Shaped

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

 

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How Has Technology Changed Education?

Here we take a deep dive into the question, “How has technology changed education?” and uncover tech’s role in opening up new possibilities for teaching and learning.

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Podcast Ed Trends Minisode: Exploring Educators' Views on AI's Role in the Classroom with Andrew Goldman

[Podcast] Ed Trends Minisode: Exploring Educators’ Views on AI’s Role in the Classroom with Andrew Goldman

In this bite-sized episode, host Kailey Rhodes sits down with Andrew Goldman, founder of Writable and EVP of HMH Labs. Together, they dig deeper into HMH’s Educator Confidence Report survey results and share what educators really think about AI use in schools.

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Our 10th Annual Educator Confidence Report: Reflecting on the Past Decade, Paving a Path Forward

Learn about how educators are embracing technology in our 10th annual Educator Confidence Report and how they feel about the current state of education.

John "Jack" Lynch

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Initiate Lasting Change: How to Build a Data-Driven Culture in Schools

In order to build a data-driven culture in schools, it's crucial to integrate data into everyday decision-making as well as provide professional development. Here are best practices to ensure you succeed.

Amber Silverman

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Fun Winter Classroom Activities

10 Fun Winter Classroom Activities & Lesson Plans

Find fun winter classroom activities and lesson plans to welcome the winter season.

Christen Spehr

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Latest Posts

WF2163400 Shaped 2025 Blog Post Free Graphic Organizers for Reading Comprehension Update Hero

Free Graphic Organizers for Reading Comprehension

Try these free graphic organizers for reading comprehension for all grade levels to help students visually organize their thoughts about literature.

Shaped Staff

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34 Mother’s Day Writing Prompts

Celebrate moms with these Mother's Day writing prompts for your K–3 classroom. Have students practice descriptive language or get creative with a short story.

Ali Habashi
Former Shaped Editor

May Memorial Day 7

9 Memorial Day Activities for Elementary and Middle School Students

Use these Memorial Day classroom activities for elementary and middle school students to honor those who sacrificed for their country.

Jordan Friedman
Former Shaped Editor

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Teaching Students How to Write a Persuasive Paragraph

Teaching kids how to write a persuasive paragraph consisting of their opinion and supporting sentences puts them on the right track to being an effective communicator.

Alicia Ivory
Shaped Editor

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Teaching Students How to Write an Expository Paragraph

Want to help your students develop their organizational, analytical, and research skills? Teach them how to write an expository paragraph.

Alicia Ivory
Shaped Editor

How to write a rap

Literacy at Work: How to Write a Rap with Dr. Chris Emdin

Teach your students how to write a rap with Dr. Chris Emdin using this rap lesson plan, complete with a writing template, rubric, and teacher guide.

Shaped Staff

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All About Me Activities: Celebrate What Makes You ‘Different’

Explore “All About Me”​ activities for elementary and middle school students. Help your students to celebrate what makes them different.

Onalee Smith
Shaped Contributor

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What Is Oral Reading Fluency?

This article answers the question, what is oral reading fluency? It provides fluency teaching strategies after defining fluency and explaining why it's important.

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

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13 Classroom New Year's Activities for Students

Ready for a fresh start in your classroom? Say goodbye to the old and hello to the new with our fun New Year's activities for students.

Brenda Iasevoli
Shaped Executive Editor

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25 Valentine's Day Writing Prompts and Ideas

No matter what your middle school or high school class is reading, these writing prompts about love will get them ready for Valentine's Day.

Ali Habashi
Former Shaped Editor

WF2116107 Shaped 2024 Blog Post English 3 D Case Study

Improving Outcomes for Multilingual Learners: An English 3D Case Study

Discover English 3D’s impact on multilingual students in the Community Consolidated School District 15 in Chicago, Illinois.

Alicia Ivory
Shaped Editor

Shaped Staff

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Evidence-Based Vocabulary Intervention Strategies

Implement these evidence-based vocabulary intervention strategies and activities to support students in building vocabulary knowledge.

Amber Silverman
Shaped Contributor

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Fun Reading Activities and Lesson Plan Ideas for All Grades

Looking for fun reading activities to keep your students engaged? Check out our collection of reading and writing activities.

Christen Spehr
Shaped Editor

Tarwos Read 180 Story HMH hero

How Reading Intervention Turned an Indifferent Learner into a Passionate Educator

When Tarwo Konbloa came to the United States from a Cote d'Ivoire refugee camp at age 11, he struggled in school. But in time his academics improved through a mix of perseverance, intervention, and dedicated teachers.

Brenda Iasevoli
Shaped Executive Editor

Background knowledge reading comprehension hero

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

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7 SEL Activities for High School Students

These seven SEL activities for high school students are based on CASEL's core SEL competencies. Help your students become independent and meaningful contributors to society

Sara Buren
Shaped Contributor

Classcraft Staff

WF2035277 Shaped 2024 Blog Post My Top Five Reading Strategies for Secondary Students Hero

My Top Five Reading Strategies for Secondary Students

Read more about five essential reading strategies for secondary students, including tips to enhance comprehension and help students become active readers.

Jakeima (Jai) Lewis, MEd
Sixth-Grade Teacher, Instructional Coach & Teacher’s Corner Contributor

Benefits of independent reading in the classroom

The Benefits of Independent Reading in the Classroom

There are various benefits of independent reading, including improving your students’ fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension. Read more about how you can empower your students to become lifelong readers by providing an independent reading library.

Shaped Staff

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