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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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Closing the Gap Between Data and Decisions: From Scattered Data to One Clear Picture

Tier 1 instruction is where learning happens, but too often, data doesn’t translate into action. Discover how HMH Pulse turns assessment insights into clear, next-day instructional decisions teachers can trust.

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How to align multilingual instruction with the science of reading

What Does the Science of Reading Mean for Multilingual Learners?

Discover how research-based literacy practices and language support work together to help multilingual learners build strong reading skills and thrive in the classroom.

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Middle School Classroom Management

12 Middle School Classroom Management Strategies That Work

Create a healthy and happy learning environment with middle school classroom management strategies that are rooted in brain science.

Dr. Michael Vea

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WF2702202 Shaped 2026 Blog Post Science of Reading Lesson Plan Templates HERO

Science of Reading Lesson Plan Templates for K–5

Get free, printable science of reading lesson plan templates to help you plan evidence-based instruction across grades K-5 and learn more about what makes a lesson science of reading–aligned.

Onalee Smith

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2026 Back-to-School Articles for Educators

Bookmark this page featuring our 2026 back-to-school articles for educators. It’s filled with the resources you need to start the school year off strong, from prepping for the first day, to classroom management strategies, and more.

Shaped Staff

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Latest Posts

WF2683300 Shaped 2026 Blog Post Declaration of Independence Activity and Lesson Plan Ideas HERO

10 Fun Declaration of Independence Activities and Lesson Plan Ideas 

Try these 10 Declaration of Independence activity and lesson plan ideas to explore key ideas and the historical significance of this foundational historical document.

Christen Spehr
Shaped Editor

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How Oral Communication Skills Set Students Apart in an AI World

What skills can we give students that AI can’t replace? Explore how oral communication skills are one way students can set themselves apart in an AI world.

Erik Palmer
Program Consultant, Into Reading and Into Literature

Fun Black History Month Activities For Kids 2

13 Fun Black History Month Activities for Elementary and Middle School Students

Download these fun Black History Month activities for elementary and middle school students to teach your class about African American history.

Jordan Friedman
Former Shaped Editor

Jennifer Corujo
Shaped Editor

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Bill of Rights Activity to Celebrate Bill of Rights Day with Your Students

Explore our Bill of Rights activity and lesson plan idea to engage students in civic learning through persuasive writing.

Brenda Iasevoli
Shaped Executive Editor

Onalee Smith
Shaped Contributor

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6 Juneteenth Activities & Lesson Plans for Students

Celebrate Juneteenth in the classroom. Explore Juneteenth activities and lesson plans for elementary, middle school, and high school students.

Alicia Ivory
Shaped Editor

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6 Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month Activities

Looking for Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month ideas? We've got you covered with activities spanning Grades Pre-K–12.

Brenda Iasevoli
Shaped Executive Editor

Women's History Month Books for Students HERO

11 Women’s History Month Books for Elementary Students

Use these Women’s History Month books for elementary students and activities to teach about women’s contributions to history.

Alicia Ivory
Shaped Editor

Womens History Month Bulletin Boards

Women’s History Month Bulletin Board Ideas: Celebrating Herstory

Decorate your classroom using these seven Women’s History Month bulletin board ideas to teach students about the achievements of women throughout history.

Jordan Friedman
Former Shaped Editor

black history month bulletin board

Inspiring Black History Month Bulletin Board Ideas for the Classroom

These Black History Month bulletin board ideas for elementary and middle school will inspire your students and teach them about African Americans' challenges and triumphs in history.

Jordan Friedman
Former Shaped Editor

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Kindergarten Summer Reading Activities: This Is America

Welcome to This Is America! We’ll provide five days of reading and learning activities designed to engage your child in an exploration of our country and its symbols.

Shaped Staff

Presidents Day Lesson Plans And Activities

9 Presidents’ Day Lesson Plans and Activities to Foster Engaged Citizens

Use these 9 Presidents’ Day lesson plans and activities for middle and high school classrooms to foster engaged and informed citizens.

Jordan Friedman
Former Shaped Editor

Brenda Iasevoli
Shaped Executive Editor

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Grades 1–2 Summer Reading Activities: This Is America

Discover five days of reading and learning activities designed to engage your child in an exploration of our country and its symbols.

Shaped Staff

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Grades 3–5 Summer Reading Activities: This Is America

Explore five days of reading and learning activities for Grades 3-5 designed to engage your child in an exploration of our country and its symbols.

Shaped Staff

Absolute Monarchy Lesson Plan

Teaching World History: Absolute Monarchy Lesson Plan and Resources

Download this absolute monarchy lesson plan to teach your students about rulers including Frederick the Great and Louis XIV.

Jordan Friedman
Former Shaped Editor

Ancient Greece Lesson Plan

Teaching World History: Ancient Greece—Worksheets and Activities

Known for its architecture, democratic system of government, and impact on science and the arts, ancient Greece is an important topic often covered in middle and high school social studies.

Shaped Staff

Charlemagne Middle Ages Activities

Teaching World History: The Early Middle Ages—Worksheets and Activities

Use these downloadable resources to teach students about Charlemagne and the Early Middle Ages.

Shaped Staff

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Teaching World History: Code of Hammurabi Activity and Lesson Plan

Download these Code of Hammurabi activity and lesson plan resources to teach students the context surrounding the creation of the code of laws.

Shaped Staff

The importance of public speaking skills for students

The Importance of Public Speaking Skills for Students

Why is public speaking important for students? Teaching oral communication can improve your classroom activities and equip students with lifelong skills.

Erik Palmer
Program Consultant, Into Reading and Into Literature

AWARDS & ACCOLADES

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Shorty Awards

Audience Honor, 2023, Shaped

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Digiday Content Marketing Awards

Finalist, 2023, Shaped

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People’s Choice Podcast Awards

Finalist, 2021 & 2023, Teachers in America

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