Shaped

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

Latest Posts

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8 Free Veterans Day Activities for Elementary Students

Find free Veterans Day activities and lesson plans for elementary students to honor and celebrate those who have served.

Jennifer Corujo
Shaped Editor

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30 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
Shaped Staff

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Celebrate 2024 National Instructional Coaches Appreciation Day

Celebrate 2024 National Instructional Coaches Appreciation Day on Oct 6th. Discover the vital role instructional coaches play in education!

Nikki La Londe
Director of Services Content Development, HMH

Meghan Toshner

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What Is Inquiry-Based Learning in Science?

What is inquiry-based learning in science, and why is it important? Read more about the effectiveness of this teaching and learning approach.

Alicia Ivory
Shaped Editor

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2024 Grandparents’ Day Activities in Schools

Celebrate 2024 Grandparents' Day with classroom activities to honor your grandparent figures in the different ways.

Autumn Davis
Content Marketing Intern, HMH

Zoe Del Mar
Shaped Executive Editor

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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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7 ELL Strategies for Reading Success

Try these 7 ELL strategies for reading success. Help your ELL students to engage with reading and foster a desire to connect with texts.

Rebecca Salinas
Learning Architect, HMH

Richard Blankman
Shaped Executive Editor

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7 High-School Icebreakers for the First Day of School

These high school icebreakers for the first day of school will help students get to know one another while having fun.

Brenda Iasevoli
Shaped Executive Editor

Richard Blankman
Shaped Executive Editor

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8 Fun Constitution Day Activities for Students: We the People

Here are Constitution Day activities to engage your students in learning about the historic document that defines how our government works.

Brenda Iasevoli
Shaped Executive Editor

What Is Inquiry-Based Learning in Social Studies

What Is Inquiry-Based Learning in Social Studies?

What is inquiry-based learning in social studies? Learn more about inquiry-based learning and its benefits for students.

Alicia Ivory
Shaped Editor

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2023–2024 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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5 First-Day-of-School Icebreaker Activities for Middle School Students

Check out our first-day-of-school icebreaker activities for middle school students. Using icebreakers will help ease everyone back into the school routine.

Kristen Eannetta
Instructional Coach

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9 Back-to-School Icebreakers for Elementary Students

Teachers can use these fun back-to-school icebreaker activities for elementary students in the classroom or remotely.

Brenda Iasevoli
Shaped Executive Editor

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2024 Back-to-School Articles for Teachers and Educators

Check out our 2024 back-to-school articles for teachers and educators. Explore professional development strategies and resources for the new school year.

Shaped Staff

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6 Juneteenth Activities & Lesson Plans for Students

Celebrate Juneteenth in the classroom. Explore Juneteenth activities and lesson plans for elementary, middle school, and high school students.

Alicia Ivory
Shaped Editor

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2024 First-Day-of-School Icebreakers for All Grades

As you return to the classroom for back-to-school, try these 2024 first-day-of-school icebreaker activities to develop a sense of normalcy among students and build community.

Shaped Staff

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8 Fun Summer Science Experiments and Activities

Keep the learning going throughout summer break with these 8 fun summer science experiments and activities.

Alicia Ivory
Shaped Editor

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12 Fun Ideas for Cheap End-of-Year Gifts for Students from Teachers

Save time and money with these cheap end-of-year gifts for students from teachers.

Onalee Smith
Shaped Contributor

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