Shaped

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

Latest Posts

Icebreakers High School Hero

7 High-School Icebreakers for the First Day of School

These high school icebreakers for the first day of school will help students get to know one another while having fun.

Brenda Iasevoli
Shaped Executive Editor

Richard Blankman
Shaped Executive Editor

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8 Fun Constitution Day Activities for Students: We the People

Here are Constitution Day activities to engage your students in learning about the historic document that defines how our government works.

Brenda Iasevoli
Shaped Executive Editor

WF1784503 Shaped 2023 Blog Post 6 Levels of English Language Proficiency hero

6 Levels of English Language Proficiency for ELL Students

Explore the 6 levels of English language proficiency for ELL students to support your multilingual learners.

Jennifer Corujo
Shaped Editor

What Is Inquiry-Based Learning in Social Studies

What Is Inquiry-Based Learning in Social Studies?

What is inquiry-based learning in social studies? Learn more about inquiry-based learning and its benefits for students.

Alicia Ivory
Shaped Editor

School Calendar Themes Hero

2024–2025 Monthly Calendar Themes for School

Check out these monthly calendar themes for school, complete with teaching resources for holidays and other days of significance for all grade levels.

Jordan Friedman
Former Shaped Editor

Zoe Del Mar
Shaped Executive Editor

June Middle School Icebreakers 2

5 First-Day-of-School Icebreaker Activities for Middle School Students

Check out our first-day-of-school icebreaker activities for middle school students. Using icebreakers will help ease everyone back into the school routine.

Kristen Eannetta
Instructional Coach

WF1802900 Shaped 2023 Blog Post Why is Classroom Management Important

Why Is Classroom Management Important?

Read why classroom management is important in ensuring a successful school year and find classroom management strategies to use in your classroom.

Teresa Meredith
Teacher

WF1807212 Hero

Don’t Lead with Science Vocabulary—Start with Conceptual Meaning

Get advice on how to incorporate vocabulary into science instruction to ensure students learn science concepts deeply.

Dr. Karen Ostlund
Assistant Professor of Instruction, Emerita, UTeach, College of Natural Sciences, The University of Texas at Austin

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Back-to-School Series: Minisode 1 with Toney Jackson in NJ on Teachers in America

Fourth-grade teacher and HMH ambassador Toney Jackson returns and shares tips to start off the school year as a Teacher MC, including how to empower students by sharing the stage and how to find your teaching crew.

Jennifer Corujo
Shaped Editor

What Is Differentiated Instruction in the Classroom Hero

What Is Differentiated Instruction in the Classroom?

What is differentiated instruction in the classroom? The answer is key to ensuring all learners get the support they need. Here, we break down the process.

Brenda Iasevoli
Shaped Executive Editor

Two female teachers talking at the whiteboard

Types of Instructional Coaching Models in Education and the Keys to Success

Explore the two primary models of instructional coaching–educational and teaching–and get practical insight for implementation in your school or district.

Tera Gall
Instruction and Leadership Coach

WF1721296 Hero

What Is Inquiry-Based Learning? A Look into the Research and Practice

This articles explains what is inquiry-based learning and provides approaches and examples within education.

Dr. Phil Vahey
Director of Applied Learning Sciences, HMH

Dr. Michael J. Bolz
Senior Learning Scientist, Learning Sciences, HMH

WF1813601 Shaped 2023 Blog Post The Role of Vocabulary in Reading Instruction Hero

What Is the Role of Vocabulary in Reading Comprehension?

We break down the role of vocabulary in reading comprehension and share strategies that will ensure students learn new words.

Dana Leon
Shaped Contributor

WF1771200 What is Phonemic Awareness Hero

What Is Phonemic Awareness?

Learn about phonemic awareness and how it relates to phonological awareness.

Zoe Del Mar
Shaped Executive Editor

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9 Back-to-School Icebreakers for Elementary Students

Teachers can use these fun back-to-school icebreaker activities for elementary students in the classroom or remotely.

Brenda Iasevoli
Shaped Executive Editor

What Is Data-Driven Instruction in Education?

What Is Data-Driven Instruction in Education?

This article answers the question, “What is data-driven instruction in education?”

Dr. Michael J. Bolz
Senior Learning Scientist, Learning Sciences, HMH

Vidya Madhavan
Learning Scientist, HMH

School Principal Leadership Coaching HERO

School Principals: Coaching and Mentoring

The journey to strong instructional leadership is personal, and school-leader coaching provides support as principals learn to lead.

Kyra Donovan
Associate Partner, The Center for Model Schools

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2024 Back-to-School Articles for Teachers and Educators

Check out our 2024 back-to-school articles for teachers and educators. Explore professional development strategies and resources for the new school year.

Shaped Staff

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