Shaped

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Activityset 5

Grades 9–12 ELA Activity Set 5: Teaching Metaphor by Carol Jago and More

High schoolers can sharpen their writing, language, critical thinking, and reading skills with these instructional resources.

Shaped Staff

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The Importance of Building Background Knowledge in Reading

In this blog, we break down the importance of building background knowledge in reading, and provide ways to build and strengthen comprehension.

Jennifer Prescott
Shaped Contributor

How To Write A Praise Poem

New Wings: Writing Praise Poems in the Classroom

Poet Glenis Redmond says teaching students how to write a praise poem is a great way to dive into metaphors and similes and have them flex their creative muscles.

Glenis Redmond
Poet and Teaching Artist

Ela high school lessons

Free High School English Language Arts Activities

Use these high school English language activities to help your learners discover into their own writing styles and embrace reading.

Shaped Staff

Fourth of july poems

Patriotic Poems from HMH Poets for the Fourth of July

Celebrate July 4th with six patriotic poems from HMH poets. Explore a selection of Fourth of July poems to help commemorate America’s Independence Day.

Susan Steinway
Archivist, HMH

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Scaffolding Writing Instruction

Learn more about scaffolding writing instruction, a process that provides the support that students need to grow as writers.

Alicia Ivory
Shaped Editor

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5 Effective Tips for Teaching High School Writing

Ensure students get the practice, feedback, and revision experience they need for success with these tried-and-true strategies for teaching high school writing.

Kristen Eannetta
Instructional Coach

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Speaking (Not Public Speaking!) Activities for Middle and High School Students

Try these public speaking activities for middle and high school students to improve their speaking skills.

Erik Palmer
Program Consultant, Into Reading and Into Literature

Writing Feedback for Students

Writing Feedback for Students

Save time with these effective feedback strategies for improving student writing.

Owen Bondono
Shaped Contributor

St Patricks Day Writing Prompts Hero

22 St. Patrick’s Day Writing Prompts and Activities

Bring some luck to your classroom with these St. Patrick’s Day writing prompts and activities for elementary, middle school, and high school students.

Ali Habashi
Former Shaped Editor

WF1510577 Shaped 2022 NTL Talk First Write Later Hero

Talk First, Write Later: Oral Communication in the Classroom

Hear from Erik Palmer why speaking is just as important as reading and writing as a form of communication.

Erik Palmer
Program Consultant, Into Reading and Into Literature

Reading Fluency Intervention Strategies Hero

8 Effective Fluency Strategies for Reading Intervention

Discover these eight research-based reading fluency intervention strategies you can use in the classroom.

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

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How to Find the Most Effective Digital Writing Program: 5 Considerations

Not all digital writing programs are created equally. Ask these questions when weighing your options.

Meghann Weis
Instructional Technology Coach, Patriot HS, VA

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2026 National Novel Writing Month: Turning Students into Excited Writers

In November, National Novel Writing Month begins for thousands of writers around the world. At the same time, many teachers introduced their classrooms to the NaNoWriMo Young Writers Program, and found their students developing a new-found passion for creative writing.

Ali Habashi
Former Shaped Editor

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29 Back-to-School Writing Prompts for Middle and High School

School's back in session, which means it's time for a fresh batch of writing prompts for the new year. Have your high school or middle school students try these Back-to-School prompts this fall.

Ali Habashi
Former Shaped Editor

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Teaching Students How to Write a Reflective Narrative Essay

This lesson explores how to write a reflective narrative essay, a type of writing where writers reflect on an experience and show how their lives changed.

Shaped Staff