Focus Frame

See how it works

At a glance

Time in class

1–2 minutes, three times a lesson

Prep

2 minutes: write the goal and 2–3 “I can” statements.

Materials

Board

Grouping

Whole class

Use it when

Every lesson

Why it works

Students learn more when they know what they’re aiming for and what success looks like. Clear goals and success criteria let students judge their own progress, and checking them during the lesson turns a poster into a working tool.

1. Write itBefore classGoal: “Today we’re learning to…” plus 2–3 “I can…” statements a student could check off.
2. Start30 seconds“Here’s today’s mission. Read the ‘I can’ statements with me.”
3. Middle30 seconds“Look at the frame. Which ‘I can’ are we working on now? Thumbs: how close are you?”
4. End1 minute“Rate yourself 1, 2 or 3 on each one. 3 means you could teach it.”

See it in action

Watch out for

• Activities instead of goals (“I can complete the worksheet”): name the skill, not the task.
• Posting and forgetting: the middle check is what makes it work.
• Jargon: write it so a student could explain it.

Level up

• Students rate themselves 1–3 on each before they leave.
• Students write tomorrow’s “I can” based on what they still need.

Make it work for everyone

• Multilingual learners: add an icon or example beside each statement.
• IEP and 504 supports: give a printed copy to check off at the desk.
• Early finishers: write a “challenge” statement for themselves.

Tech option

Put the frame on your first slide and return to it on your last.

Resources