Focus WallsFocus WallsFocus WallsFocus Walls

What is a Focus Wall?

• Interactive language arts bulletin board

• Reflects the current teaching/learning occurring in the classroom– Becomes focal point for new learning as theme is launched

– As theme progresses, it evolves to reflect a deeper understanding of ideas discussed in theme

What is the purpose of the Focus Wall?

• Focuses students’ learning• Serves as a visual aid for students• Helps students to make connections with language arts elements and new concepts presented in the theme

• Encourages use and application of academic language

Where should the Focus Wall be

placed?• Accessible as a reference tool for teacher and students during language arts lessons– Near or behind teacher when he/she is presenting direct instruction lessons

• Suggestions:– Front of classroom– For primary grades, near rug area

Components of a Focus Wall

• Theme Title• Selection Stories (Titles/Covers)

• Genre(s)• Comprehension Strategies• Comprehension Skills

Components of a Focus Wall (continued)

• Vocabulary Words• Spelling Words and/or High Frequency Words

• Language Arts Standards• Theme Related Pictures and Realia

Focus Wall as an Interactive Tool

• Introduce, reinforce and review theme concepts and words– Sample ideas for students:

•Work on launching the theme projects and include on the Focus Wall

•Share theme related items •Match vocabulary words with corresponding picture/visuals or definitions

•“Read the room” including the Focus Wall during Universal Access

Encourage Participation

• Invite students to add to the Focus Wall– Pictures, Realia, Art Work, or Articles that support the theme

• Ask students’ families to contribute to the focus wall

Be Creative!

• Design and organize the Focus Wall to meet your needs and students’ needs

• Possible materials (but not limited to):– Pocket charts -Sheet Protectors– Index Cards -Highlighter Tape– Cut outs -Post-It Arrows– Sentence Strips -Plastic Bags– Chart Paper -Clothespins– Related Pictures/Clip Art -Rings

Resource

Newport-Mesa USD websitewww.nmusd.us

Click on DepartmentsClick on Elementary Education

Click on Reading 1st

Resource

Santa Maria Bonita School District websitewww.smbsd.org

Click on District ProgramsClick on Reading

ResourceHoughton Mifflin website

www.eduplace.comClick on Reading/Language ArtsClick on HM Reading (top right)

Click on Textbook SupportOr

Click on Reading/Language ArtsClick on HM English

Resource

Google website to search for pictures/visuals related to theme concepts and vocabulary

wordswww.google.com

Click on Images tabSearch