Shaped

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

Latest Posts

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Photo: K-5 literacy fellow Kayla Dyer

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

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

National hispanic heritage month 2021 hero

Use these National Hispanic Heritage Month activities and lesson ideas to honor Hispanic American contributions and influences in our society.

Daniel Poremba
Senior Tier II Specialist, HMH

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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Photo: Fourth-grade teacher Teresa Meredith

30-year seasoned teacher and HMH Teacher Contributor Teresa Meredith shares her expertise on creating a classroom community space and establishing expectations in the first weeks of school.

Jennifer Corujo
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.

Jordan Friedman
Former Shaped Editor

Zoe Del Mar
Shaped Executive Editor

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

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Photo: Fourth-grade teacher Toney Jackson

Fourth-grade teacher and HMH ambassador Toney Jackson returns and shares tips to start off the school year as a Teacher MC, including how to empower students by sharing the stage and how to find your teaching crew.

Jennifer Corujo
Shaped Editor

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 school activities for elementary and middle school students.

Richard Blankman
Shaped Executive 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
Former 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

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

WF1764700 Shaped 2023 Blog Post Sentence Frames for ELL Students Hero

Learn how to use sentence frames for ELL students to support written and oral language development.

Jennifer Corujo
Shaped Editor

Bts icebreakers

As you return to the classroom for back-to-school, try these 2024 first-day-of-school icebreaker activities to develop a sense of normalcy among students and build community.

Shaped Staff

Teacher sits at desk in front of a classroom of students

Use our curated list of classroom management articles and resources to help you organize and manage your classroom.

Zoe Del Mar
Shaped Executive Editor

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