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

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[Podcast] Ed Trends Minisode: Education Predictions for 2025 with Shawn Young 

What will be trending in education in 2025? Host Kailey Rhodes sits down with Classcraft cofounder and HMH’s SVP of product management and strategy Shawn Young to discuss 2025 education predictions. They cover topics like simplifying EdTech, leaning on AI tech tools to build teacher-student relationships, and bringing the “human element" into technology.

Christine Condon
Shaped Editor-in-Chief

Jennifer Corujo
Shaped Editor

Brenda Iasevoli
Shaped Executive Editor

WF2137658 Shaped 2024 Blog Post School Climate vs School Culture hero

School Climate vs. School Culture: The Path to Be a Model School

Learn the difference between school climate and school culture and how both play important roles in shaping a welcoming and supportive learning environment.

Dr. Adam Drummond
Author, Associate Partner; Center for Model Schools Instructional Leadership

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10 Trends in Education to Watch in 2025 

From AI-generated learning podcasts to the reduction in EdTech sprawl, these are the current trends in education to watch in 2025.

Brenda Iasevoli
Shaped Executive Editor

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How to Overcome 3 Major Roadblocks to Curriculum, Assessment, and Instruction Alignment

Explore the common barriers to curricular alignment and actionable steps leaders can implement to foster coherence, collaboration, and long-term success.

Dr. Suzanne Jimenez
Director of Academic Planning and Data Analytics at HMH

Dr. Bonnie Cochran
Director of Academic Planning and Analytics, HMH

WF2102992 Shaped 2025 Blog Post What is Social Emotional Learning SEL in Education Update

What Is Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) in Education? Insights for K–12 Educators

Get answers to common questions like "What is social and emotional learning in education?" and "Why is SEL important?"

Amber Silverman
Shaped Contributor

Jordan Friedman
Former Shaped Editor

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Collaborative, Data-Driven Success: How a Virginia School District is Focusing on Student Growth

Discover how Loudoun County Public Schools leveraged data-driven strategies, collaboration, and aligned initiatives to focus on student growth for all learners in this case study.

Onalee Smith
Shaped Contributor

WF1992363 Shaped 2024 Blog Post What Is Small Group Instruction

What Is Small-Group Instruction?

Discover what is small group instruction and how it can give your students a more personalized learning experience.

Dana Leon
Shaped Contributor

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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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What Are the Factors That Contribute to Reading Failure?

Dr. Laurie Cutting investigates how phonics plays a key role in an early learner’s ability to read successfully, while family history can play a role in dyslexia and other struggling readers.

Dr. Laurie E. Cutting
Professor, Vanderbilt University

WF2151223 Shaped 2025 Blog Post Re imagining Math Intervention hero

Reinventing Mathematics Intervention

In this article are six features that, when taken together, constitute a reinvention of intervention in the math classroom.

Dr. Juli K. Dixon
Professor of Mathematics Education; Elementary, Middle, Secondary, and Post-Secondary Mathematics Education

Hero Shaped 2025 Blog Post Mindfulness ERG WF2153113

Permission to Pause: Embarking on the New Year with Balance and Connection

In this article, I pause to reflect on the work I’ve been doing with my colleagues and recall a moment where I found permission to pause.

Benita Flucker
Chief Equity & Inclusion Officer, SVP Enterprise Development Strategy, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

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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Grade 2 Math Activity Set: By the Sea and A Bunch of Animals

Help your children in Grade 2 understand multidigit numbers and hone their addition and subtraction skills with free animal-based activities.

Shaped Staff

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Grade 3 Math Activity: In Our Corner of Space

Use this grade 3 math activity to help students learn about the math of our system system.

Shaped Staff

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22 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

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14 Fun Wrap-Up Activities for Students

Explore 14 fun wrap-up activities that can enhance student engagement and solidify learning.

Melissa Williams
Shaped Contributor

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Grades 9–12 Remote Learning Summer Science Activities: Great Outdoors

Explore a variety of scientific learning activities to engage in the great outdoors.

Shaped Staff

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Join the HMH Advocacy Program

If you are a teacher who uses one of HMH's programs, let’s work together to empower teachers to connect with each other, share expertise, and amplify innovative teaching happening every day.

Zoe Del Mar
Shaped Executive Editor

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