Date post: | 29-Dec-2015 |
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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