assignment b lesson plan template

• Grades 6-12
• School Leaders

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30 Lesson Plan Examples for Every Grade Level and Subject

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Lesson planning: Most teachers either love it or hate it. Either way, it’s something every teacher has to spend at least some time doing, so it’s worth learning to do well. Whether you’re a brand-new teacher or an experienced educator looking for some new ideas, these lesson plan examples offer inspiration for every subject and every grade level.

Lesson Plan Sections

Preschool lesson plan examples, elementary school lesson plan examples, middle and high school lesson plan examples.

Many lesson plans include some or all of the following sections.

• Objective : These should be specific and measurable. Often they align with Common Core or other learning standards.
• Materials: List any items you’ll need, including worksheets or handouts, school supplies, etc.
• Activities: This is usually the longest section, where you’ll lay out what the lesson and its activities look like. Some teachers write these in great detail. Others include just an overview to help them plan.
• Assessment : How will you assess your students’ learning? This could be a formal assessment or something simple like an exit ticket.
• Differentiation : Describe how you’ll vary the level of difficulty for students at all levels, including any enrichment for early finishers.

Some people think preschool is just playtime, but pre-K teachers know better! Here are some of the ways preschool teachers plan for their lessons.

Weekly Lesson Plan

Weekly preschool lesson planning helps you plan each day and ensure you’re tackling all the most important skills.

Learn more: Pre-K Weekly Lesson Plan

Pre-K Theme Lesson Plan

If you like to plan by theme, try a template like this. It includes space for a variety of activities that fit your topic.

Learn more: Pre-K Theme Lesson Plan

Alphabet Letter Lesson Plan

If you’re focusing on a new letter of the alphabet each week, try lesson planning like this. You can see the week at a glance, including all the materials and books you’ll need.

Learn more: Alphabet Letter Lesson Plan

Centers Lesson Plan

Your centers need some planning too! Whether you change them out weekly, monthly, or as needed, use plans like these to stay prepared.

Learn more: Centers Lesson Plan

Weekly Unit Lesson Plan

Adding pops of color and a few images can make it easier to locate the lesson plan you’re looking for in a snap.

Learn more: Weekly Weather Unit Lesson Plan

Since elementary teachers tackle multiple subjects every day, their lesson plans might look like a general overview. Or they may prepare more detailed lesson plans for each topic to help them stay on track. The choice is up to you.

Weekly Overview Lesson Plan

Don’t be afraid to write out your lesson plans by hand! A side-by-side setup like this lets you see a whole week at once. We love the use of color to highlight special things like fire drills.

Learn more: Elementary Weekly Overview Lesson Plan

Unit Lesson Plan

Planning out a unit helps ensure you cover all the important topics and meet your learning objectives.

Learn more: Unit Lesson Plan

Yearlong Schedule

Planning a whole year may seem daunting, but it can show you where you’re going to need to stretch a unit and where you can circle back and review. Mrs. D from Mrs. D’s Corner has ideas on how to structure a yearlong lesson plan using Google Sheets.

Guided Math Lesson Plan

This example on adding three numbers together can be altered to fit any math lesson plan.

Learn more: Guided Math Lesson Plan

Art Lesson Plan

While these are elementary art lesson plan examples, you can easily use this style for teaching art at upper levels too.

Learn more: Art Lesson Plans

Special Education Lesson Plans

Lesson planning for special education looks different than general classroom lessons in that the lessons have to cover specific IEP goals and include lots and lots of progress monitoring. The Bender Bunch starts each lesson with independent work (read: IEP practice) and then heads into mini-lessons and group work.

Learn more: Special Education Lesson Plan

Interactive Read-Aloud Plan

Interactive read-alouds take some careful planning. The Colorful Apple explains how to choose a book, get to know it, and get ready to teach it. Once you’re in the book, sticky notes may be the best lesson-planning tool you have for marking questions and vocabulary words you want to point out to students.

Learn more: Interactive Read-Aloud Plan

Social Studies Lesson Plan

Including images of your anchor charts is a great idea! That way, you can pull one out and have it ready to go in advance.

Learn more: Social Studies Lesson Plan

5E Lesson Plan for Elementary School

The 5Es stand for Engagement, Exploration, Explanation, Elaborate, and Evaluate. This type of lesson planning can be helpful for students as they work through each of the 5Es related to the topic you’re studying.

Learn more: 5E Lesson Plan for Elementary Math

Science Lesson Plans

If you like to plan your lessons in more detail, take a look at this elementary science lesson plan example.

Learn more: Science Lesson Plan Template

Reading Group Lesson Plan

Lots of elementary schools have differentiated reading groups. Use a template like this one to plan for each one, all on one page.

P.E. Lesson Plan

Gym teachers will love this lesson plan idea, which includes directions for playing the games.

Learn more: PE Lesson Plan

Music Class Lesson Plan

Plan out the skills and songs you’ll need for a meaningful music class with a lesson plan like this one.

