When I taught elementary reading, I used a focus wall to help my students recall important concepts about the story. The focus wall featured sections that displayed the theme, author, title, genre, and setting. It also included a section that featured the particular reading skill that we focused on during the lesson. The focus wall was a useful tool with visual learners and students who struggled with recalling information.

As a tutor, I have wanted to use the focus wall to help some of my students recall information about a story. However, this was not convenient for setting up in my students’ homes. Recently, I discovered a work-a-round. I used a tri-fold project board like the ones used for science fair projects. I purchased the board from a dollar store. I have also found them at teacher supply stores.

I found the focus wall helped to generate excitement about the story as the student helped me set it up. In the left section of the project board, we placed story background information such as, the author, title, setting, and theme. We posted information on the reading comprehension skills that we would focus on during the lesson in the top half of the middle section. In the bottom half of the middle section, we placed vocabulary words that we learned during the session. We used the right section to display positive affirmations and reading strategies that we covered in past lessons. If any room is left over I also display some of the student’s work which really excites and motivates the student.

I also find that the focus wall helps parents to understand what we covered during the tutoring sessions. Parents are also willing to fold the board and keep it in a closet or the garage between sessions. When I arrive for the tutoring sessions, parents usually have the project board on display in the work area. Some parents have even used it to go over the concepts with the student before I arrive.

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