Shaped

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

 

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Featured Posts

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Exploring the Benefits of Artificial Intelligence in Education

We break down the pros and cons of AI in education to help you harness the advantages of this technology while minimizing the risks.

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Podcast: The Power of Mindset with Camyrea Barnes in MI on Teachers in America

Middle school math teacher Camyrea Barnes shares advice on how to nurture students' growth mindset and how to build community with students and fellow teachers.

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My Top Five Reading Strategies for Secondary Students

Read more about five essential reading strategies for secondary students, including tips to enhance comprehension and help students become active readers.

Jakeima (Jai) Lewis, MEd

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A Close Look at the MTSS Umbrella Graphic

We break down the MTSS umbrella graphic and how it provides cover for students to prevent them from falling behind.

Dana Leon

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8 Fall Activities & Lesson Plans for Elementary Students

Try these fall activities for elementary students in your classroom that put a twist on common fall themes.

Shaped Staff

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Latest Posts

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How Reading Intervention Turned an Indifferent Learner into a Passionate Educator

When Tarwo Konbloa came to the United States from an Ivory Coast refugee camp at age 11, he struggled in school. But in time his academics improved through a mix of perseverance, intervention, and dedicated teachers.

Brenda Iasevoli
Shaped Executive Editor

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9 National Hispanic Heritage Month Activities for Students: A Celebration of Culture

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

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Why Is Writing Important for Students?

Explore how teaching writing and providing writing practice instill skills in students that they can use throughout their academic career and beyond.

Amber Silverman
Shaped Contributor

Community Building Shout Outs

11 Classroom Community-Building Activities for Elementary Students

Ready to help your kiddos develop meaningful relationships and connect with their classmates? Try these classroom community-building activities for elementary students.

Brenda Iasevoli
Shaped Executive Editor

Teachers in a classroom in discussion

What Teachers Really Think about the Science of Reading and the Role of AI in Education

Two major discussions are happening in education right now: science of reading and the use of AI in the classroom. But how do teachers actually feel about them? Learn how educators view these important topics.

Lindsay Dworkin
NWEA SVP of Policy and Government Affairs, HMH

Miah Daughtery, EdD
NWEA VP, Content Advocacy-Literacy, HMH

Early reading intervention strategies for young learners

Early Reading Intervention Strategies for Young Learners

Learn more about effective early reading intervention strategies designed to support young learners.

Danielle Bouchard
Shaped Contributor

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How to Start a Student Podcast: A Quick Guide

A quick guide for how to start a student podcast, with tips and tricks for teachers for the whole recording process

Erik Palmer
Program Consultant, Into Reading and Into Literature

Building Background Knowledge in K–6 Literacy

Strategies for Building Background Knowledge in Reading, Grades K–6

Learn more about and get strategies for building background knowledge in reading.

Alicia Ivory
Shaped Editor

HMH Staff

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Effective Reading Comprehension Strategies for the Literacy Classroom

Dr. Amy Endo
Education Research Director, Supplemental & Intervention Language & Literacy

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Podcast: Building Vocabulary to Increase Reading Comprehension with Abbey Behnke in WI on Teachers in America

HMH Teacher Ambassador Abbey Behnke shares instructional strategies and activities to engage students in vocabulary learning. Plus, she discusses how vocabulary is a catalyst for building reading comprehension skills.

Jennifer Corujo
Shaped Editor

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8 Research-Based Writing Strategies for Elementary Students

Provide students with plenty of opportunities to practice writing, incorporate feedback, and revise with these research-backed writing strategies for elementary students.

Katie Risolo Radovich
First-Grade Teacher

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Science of Reading: Small-Group Instruction Strategies

This article shares ideas on how to integrate the science of reading and evidenced-based instructional techniques in small-group reading instruction.

Dr. Martha C. Hougen
National Consultant, Presenter, Researcher, and Author

Dr. Heather Haynes Smith
Associate Professor in the Department of Education, Trinity University

WF1943213 Shaped 2024 Blog Post What Is Academic Vocabulary Hero

What Is Academic Vocabulary?

Learn about what is academic vocabulary and find strategies for effective vocabulary instruction.

Jennifer Corujo
Shaped Editor

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Podcast: Partnering with Families to Build Early Literacy Skills with Melissa Hawkins in HI on Teachers in America

Kindergarten teacher Melissa Hawkins joins us from Hawai'i to discuss student engagement, literacy instruction, and connecting with families.

Jennifer Corujo
Shaped Editor

Summer learning activities for elementary and middle school students

15 Fun Summer School 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

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Teaching Literacy in All Content Areas

Discover 4 skills students can develop by teaching literacy in all content areas. Literacy is an important for success in all subjects.

Marie Swan
Shaped Contributor

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13 Mother’s Day Celebration Ideas in School

Check out our list of 13 Mother’s Day celebration ideas for school. From primary to middle school, explore fun Mother’s Day classroom activities and projects.

Marcela Grillo
Writer, Girls Write Now

Alicia Ivory
Shaped Editor

teacher and student reading a book

What Is Phonics in Reading?

Learn more about phonics—the relationship between the sounds of language and the letters that represent those sounds.

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

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