Shaped

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

Latest Posts

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Podcast: On Virtual Learning and BLM Protests with Bianca Cole on Teachers in America

Meet Bianca Cole, a middle school special education and language arts teacher from Washington. From the effects of COVID-19 on Seattle to the Black Lives Matter protests that have taken place across America, 2020 has already presented Bianca with ample teaching moments outside of her classroom.

Ali Habashi
Former Shaped Editor

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DIY Science and Lab Equipment for Kids at Home

Build your own DIY science and lab equipment at home with easy-to-find materials to conduct experiments.

Shaped Staff

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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

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A Former Chief Academic Officer’s View on the Future of K-12 Education

Tammy Clementi, National Director of Planning and Analytics for Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, shared her perspective on how the COVID-19 pandemic will shape school as we know it.

Brenda Iasevoli
Shaped Executive Editor

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5 Virtual Volunteering Ideas for Kids at Home

Share these five virtual volunteering activities with students and parents.

Brenda Iasevoli
Shaped Executive Editor

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4 Lessons This Principal Learned from His School's Switch to Remote Teaching

Principal David Huber discusses how he came to realize that now is an opportunity for his district to make many lasting changes in how its schools operate.

David Huber
Principal, South Side Elementary School, Connecticut

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Wrapping Up the School Year Remotely: Tips for K–12 Administrators

We must marshal the courage to close out this most unusual school year with an eye toward planning for 2020–2021.

Anthony Colannino
Senior Fellow, the Center for Model Schools; Leading & Teaching for Growth, LLC; Author of Leading with Head and Heart

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How This Superintendent Works to Ensure Educational Equity Amid a Crisis

Sharon Johnson-Shirley shares how her Indiana district meets students’ needs during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the steps she will take to prepare for future emergencies.

Brenda Iasevoli
Shaped Executive Editor

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Welcome to the Connected Era: Digital Learning Comes of Age

Whereas “blended” teaching and learning was the 2010s, “connected” teaching and learning will be the 2020s. The coronavirus was the forcing function that made it so.

John "Jack" Lynch
President, Chief Executive Officer, and Director, HMH

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Fun At-Home Lesson for ELA: Write a Personality Feature and Other Activities

Teach students in Grades 3-12 how to conduct interviews and write compelling personality features with these insights from Esther Wojcicki.

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

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Too Much Screen Time? Here Are 4 Ways to Maximize It for Learning

Allow four questions to guide you as you evaluate the media your students are using so you can maximize their learning.

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

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How to Hold a Virtual Read-Aloud While Schools Are Closed

Learn how to do a virtual read-aloud. Follow these five simple steps for holding virtual read-alouds with young students in your class.

Katie Risolo Radovich
First-Grade Teacher, Diocese of Rockville Centre, New York

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How to Engage Students in Online Learning: Tips for Elementary School Teachers

Educators can use these strategies for how to engage students in online learning to ensure a successful transition to teaching remotely.

Kathleen Richards
Former HMH Senior Learning Scientist, ELA and Humanities

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Esther Wojcicki's Tips for Effective Remote Learning

Journalist and teacher Esther Wojcicki shares her recommendations for students as they adjust to online learning.

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

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Connecting With Staff and Students in Difficult Times: Tips for Education Leaders

As schools close due to the coronavirus outbreak, K-12 administrators should get a communication plan in place to keep their district's students and staff motivated.

Adam Drummond, EdD
Associate Partner, The Center for Model Schools and Author, Instructional Leadership

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Navigating the Journey to Remote Learning: Tips for School Districts

ICLE Senior Fellow Eric Sheninger shares tips with education leaders on transitioning their district to remote learning while schools are closed during the coronavirus outbreak.

Eric Sheninger
Senior Fellow, the Center for Model Schools; Aspire Change EDU; Keynote Speaker; Author

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Keep Class in Session at Home: Tips From ICLE Partner Weston Kieschnick

With schools closed, ICLE's Weston Kieschnick offers tips to keep the academic momentum going and ideas on what to focus on as children learn at home.

Weston Kieschnick
Associate Partner, ICLE

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Keep Kids Reading While Schools Are Closed

Supplying students with free books is just one way to help them stay engaged, especially if they lack the necessary digital tools for online learning.

Shaped Staff

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