Shaped: The Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Education Blog

7 Culturally Responsive Teaching Strategies and Instructional Practices

Implement these culturally responsive teaching strategies in the classroom to improve learning outcomes and help students feel included, validated, valued, and safe.

Dr. Tyrone C. Howard

Professor, UCLA; Senior Fellow, ICLE; HMH Learning Sciences & Research Advisory Board

November 19, 2020

How to Teach a Polarizing Election and Prioritize Students' Emotional Health

Chris Dier provides five ideas for educators to explore the election with students while ensuring their social and emotional health.

Chris Dier

2020 Louisiana State Teacher of the Year

November 04, 2020

Don't Just Teach About Cultures—Teach Culturally. Here's the Difference

Teaching culturally means that the educator acts as a guide for students and is actively learning alongside them in their understanding of the content.

David J. O’Connor

American Indian Studies Consultant, Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction

October 30, 2020

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

October 28, 2020

8 High School Veterans Day Activities and Lesson Plan Ideas

Bring the experiences of U.S. military service members to life for your students with our high school Veterans Day activities and lesson plan ideas.

Jordan Friedman

Shaped Editor

Brenda Iasevoli

Shaped Staff

October 23, 2020

Quiz: How Well Do You Know U.S. Presidential Elections?

How much do you know about the U.S. presidency? Test your knowledge with this quiz, and learn some information about electing a U.S. president along the way!

Shaped Staff

October 15, 2020

Q&A: How to Teach Indigenous Peoples' Day

Three experts discuss the recognition of Indigenous Peoples' Day and its coverage in schools, including resources, teaching tips, and more.

Geraldine Stevens

Social Studies Content Expert

October 07, 2020

Election 2020 Classroom Activity: How Can Debates Influence an Election?

Students will observe one of the debates in the 2020 presidential election and evaluate the content and performance of the Democratic and Republican nominees.

Glenn Greenberg

September 29, 2020

Election 2020 Classroom Activity: How Do You Become an Informed Voter?

Students will use their research skills to learn about the Democratic and Republican nominees in the presidential election, and where they stand on key issues.

Glenn Greenberg

September 22, 2020

Election 2020: How Can You Teach the Election Process to Elementary Students?

Discover helpful tips for teaching the election process to elementary students and how important voting is in a democratic society.

LaNesha Tabb

Kindergarten Teacher, Indianapolis, IN

September 15, 2020