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Shaped

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

Latest Posts

Teacher sitting with a group of students at classroom table

What Is the Alphabetic Principle? Building the Foundation of Learning to Read and Write

The alphabetic principle is the foundation of phonics instruction. Learn more about the concept and discover some strategies for teaching it in the classroom.

Renee Behring
Education Research Director, Core ELA

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How and When Should You Transition away from Decodable Texts?

Learn strategies for transitioning students from decodable texts to authentic texts.

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

Students in a classroom

What Is Multisensory Learning in Education?

Learn more about multisensory learning and how to incorporate the five senses into your curriculum.

Amber Silverman
Shaped Contributor

Holiday Classroom Activities Christmas Hanukkah Kwanzaa

14 Winter Holiday Activities for School

Celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa with 14 holiday classroom activities, games, and crafts for elementary and middle school students.

Jordan Friedman
Former Shaped Editor

Zoe Del Mar
Shaped Executive Editor

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Math Diagnostic Assessment: What It Is and How to Use It

Math diagnostic assessment is defined, explained, and compared to other types of assessment, such as formative assessment and summative assessment.

Richard Blankman
Shaped Executive Editor

Dr. Vytas Laitusis
Education Research Director, Supplemental & Intervention Math

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Laurens 55, South Carolina: A Data-Driven Success Story

Find out how partnering with HMH to implement its curriculum, supplemental, and assessment solutions exceeded educators’ expectations and drove student achievement in Laurens County, South Carolina.

HMH Staff

Dr. Artley Skenandore, principal and cultural leader

Podcast: Honoring Cultural Identity and Native American Heritage with Dr. Artley Skenandore in WI on Teachers in America

Oneida Nation High School principal and cultural leader Dr. Artley Skenandore shares how he encourages students to stay connected to their Oneida history, culture, and language. Plus he provides strategies on how to honor Native American heritage in the month of November and all year long.

Jennifer Corujo
Shaped Editor

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8 Fun Winter Science Experiments and Activities

Brr, it’s cold outside! Use these fun winter science experiments and activities to teach students about the science behind common winter themes.

Alicia Ivory
Shaped Editor

Fun Christmas Activities School

9 Fun Christmas Activities for School

Try our fun Christmas classroom activities for school. 'Tis the season to be jolly—while boosting math, reading, and writing skills, of course!

Brenda Iasevoli
Shaped Executive Editor

Assistant Principal Randolph Hull and Reading Intervention Teacher Joshua Bzovi

Podcast: Partnering with Your Principal for Student Success with Randolph Hull and Joshua Bzovi in MI on Teachers in America

Assistant principal Randolph Hull and reading intervention teacher Joshua Bzovi from the South Redford District in Michigan share how they’ve teamed up to support their middle school students in reading.

Jennifer Corujo
Shaped Editor

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Changing Lives Through Intervention in Schools

Intervention in school is defined, and key insights into how to provide effective intervention are provided.

Dr. Bonnie Cochran
Director of Academic Planning and Analytics, HMH

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Strategies for Starting a Professional Learning Community in Education

Learn how to build a system of support in education with a professional learning community.

Polly Patrick
Instructional and Leadership Consultant at The Center of Model Schools

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.

Ali Habashi
Former Shaped Editor

Brenda Iasevoli
Shaped Executive Editor

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How to Write a Differentiated Lesson Plan

Learn how to write a differentiated lesson plan and find helpful resources, including a lesson plan template.

Jennifer Corujo
Shaped Editor

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Podcast Minisode: Creating an Accessible Learning Environment with Eric Cavalli in TX on Teachers in America

Adapted physical education teacher Eric Cavalli from Manor, Texas shares strategies to create an accessible learning environment for students.

Jennifer Corujo
Shaped Editor

WF1869805 Shaped 2023 Blog Post Veterans Day HERO

Honoring Lives of Service and Sacrifice on Veterans Day

Hear from HMH’s Chief Equity and Inclusion Officer on why honoring Veterans Day is an important part of our culture at HMH.

Benita Flucker
Chief Equity & Inclusion Officer, SVP Enterprise Development Strategy, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

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Coaching to Create a Culture of Belonging

Learn more about creating an inclusive professional learning environment and how to encourage belonging in school communities.

Ebony Tyler
LEAD Connected Manager

Lynn Walters
Director of Product Management & Strategy for Professional Services, HMH

Dr. Meg Pavlovich

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Meeting Students’ Needs in My Reading Intervention Classroom

Missouri reading interventionist Angela White shares how she structures her class to meet the academic and social and emotional needs of her students.

Angela White

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