Learn more: Music Class Lesson Plan

At the middle and high school levels, teachers often need more detailed plans for each class, which they may teach multiple times a day. Here are some examples to try.

Google Sheets Lesson Plans

Google Sheets (or Excel) is terrific for lesson planning! Create a new tab for each week, unit, or class.

Learn more: Google Sheets Lesson Plan

Handwritten Lesson Plan

Some people really prefer to write things out by hand, highlighting important parts and making notes as they go. You can always convert this kind of plan to a digital format later if you need to.

Learn more: Handwritten Lesson Plan

Weekly History Plan

This example shows how you can plan out a week’s worth of lessons at once, and see the entire week all in one spot. This example is for history, but you could use this for math, ELA, or social studies too.

Learn more: Weekly History Plan

Outline and Pacing Guide Lesson Plan

A pacing guide or outline works for both you and your students. Share it at the beginning of a unit to let them know what’s ahead.

Learn more: Outline and Pacing Guide

5E Lessons in Middle and High School

5E lesson plans (Engagement, Exploration, Explanation, Elaborate, Evaluate) are great for middle and high school as well. This example is for science, but you can use the 5E structure across all lessons.

Learn more: Middle and High School 5E Lesson Plans

Sticky-Note Lesson Plan

At some point, you’ll know what students are doing each day, you’ll just need some reminders for questions to ask and key points to cover. The nice thing about using sticky notes for lesson planning is if you get ahead or behind schedule, you can move the entire sticky-note lesson to another day. ( Find more ways to use sticky notes in the classroom here .)

Learn more: Sticky Note Lesson Plan

Backwards Planning Lesson Plan

If your school uses backwards planning, you’ll be thinking about the outcome first and working back from there (rather than forward from an activity or task). Backwards planning lesson plans are intensive, but they’re also something you can use over and over, modifying them slightly for each group of students you have.

Learn more: Backwards Planning Lesson Plan

Visual Arts Lesson Plan

Detailed lesson plans take longer to prepare, but they make it easier on the day (especially if you wind up needing a sub).

Learn more: Visual Arts Lesson Plan Template

ELL or World Language Lesson Plan

Whether you’re teaching English-language learners (ELL) or a world language to English speakers, this lesson plan style is perfect.

Learn more: ELL/World Language Lesson Plan

Music Lesson Plan

Use a lesson plan like this for choir, orchestra, band, or individual music lessons.

Learn more: HS Music Lesson Plan

Blended Learning Lesson Plan

If your instruction includes both computer-based and in-person elements, this lesson plan idea might be just what you need.

Learn more: Hot Lunch Tray

One-Sentence Lesson Plan

This kind of lesson planning isn’t for everyone, but the extreme simplicity works well for some. Describe what students will learn, how they will learn it, and how they’ll demonstrate their knowledge.

Learn more: One-Sentence Lesson Plan

Need more help with lesson planning? Come ask for ideas in the We Are Teachers HELPLINE group on Facebook !

Plus, check out ways to make time for more creativity in your lesson plans ..

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Free Lesson Plan Template Bundle (Daily, Weekly, Monthly) + Free Printable

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Lesson Plan Template

Many teachers find it difficult to fit the syllabus into assigned lessons while simultaneously staying on top of many other responsibilities. Fortunately, this lesson plan template can help you stay organized and in control. 

Free lesson plan templates for teachers or parents who homeschool their kids. All templates are editable so you can personalize and customize them to suit your needs. Either print a blank lesson plan template and write your lesson plan or edit the template before you print. We offer many free lesson plan themes to suit every teaching style.

On this page, you will find more than 50 templates for lesson plans in various file formats: PDF, Word, Excel, images, and Google Docs.

Weekly Lesson Plan Template

Word | PDF | Excel | Image | Google Docs

PDF | Image

Each printable lesson plan template below starts from Monday to Friday. There are 8 versions with 1 to 8 lessons each day.

• 1 Lesson per Day: Word | PDF | Excel | Image
• 2 Lessons per Day: Word | PDF | Excel | Image
• 3 Lessons per Day: Word | PDF | Excel | Image
• 4 Lessons per Day: Word | PDF | Excel | Image
• 5 Lessons per Day: Word | PDF | Excel | Image
• 6 Lessons per Day: Word | PDF | Excel | Image
• 7 Lessons per Day: Word | PDF | Excel | Image
• 8 Lessons per Day: Word | PDF | Excel | Image

This weekly template has 8 versions, with 1 to 8 lessons each day. There is space for both a lesson plan and the homework assignment for that lesson.

We also offer many more weekly planner templates that you can customize.

