) Findings You Might Have Scrolled Past

We break down three data points from the 2026 ECR and what they mean for your AI strategy.

Brenda Iasevoli

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Hillsborough's Results-Driven Reading Growth Strategy

Discover how Hillsborough County Public Schools partnered with HMH to improve literacy outcomes through Read 180, implementation fidelity, and shared accountability.

Richard Blankman

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Reframing MTSS for Multilingual Learners: Designing Systems That Build on Students’ Strengths

Learn how to reframe MTSS for multilingual learners through an asset-based approach that strengthens tier 1 instruction and guides effective intervention and support

Rosanna Morillo

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Latest Posts

Student writing during class

Writing Articles and Resources for Teachers

Browse writing articles and resources for educators, featuring instructional strategies, writing prompts, and tools to support student writers.

Christen Spehr
Shaped Editor

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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

Student writing in a notebook at a library table while classmates read books and browse the shelves nearby.

How to Integrate Writing Across the Curriculum in Your Classroom

Whether you’re teaching math, science, social studies, or ELA, writing can be a great way to assess students’ learning and deepen their thinking on a subject. Here's how to incorporate writing across the curriculum in your classroom.

Dr. Troy Hicks
Professor of English and Education, Central Michigan University

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Math and Writing

Math and writing are compared as instructional practices, with ideas and activities for incorporating writing in math class

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

Teacher provides writing support to student during literacy instruction

How Teachers Use Writable with Into Reading and Into Literature 

Discover how Writable enhances core ELA programs with AI‑supported feedback and schoolwide writing data that helps leaders monitor progress and drive instructional improvement.

Jessica Altounian
Senior Marketing Manager, HMH Labs

Students writing in class.

8 Fun Writing Activities for Middle School Students

These fun writing activities for middle school students address the critical writing skills students need for high school and beyond.

Stephanie Nash
Product Marketing Director, K–12 ELD and Multilingual Learners

Teacher guides students through science of writing instruction

What Is the Science of Writing?

Discover how evidence-based writing instruction, aka the science of writing, supports literacy development, expression, and academic success.

Onalee Smith
Shaped Contributor

Julie Richardson, M.S. Ed.
Principal Content Designer, Literacy Content Solutions, HMH

Renee Behring
Education Research Director, Core ELA

Students participate in a creative writing lesson with teacher support

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

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35 Fun Halloween Writing Prompts & Ideas

Have some spooky fun with your students while exercising their critical thinking skills using these Halloween writing prompts and journal ideas.

Carey Blankenship-Kramer
Shaped Staff

Students participate in writing center activities with peers

5 Classroom Writing Center Ideas

Create a welcoming space to support your growing writers with the these 5 classroom writing center ideas.

Jennifer Corujo
Shaped Editor

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How Does Writing Fit Into the Science of Reading?

Learn how writing fits into the science of reading and why integrating reading and writing instruction supports stronger literacy outcomes for all students.

Julie Richardson, M.S. Ed.
Principal Content Designer, Literacy Content Solutions, HMH

Teacher supports student literacy learning using integrated edtech tools

How a Texas District Achieved Literacy Growth with Integrated Edtech Solutions

When Galveston ISD leaders saw a notable dip in student performance, they decided to set forth on a growth journey—starting with the implementation of integrated edtech solutions. We sat down with Galveston leaders and educators to discuss the district's plan of action that resulted in incredible student gains.

Jennifer Corujo
Shaped Editor

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Grades 9–12 ELA Activity Set 10: Write Two-Sentence Stories and More

Have high schoolers find inspiration for stories in everyday objects or events and craft advice columns with these downloadable activities for at-home learning.

Shaped Staff

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22 Valentine’s Day Writing Prompts and Ideas

No matter what your middle school or high school class is reading, these writing prompts about love will get them ready for Valentine's Day.

Ali Habashi
Former Shaped Editor

Elementary student uses a tablet showing an email icon in class

You’ve Got Mail: How to Teach Email Writing to Students

Learn how to teach email writing to students and focus on proper email etiquette so they can ask questions and send greetings to teachers, school staff, and even parents.

Sally Doulton
Teacher, Manhasset Secondary School, New York

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Conferring Is Differentiated Instruction: How to Hold Student Writing Conferences

Writing conferences are one-to-one conversations and give teachers a crucial opportunity to meet each student’s individual needs.

Carl Anderson
Author and Literacy Consultant

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34 Mother’s Day Writing Prompts

Celebrate moms with these Mother's Day writing prompts for your K–3 classroom. Have students practice descriptive language or get creative with a short story.

Ali Habashi
Former Shaped 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.