Shaped

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

Latest Posts

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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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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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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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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

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Unleash Your Curiosity This Weekend!

It’s no secret that, here at HMH, we are firm believers in the crucial role of curiosity in lifelong learning. Exemplified by our beloved friend Curious George, the concept reminds us that education is never static.

HMHCo

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Leaving the House With Little Ones, the Drama-Free Way

When it comes to weekly errands, it can be difficult to motivate yourself to get up and out of the house, let alone persuade your kids to come along with you.

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.