Shaped

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

 

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

Featured Posts

RTI pyramid changing to bell curve illustration

RTI/ MTSS Pyramid: Flipping the Triangle

School districts across the country describe the RTI/MTSS pyramid as “flipped.” So HMH researchers created a replacement for the traditional triangle that better represents the skill diversity in today’s classrooms.

Sherrye Scott on Teachers in America podcast

Podcast: Don’t Forget Your Why with Sherrye Scott

When Sherrye Scott realized her daughter needed additional help in school, she transitioned from a career in computer information systems to education. Now a math intervention teacher in Cypress-Fairbanks Independent School District in Texas, Sherrye shares how she incorporates social-emotional strategies into math instruction and how she motivates students to learn and succeed

Latest Posts

Holiday Classroom Activities Christmas Hanukkah Kwanzaa

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

Jordan Friedman
Shaped Editor

Zoe Del Mar
Shaped Staff

Fun Christmas Activities 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

Thanksgiving Activities Elementary Hero

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
Shaped Editor

Brenda Iasevoli
Shaped Executive Editor

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Find free Veterans Day activities and lesson plans for elementary students to honor and celebrate those who have served.

Jennifer Corujo
Shaped Editor

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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.

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

WF1803669 Shaped 2023 Blog Post Math Choice Boards HERO

Learn about and use math choice boards for elementary school, with templates for kindergarten through 5th grade

Dana Leon
Shaped Contributor

Learning by doing the importance of hands on science hero

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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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

School Calendar Themes Hero

Check out these monthly calendar themes for school, complete with teaching resources for holidays and other days of significance for all grade levels.

Shaped Staff

WF1802900 Shaped 2023 Blog Post 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

Icebreaker hero 2 85cab6aa25ee358f8b9ee45ba7a4bd78

Teachers can use these fun back-to-school icebreaker activities for elementary students in the classroom or remotely.

Brenda Iasevoli
Shaped Executive Editor

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Photo: Elementary literacy coordinator Dr. Jake Downs

Utah elementary literacy coordinator and education podcaster Dr. Jake Downs talks about best practices for literacy instruction, the science of reading, and data-based decision-making to help struggling readers.

Jennifer Corujo
Shaped Editor

Summer learning activities for elementary and middle school students

As the school year ends, keep kids engaged with these fun summer learning activities for elementary and middle school students.

Richard Blankman
Shaped Editor

Brenda Iasevoli
Shaped Executive Editor

WF1465051 Shaped 2021 Blog Post Classroom Reward Ideas

Explore 11 ideas for cheap or free classroom rewards and incentives. No matter what your budget looks like, get your students motivated to participate!

Ali Habashi
Shaped Editor

Juneteenth national freedom day hero image

Celebrate Juneteenth in the classroom. Explore Juneteenth activities and lesson plans for elementary, middle school, and high school students.

Alicia Ivory
Shaped Editor

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Photo: Second-grade teacher David Staton

Ohio teacher, David Staton, shares how he personalizes writing instruction and keeps students engaged in the last days of school.

Jennifer Corujo
Shaped Editor

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Photo: First-grade teacher Amber Reyes

Colorado teacher, Amber Reyes, shares strategies to engage students in fun phonics instruction, as well as resources to build fundamental reading skills.

Jennifer Corujo
Shaped Editor

WF1559159 Shaped 2022 Blog Post Science of Reading Strategies Hero

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

Renae Kuhn