Shaped

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

Latest Posts

WF1287443 Shaped 2020 Overwhelmed by News HERO

Overwhelmed by News: Helping Students See the Bigger Picture

In an era of information overload, follow these tips to help your students prepare for reading and analyzing the news.

Erik Palmer
Program Consultant, Into Reading and Into Literature

WF1278015 Learning Science Myth Hero

Is the 10,000-Hour Rule True? How to Help Your Students Achieve Mastery

As the myth goes, 10,000 hours of practice leads to mastery of a skill. But is the 10,000-hour rule true? Simply put, not just any kind of practice leads to mastery, but deliberate practice with feedback.

Rachel L. Schechter, PhD
VP Learning Sciences, Learning Sciences and Research Advisory Board Chair

Happy

Teachers, Here Are 5 Research-Backed Ways to Feel Happy

Start the new school year off right with these simple steps to a happier, healthier you.

Brenda Iasevoli
Shaped Executive Editor

Left brain right brain myth debunked

Left-Brain Right-Brain Myth, Debunked: Foster Creativity and Logic in the Classroom

Left-brain right-brain myth, debunked—understand how the areas of the brain work together in complex ways and why we are not, generally, left- or right-brain dominated.

Rachel L. Schechter, PhD
VP Learning Sciences, Learning Sciences and Research Advisory Board Chair

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What Bruce Lee Taught Me About Teaching During COVID-19: Tips from S. Korea

A teacher in South Korea during the COVID-19 pandemic shares his personal experiences and insights into what worked and what he found challenging when it came to instruction.

Justin Barg
First-Grade Teacher, Korea Kent Foreign School, Seoul, South Korea

Virtual back to school night

4 Virtual Back-to-School Night Ideas for 2021

These 2021 virtual Back-to-School Night ideas during COVID-19, including activities for parents and students, will help you start off the year on the right foot.

Rachel Swartz
Sixth Grade Teacher, Riverdale Kingsbridge Academy (MS/HS 141), Bronx, New York

Strategies for a good school year esther wojcicki

7 Strategies to Start the New School Year Right

Have students interview each other. In the next class, whether it's online or not, let students share their interests, experiences, and feelings. There are many back-to-school activities that teachers can use as icebreakers, but this one is my favorite because the kids get to know each other, which makes them excited about your class.

Esther Wojcicki
Journalist and Teacher; Founder, Palo Alto High Media Arts Program

Racial justice in education

Racial Justice in Education: How Can We Assess Racial Climate in Schools?

Education leaders can assess how they are doing when it comes to racial justice in education and equity in the classroom by examining these five crucial areas.

Dr. Tyrone C. Howard
Professor, UCLA; Senior Fellow, The Center for Model Schools; HMH Learning Sciences & Research Advisory Board

Thin Line Opt3 4

Starting the School Year During COVID-19: Action Items for K-12 Administrators

In addition to figuring out the complexities behind general reopening details, the COVID-19 pandemic has led to a number of new priorities for education leaders.

Jordan Friedman
Former Shaped Editor

Innovation for Equity Panelists

5 Takeaways from Innovation For Equity’s Talk on Black Learners and COVID-19

Find out what leaders in the education space had to say at the July 15 Innovation For Equity online event.

Janna Sakson
Shaped Contributor

WF1229181 Connect Prof Learning Opt 4 190e150fde80893345e887107b8c65d7

5 Tips to Ensure Connected Professional Learning for Teachers This Fall

This fall, education leaders should encourage a culture of reflection among their staff and tailor professional development to the current situation amid COVID-19.

Dr. Grant Atkins
Education Research Director, Professional Services

Miami Dade Madison

Phoenix Rising: A Story of School Transformation

Florida’s Miami-Dade County Public Schools' story of transformation is one of dedication, inspiration, and building a bridge to the future.

Glenn Greenberg
Shaped Contributor

Templeton Hero Image Opt 1

Read by Grade 3: Developing Foundational Skills for All Children

Dr. Shane Templeton explains how students can be well on their way to reading proficiency by the end of Grade 3.

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

WF1226962 Fatherandson

Foundations of Reading: Change Everyday Moments into Robust Literacy Lessons

Reading development expert Dr. Anne E. Cunningham offers tips to help teachers and parents foster a love of reading in students.

Dr. Anne Cunningham
Professor, University of California, Berkeley; HMH Author

Tyrone Howard Hero 2

Racial Literacy: A Call to Action for Teachers

What is racial literacy? Dr. Tyrone Howard, ICLE senior fellow and professor of education at UCLA, calls on teachers to develop the racial literacy needed to talk about race in their classrooms.

Dr. Tyrone C. Howard
Professor, UCLA; Senior Fellow, The Center for Model Schools; HMH Learning Sciences & Research Advisory Board

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4 Ways Educators Can Address Race with Students

Dr. Tyrone Howard shares insights for educators on leading difficult race-related discussions in the classroom.

Dr. Tyrone C. Howard
Professor, UCLA; Senior Fellow, The Center for Model Schools; HMH Learning Sciences & Research Advisory Board

Help LGBTQ students feel safe and welcomed in school

Help LGBTQ Students Feel Safe and Welcomed in School

Show support for LGBTQ students and help them feel safe and welcomed in schools with these six strategies for educators.

Jamie Kubiak
(he/him/his); High School Chemistry Teacher, Park East High School, New York

Andrea Barnes photo

Collaboration Is Crucial: Words of Wisdom from a Retiring Teacher

Andrea Barnes is retiring after nearly 30 years in the classroom. In this post she shares parting words of wisdom for future teachers, especially the need for collaboration during the current COVID-19 crisis.

Richard Blankman
Shaped Executive Editor

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