Shaped

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

 

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Latest Posts

Students develop writing skills using a digital writing platform

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

teacher watches student work out math problem

A Fresh Approach to Intervention Is Boosting Achievement in a Michigan School District

Hear from educators about a new approach to intervention that’s raising student achievement in the Wayne-Westland Community School District, outside Detroit.

Christine Condon
Shaped Editor-in-Chief

Brenda Iasevoli
Shaped Executive Editor

Illustration of printed books alongside a tablet and laptop displaying digital reading materials.

Tips for Integrating Reading Technology in the Classroom

Explore guidelines for integrating reading technology in the classroom in support of literacy learning when working with your tech-savvy students.

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

Smiling student working on a device while a teacher assists

4 Effective Strategies for Teaching Vocabulary

Discover 4 effective strategies for teaching vocabularly. explicit, direct instruction of vocabulary can empower students for long-term academic success.

Emily Hamm
Shaped Contributor

Educator supports students reading books during a classroom activity

Strategies for Teaching Vocabulary to English Language Learners

Find instructional strategies to teach vocabulary to English language learners.

Dana Leon
Shaped Contributor

WF1289060 Shaped 2020 Revamp Grade 6 8 ELA

Free English Language Arts and Reading Activities for Middle School

Try free English language arts activities for Grades 6-8 focusing on haikus, metaphors, figurative language, and more curriculum-rich topics.

Shaped Staff

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Podcast: Reading Intervention Advice from My 35 Years in Education with Jennie Mau in CA on Teachers in America

Reading intervention teacher Jennie Mau reflects on her 35-year career in education and shares her favorite reading instructional strategies and tools that have helped her students thrive.

Jennifer Corujo
Shaped Editor

Teacher works with students practicing letter-sound connections in a small group.

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

Elementary student using a tablet at a classroom desk while classmates work on writing activities nearby.

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

Student participates in classroom discussion during literacy instruction

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

Teacher guiding two students through targeted intervention

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

Teacher in her reading intervention classroom.

Meeting Students’ Needs in My Reading Intervention Classroom

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

Angela White
Elementary Educator

Teacher and students clapping syllables during a phonological awareness activity

Phonological Awareness vs. Phonemic Awareness

Phonological and phonemic awareness are key aspects of emergent and beginning reading development and instruction. Read more to find out how the two terms connect to each other.

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

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Podcast: What Works in Writing Instruction with Kayla Dyer in RI on Teachers in America

Burrillville School District literacy fellow and HMH Teacher Ambassador Kayla Dyer discusses writing teaching strategies to successfully guide students through the writing process.

Jennifer Corujo
Shaped Editor

Teacher working with a small reading group

Let’s Practice Repeated Reading Strategy!

Learn about repeated reading, its benefits, and some how-tos for providing students with the opportunity to read texts again and again.

Francie Alexander
Senior Vice President, Efficacy & Consulting Research

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How to Implement Small-Group Instruction in the Classroom

An elementary educator and HMH Ambassador shares tips and resources on how to implement small-group instruction in the classroom, including a downloadable small-group lesson plan template.

Kayla Dyer
Teacher

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Podcast: How to Cultivate a Love of Reading in Students with Russell Souders in TX on Teachers in America

Third-grade Texas teacher Russell Souders shares tips on how he sparks students’ interest in reading, including how he uses programs like HMH Into Reading to engage students in literacy instruction.

Jennifer Corujo
Shaped Editor

Student drafting an essay on a laptop during writing instruction

5 Effective Tips for Teaching High School Writing

Ensure students get the practice, feedback, and revision experience they need for success with these tried-and-true strategies for teaching high school writing.

Kristen Eannetta
Instructional Coach