1. Classroom Structures that Promote Standards Focused Instruction
Daily
Post for each subject taught:
• Objective – You may use more “kid-friendly” language than that used in the state requirement. If using a Strategy
Lesson, use the “focus objective” as written under the standard.
• Focus question – Turn your objective into a question.
• Key vocabulary – Select terms you will be using in teaching the lesson.
• Activities/Assignments – List the page numbers from texts, hands-on activities, etc.
It could look like this:
Date: 5/10/09
Subject Objective Focus Ques Key Vocab Activities
Reading The student will How can a reader main idea Strategy Lesson
8:00 – 9:30 distinguish tell the difference summary for LAR0305049
between main between a main details
idea and idea and a retelling
summary of a summary?
passage. (5049)
Math
9:35 – 10:30
Science
Social Studies
Other key information posted or spaces identified in the classroom:
• Lesson Plans Posted outside of classrooms
• Daily Schedule of times and events
• Agenda
• Separate space on the wall dedicated to each content area taught. This area should be labeled and current objectives
posted. In the space for math, for example, post student work being produced which addresses the objective for the
week on current concept. This work acts as “anchor papers” when the teacher selects exemplary work and uses it to
help students see the expectations for their work.
• Word wall – Keep this current. Some teachers like to have a separate list for each content area. It becomes a part of the
wall display for that content area, rather than a generic list on a separate space in the room. Some teachers do both!
• Writing Center – An area that contains and displays current themes or projects in writing.
• Reading Corner – Classroom libraries and some kind of attractive, inviting elements to encourage independent reading.
• Other wall decorations should include Organizational Charts as needed and Anchor Charts to teach current concepts. It
is not necessary or even preferable to use purchased charts. Student work is more effective, so take advantage of the
creative natures of students in your classroom to produce these educational aids.
When your room is organized effectively, you don’t have to “recreate the wheel” each time you move to another concept.
Simply replace elements with sentence strips and new work in the spaces already defined.
Each teacher brings a personal style to his/her space. The tone of the classroom is affected by the organization and
atmosphere in the physical space. Try to encourage organized students and organized minds by removing clutter. Provide
labeled bins and spaces for students to store classroom materials as they are put away after use. You will find that
transitions go quicker, smoother, and behavior improves.