Shaped

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

Latest Posts

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The Importance of Hands-On Science Activities: Learning by Doing

Learn more about the importance of learning by doing science through hands-on science activities. Plus, access engaging lessons to use in your classroom.

Alicia Ivory
Shaped 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

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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

WF1802900 Shaped 2023 Blog Post Why is Classroom Management Important

Why Is Classroom Management Important?

Read why classroom management is important in ensuring a successful school year and find classroom management strategies to use in your classroom.

Teresa Meredith
Teacher

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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

WF1559159 Shaped 2022 Blog Post Science of Reading Strategies Hero

10 Science of Reading Strategies for Reading Instruction

Read one teacher's top 10 instructional strategies to support science of reading in the classroom.

Renae Kuhn

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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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Podcast: Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona Celebrates Teacher Appreciation Week 2023 on Teachers in America

Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona shares his 2023 Teacher Appreciation Week message and details the Department of Education's "Raise the Bar: Lead the World" effort.

Christine Condon
Shaped Editor-in-Chief

Jennifer Corujo
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

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What Is Procedural Fluency in Math?

This article explains what is procedural fluency in math. Common myths are explored, along with how procedural fluency changes across grades.

Richard Blankman
Shaped Executive Editor

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7 End-of-Year Science Activities to Celebrate the Start of Summer

These 7 end of year science activities will help teachers find projects and experiments suited to teaching science at the end of a school year.

Alexa Dowlen
Learning Experience Design, K–12 Science

WF1742312 Shaped 2023 Blog Post Free End of the Year Gift Tags for Students Download Hero

Free Printable End-of-Year Gift Tags for Students

Create a memorable send-off to the school year and save time preparing by using these free printable end-of-year gift tags for students.

Onalee Smith
Shaped Contributor

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6 Elementary Grade Ideas for Science Centers in the Classroom

Introduce your students to the excitement of science with a physical space in the classroom dedicated to hands-on learning.

Zoe Del Mar
Shaped Executive Editor

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9 Earth Day Activities and Games for Elementary Students

Honor our home planet with these 9 Earth Day activities and games for elementary students.

Alicia Ivory
Shaped Editor

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The 5E Model of Science Instruction

Learn how to implement the 5E model of science instruction and download a 5E science lesson to use in your classroom.

Jennifer Corujo
Shaped Editor

Women's History Month Books for Students HERO

13 Women’s History Month Books for Elementary Students

Use these 13 Women’s History Month books for elementary students and activities to teach about women’s contributions to history.

Alicia Ivory
Shaped Editor

9 Black History Month Science Activities and Experiments

9 Black History Month Science Activities & Experiments

Use these Black History Month science activities and experiments to teach students about notable scientists and inventors.

Alicia Ivory
Shaped Editor

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