Welcome, Spring!
Brienna Rossiter, Focus Readers Editor It might not quite feel like it here in Minnesota, but spring has officially begun. And with Earth Day coming up on April 22, this time of year is perfect for introducing students to the…
Shaping Stories
Brienna Rossiter, Focus Readers Editor The stories we tell matter. So does the way we tell them. As writers and teachers and librarians, we have the important job of helping young readers find the stories they need—stories that inform them,…
Cracking the Code
Brienna Rossiter, Focus Readers Editor You don’t have to be an expert to teach computer code. In fact, a key part of any class about coding is helping students learn to think like programmers—which is why we created our new…
Take a Vacation from Lesson Planning
In need of some new lesson plan ideas? Every Focus Readers book includes a free lesson plan designed to encourage additional learning and increase student engagement. Find your book(s) page on focusreaders.com to find a comprehensive lesson plan that includes:…
The 411 on Leveling
Nick Rebman, Focus Readers Editor Learning to read is certainly important, but it’s only the first step. The ultimate goal, of course, is reading to learn. And for that to happen, students need books that are written at an appropriate…
Animal Engineers: A New Take on Halloween
Brienna Rossiter, Focus Readers editor It’s almost October, which means Halloween is on its way. Soon, libraries and classrooms will be draped in cobwebs and other spooky décor. But spiderwebs are great for more than decorating—their structure is specially designed…
STEM-themed Ideas to Spark Imagination and Explore Tech
Brienna Rossiter, Focus Readers editor There’s nothing quite like watching the spark in students’ eyes as they make a connection between a subject they’re studying and an idea of their own. Suddenly, science transforms from a list of facts to…
Tackle Teaching Language Arts with Sports Nation
Brienna Rossiter, Focus Readers editor If books are windows, mirrors, and sliding glass doors, then language arts is the hinge that allows them to swing open. Educators work to help students develop the linguistic tools they need to explore new ideas…
Our Fall Catalog is here!
We're thrilled to introduce our newest level, Scout, for readers in grades K-1. Our Fall lineup also includes many titles in the Beacon, Navigator, and Voyager levels you've come to love. Don't forget: We offer free teacher resources for every Focus…
Environmentally themed books offer Earth Day inspiration
A sign of spring like none other, Earth Day – which is Sunday, April 22 – is a time to celebrate clean air, land, and water. Whether you plant a tree, have a picnic in the great outdoors, or just…