Shaped

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

Latest Posts

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Putting Theory Into Practice: Building Collective Teacher Efficacy

Developing self-efficacy and making a curriculum rigorous and relevant are key to optimizing the best opportunity for the growth of our students.

Monica Fitzgerald
Reading AIS Teacher, Gillette Road Middle School

Jago 2020 Literacy Predictions

A 2020 Literacy Strategy: From Reading Worriers to Reading Warriors

A literacy expert weighs in on the latest research and trends to help inform teaching strategies in the new year.

Carol Jago
HMH Author and Associate Director, California Reading & Literature Project at UCLA

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Why Are Teachers Striking? It's Time to Listen to Their Greatest Concerns

Why are teachers going on strike in cities across the U.S.? ICLE Senior Fellow Tyrone Howard assesses recent teacher strikes and the primary challenges educators face in the classroom.

Dr. Tyrone C. Howard
Professor, UCLA; Senior Fellow, The Center for Model Schools; HMH Learning Sciences & Research Advisory Board

Best Of Shaped

A Year in Review: Most-Read Shaped Blogs of 2019

In this selection of the most-read blog posts of 2019, we hear from middle school teachers, literacy and math experts, and a parent.

Christine Condon
Shaped Editor-in-Chief

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Media Literacy Op-Ed: I'm Worried but Hopeful

Dock, host of Shaping the Future, reflects on the recent podcast episode on media literacy.

Dr. David Dockterman
Lecturer, Harvard Graduate School of Education

How Does Art Help Students Academically?

How does art help students academically? Incorporating art into lessons can ensure students gain a well-rounded education.

Marie Swan
Shaped Contributor

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An Hour of Code Activity: Celebrate Computer Science Education Week

What is the Hour of Code? Why is coding important for students to learn? Answer these questions and more with this 2020 Hour of Code Week activity.

Reynaldo Vargas

What Is A Community School

What Is a Community School? How Local Partnerships Bring Success

What is a community school? The community school model allows schools to establish partnerships with local organizations and businesses for resources to benefit students.

MaryEllen Elia

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Teaching World Languages: The Co-Constructed Feedback Process (Pt. 2)

A Spanish teacher explores the benefits of implementing co-constructed feedback to promote positive classroom relationships.

Jori Greenhill
Spanish Teacher

How to Create a Safe Classroom Environment for Students

Learn how to create a safe classroom environment for students. Explore 7 tips for creating a safe learning environment where students are free to be themselves.

Timothy Mugabi
Shaped Contributor

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Teaching Mindfulness in the Classroom With Early Learners

Begin teaching mindfulness in the classroom with your early learners using this handy primer from a veteran teacher for practicing mindfulness in schools with your students.

Kim Block
Retired Teacher

Best Holiday Books For Kids

The Best Holiday Books for Kids to Celebrate Christmas and Hanukkah

This list of the best holiday books for kids can help you celebrate winter festivities in the classroom. These Hanukkah and Christmas books will also teach your students about religious traditions.

Susan Steinway
Archivist, HMH

Renaissance Lesson Plan

Teaching the Renaissance: World History Lesson Plan and Activities

Use this Renaissance lesson plan and activities for middle school and high school to teach your students about this era of cultural "rebirth" in the 14th to 17th centuries.

Jordan Friedman
Former Shaped Editor

Classcraft Fun Activities for the Beginning of the School Year

6 Beginning of the School Year Activities for Day One

Explore 6 beginning of the school year activities for any classroom. Create positive first impressions for your students

Amanda Clark
Shaped Contributor

How To Write A Praise Poem

New Wings: Writing Praise Poems in the Classroom

Poet Glenis Redmond says teaching students how to write a praise poem is a great way to dive into metaphors and similes and have them flex their creative muscles.

Glenis Redmond
Poet and Teaching Artist

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Interview: Author Paul Tough on the Complex World of College Admissions

Paul Tough dives into fascinating (and frustrating) discoveries and stories from his research into the complex system of college admissions and higher education.

Caitlin Henault
Senior Communications Associate, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

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Black Friday Classroom Activity and Lesson Plan: Teaching Math and Money

This Black Friday classroom activity can teach students about spending and budgeting as well as decimals and percentages. The Black Friday lesson plan is appropriate for elementary students.

Shaped Staff

6 Tips for Building Positive Relationships with Parents and Caregivers

Discover 6 tips for building positive relationships with parents and guardians that will strengthen connections and boost student success!

Mary Dean
Shaped Contributor

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