Shaped

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

Latest Posts

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Storytelling in the Digital Age: An Interview with Three-Time Caldecott Winner, David Wiesner

We tend to think of technology as the inspiration behind the innovations of today, but what if instead, the idea is born before anyone has invented the technology to realize it?

HMHCo

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Presidential Teaching Tools

In 1879, President Rutherford B. Hayes signed into law Washington’s Birthday, a day to remember George Washington’s legacy. The holiday at first applied only to federal offices in the District of Columbia, but was expanded to the whole country in 1885.

HMHCo

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Five Valentine’s Day Crafts for Kids

The annual practice of exchanging Valentine’s Day greetings and gifts with loved ones can be traced back to the 15th century. In fact, the oldest known written valentine still in existence is a poem penned by Charles, Duke of Orleans, who wrote to his wife while he was imprisoned in the Tower of London in 1415.

Alex Honeysett
Former Director of Communications, Channel One News

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Reflections from BETT: The Promise & Practice of Using Technology in the Classroom

In my role at HMH, I’m fortunate to have the opportunity to see how people approach education around the world.

Timothy L. Cannon
EVP, International Markets and Global Strategic Alliances, HMH

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Technology and Early Learning: Part ThreeBridging the Digital Divide: Practical Resources for Educators

Just over 30 years ago, Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates shared a vision for a society with “a computer on every desk and in every home.” We’ve made great progress since then - over 80% of the American population now has a home computer and more people than ever use the internet.

Susan Magsamen
Former Senior Vice President of Early Learning

Technology and Early Learning: Part TwoBuilding Blocks for a Nourishing Digital Diet

The more I think about it, the more I love the analogy of a “diet” when considering children’s digital media consumption. Just as calories from the most wholesome foods nourish and strengthen our bodies, the right mix of high quality, engaging digital content can nurture intellectual growth and spark curiosity.

Susan Magsamen
Former Senior Vice President of Early Learning

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Ready to Pass the GED® This Year? Check Out These Four Powerful Test Taking Tips

Since its inception in 1942, more than 19 million Americans have passed the GED® high school equivalency exam, which provides a pathway for adult learners to obtain the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in college and careers.

Mott Nolley
VP, Product Development, Adult Education, HMH

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Technology and Early Learning: Part OneA Healthy Digital Diet: Three Tips for Balancing Screen Time for Kids

It’s a blizzard out there – and I’m not referring to this week’s return of the polar vortex! I’m referring to the astounding number of new eBooks, apps and websites now available for young children.

Susan Magsamen
Former Senior Vice President of Early Learning

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Geography on the Go: Travel Activities for Kids

Geography is everywhere (literally). We use GPS on our smartphones and in our cars, check weather maps each morning, and read news from around the globe.

Andrew Miles
Learning Architect, HMH

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A Blueprint for Quality Education Content: Behind the Scenes at HMH Studios

How do we define “quality” educational content in the 21st century? If you can download a free lecture on cell structure or algebraic equations from YouTube, or a 99c app on vocabulary, how hard can it be to create effective educational content?

HMHCo

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Language and Literacy Series: Reclaiming the Joy of Reading in the Age of Distraction

My own love of reading was cultivated in an era with fewer distractions than today. At that time, all of our play was physical and concrete – we played with hands-on toys and games, we rode bicycles and played outside (which held opportunities for all sorts of mischief).

Susan Magsamen
Former Senior Vice President of Early Learning

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Introducing the HMH Content Manifesto

The sheer quantity of information readily available today is unprecedented and overwhelming. How do we parse out what’s truly quality content? And when it comes to learning tools, how do we even define quality? Does “quality” really matter?

Mary Cullinane
Former Chief Content Officer and Executive Vice President of Product Planning, Development and Marketing

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Hungry Minds: How Curiosity Drives Young Learners

I recently did a random “man on the street” survey, asking for single-word responses, and found that people associate curiosity with many things.

Susan Magsamen
Former Senior Vice President of Early Learning

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Language and Literacy Series: Talking with our Hands - A Hidden Key to Learning!

It just amazes me the way newborn babies come into the world as natural communicators. After their first wail, they quickly become full-bodied communicators, successfully telling us their needs through gestures and gesticulations.

Susan Magsamen
Former Senior Vice President of Early Learning

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Tomorrow’s Education Business Model – Which Will Win?

It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of “digital learning,” but what will the future look like for teachers, students and content providers?

HMHCo

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Language and Literacy Series: Context, Conversation and Non-Verbal Clues

Young children are natural experts when it comes to learning critical skills. Unlike other mammals, babies need adult help for nearly everything.

Susan Magsamen
Former Senior Vice President of Early Learning

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Why Does Math Matter?

There are many opportunities for students to build critical thinking skills by finding connections between classroom concepts and the “real world.”

Dr. Mike Heithaus
Dean and Professor, Florida International University, Miami

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The Holy Grail – Language and Literacy Series: What Reading Looks Like Together

One of my favorite sayings is “If you take care of the moments, the years will take care of themselves.” I can think of no other moment more precious and invaluable to ensuring a strong foundation than reading with a child.

Susan Magsamen
Former Senior Vice President of Early Learning

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