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Shaped

The learners of today will shape 

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

Featured Posts

Teachers talking

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

Find out what teachers really think about two critical issues of our time: the science of reading and the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in education. 

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Podcast: Getting Started With AI Featuring District Leaders Kris Hagel and John Yellowlees in WA on Teachers in America

Peninsula School District leaders Kris Hagel and John Yellowlees join us to discuss how to integrate and embrace AI in education. Plus, they share leading principles and strategies to guide students in using AI ethically.

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Classroom Jobs for Students

Lending a Hand: Classroom Jobs for Students

Learn more about classroom jobs for students and how they benefit everyone in the learning environment.

Alicia Ivory

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2024 Back-to-School Articles for Educators

Bookmark this page featuring our 2024 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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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

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Latest Posts

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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

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

Early reading intervention strategies for young learners

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

Building Background Knowledge in K–6 Literacy

Building Background Knowledge in K–6 Literacy

Learn about the importance of building background knowledge in K–6 literacy; plus, get tips and resources to support the process.

Alicia Ivory
Shaped Editor

HMH Staff

teacher and students in the classroom

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

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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

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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 learning activities for elementary and middle school students

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

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Teaching Literacy in All Content Areas

Discover 4 skills students can develop by teaching literacy in all content areas. Literacy is an important for success in all subjects.

Marie Swan
Shaped Contributor

Mothers Day Hero

13 Mother’s Day Celebration Ideas in School

Check out our list of 13 Mother’s Day celebration ideas for school. From primary to middle school, explore fun Mother’s Day classroom activities and projects.

Marcela Grillo
Writer, Girls Write Now

Alicia Ivory
Shaped Editor

teacher and student reading a book

What Is Phonics in Reading?

Learn more about phonics—the relationship between the sounds of language and the letters that represent those sounds.

Dr. Shane Templeton
Foundation Professor Emeritus, Literacy Studies, University of Nevada, Reno; Into Reading Program Author

HMH Read 180 Frequently Asked Questions Hero

Read 180: Frequently Asked Questions

Read 180 is an intervention reading program notably known for helping Grades 3–12 students gain one or more years of average growth in one year. Discover the answers to Read 180 frequently asked questions to learn more about this solution.

Cathy Ferrara
VP Product Management, Supplemental & Intervention Solutions, HMH

Teaching Writing to Elementary Students Hero

How to Teach Writing to Elementary Students Without Fear

An instructional coach shares tips on how to teach writing to elementary students without the fear that teachers can feel when faced with such a huge undertaking.

Kristen Eannetta
Instructional Coach

Presidents Day Lesson Plans And Activities

9 Presidents' Day Lesson Plans and Activities to Foster Engaged Citizens

Use these 9 Presidents' Day lesson plans and activities for middle and high school classrooms to foster engaged and informed citizens.

Jordan Friedman
Former Shaped 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.