1. Focus Walls

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. Components of a Focus Wall
Theme Title
Selection Stories (Titles/Covers)
Genre(s)
Comprehension Strategies
Comprehension Skills

6. Components of a Focus Wall (continued)
Vocabulary Words
Spelling Words and/or High Frequency Words
Language Arts Standards
Theme Related Pictures and Realia

25. 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

26. 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

27. 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

28. Resource Newport-Mesa USD website www.nmusd.us Click on Departments
Click on Elementary Education
Click on Reading 1st

29. Resource Santa Maria Bonita School District website www.smbsd.org
Click on District Programs
Click on Reading

30. Resource Houghton Mifflin website www.eduplace.com
Click on Reading/Language Arts
Click on HM Reading (top right)
Click on Textbook Support Or
Click on HM English

31. Resource
Google website to search for pictures/visuals related to theme concepts and vocabulary words
Click on Images tab
Search