Daily Lesson Plan Template

This daily lesson plan template will organize your lesson, including supplies you might need, homework you should give, preparations to prepare, etc. It will remind you of everything you need to do to ensure that your lesson is ready. Once you have prepared the lesson, then you can use the simple lesson plan template for the next year since the preparations will be complete. If you keep your lesson plans organized, then preparing for each year will be easy and stress-free.

Word | PDF | Image

Word | PDF | Excel | Image

If you don’t want a unique teacher daily planner template, then check out our daily planner templates that might be helpful as-is or with some changes (all the templates are free and editable).

Teacher Lesson Plan Template

We offer free lesson plans for teachers in elementary to high school. There are also options for preschool. If you are looking for a college-level lesson plan template you can probably find templates you can use with little to no editing. If you want to edit the layout of any template, then select the Word or Excel version.

Preschool Lesson Plan

Free printable preschool lesson plans for preschool teachers. For preschool and kindergarten, you can use a template with lesson plan clipart to make it more fun and interesting.

You can download the preschool weekly lesson plan template as an image or a PDF file.

Creating a Preschool Lesson Plan is an exciting opportunity to engage young minds in a fun and educational way. Start by setting clear learning objectives and choose a theme or topic that captures the children’s imagination. Incorporate a variety of activities, including songs, stories, art projects, and hands-on experiments, to make learning enjoyable and interactive. Remember to consider individual learning styles and adapt your plan accordingly. Keep the activities age-appropriate and flexible, allowing room for spontaneous discoveries and exploration. With a well-thought-out lesson plan, you’ll create a nurturing and stimulating environment where preschoolers can grow, learn, and develop important skills while having a blast!

Elementary Lesson Plan Template

Crafting an elementary lesson plan is an essential step in providing quality education that nurtures young minds. Start by defining clear learning objectives, aligning them with curriculum standards, and choosing engaging activities that cater to diverse learning styles. Incorporate interactive discussions, hands-on projects, and assessments that foster critical thinking and creativity. Flexibility is key, as it allows you to adapt to your students’ needs and interests. With a well-structured lesson plan, you’ll create a dynamic and supportive classroom environment where elementary students can thrive academically and personally. Our free elementary lesson plan templates will help you bring your teaching goals to life, ensuring an enriching and enjoyable learning experience for your students.

30 Page Lesson Plan Book

To create a class plan template for elementary school you can also use any of the templates above.

Middle School Lesson Plan Template

Most of the templates above can be used for middle school classes.

Designing a middle school lesson plan is a unique endeavor that takes into account the changing needs and abilities of adolescents. Middle school students are at a pivotal stage in their development, seeking more independence and engagement. Your lesson plan should include clear learning objectives that challenge critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Emphasize interactive activities, group discussions, and technology integration to keep students engaged and connected to real-world applications. Assessment strategies should focus on deeper comprehension and analysis, preparing them for higher academic demands. Our free middle school lesson plan templates are tailored to meet the specific needs of middle school students, helping you foster their academic growth and support their social and emotional development during this critical transitional phase.

Image | PDF

31 Page Lesson Plan Book

If you want to edit the sections then select the Word version below.

MS Word | Google Docs

This is a detailed daily lesson plan format suitable for middle school lessons and high school lessons. It includes a lot of sections but you can delete the sections you don’t want to include.

The following sections are included:

• Lesson Title : A clear, concise title that summarizes the main focus of the lesson.
• Date : The date on which the lesson will be taught.
• Grade/Class : Specify the grade level or class for which the lesson is intended.
• Duration : The estimated time needed to complete the lesson (e.g., 45 minutes, 90 minutes).
• Learning Objectives : Clearly state the specific learning goals or outcomes for the lesson. What do you want students to know, understand, or be able to do by the end of the lesson?
• Materials and Resources : List all the materials, textbooks, technology, handouts, or other resources needed for the lesson.
• Preparation : Describe any preparation required before the lesson, such as setting up equipment or preparing materials.
• Introduction : Outline how you plan to introduce the lesson to the students. What will you do to engage their interest and set the stage for learning?
• Instructional Strategies : Describe the teaching methods, strategies, or activities you will use during the lesson to convey the content.
• Content : Present the main content or subject matter of the lesson. Include key concepts, facts, or information to be covered.
• Differentiation : If applicable, detail how you will differentiate instruction to meet the diverse needs of students (e.g., accommodating special needs, providing enrichment for advanced students).
• Assessment : Describe the methods or assessments you will use to gauge student understanding and progress. This may include quizzes, discussions, projects, or homework assignments.
• Closure : Explain how you will wrap up the lesson, summarize key points, and reinforce learning.
• Homework/Assignments : If there are any assignments or homework tasks associated with the lesson, list them here.
• Reflection/Evaluation : Leave space for your own reflections on the lesson. What worked well? What would you change next time? This helps improve future lessons.
• Notes : A section for any additional notes, reminders, or comments related to the lesson.
• Standards/Alignment : If your lesson is aligned with specific educational standards or curriculum guidelines, note those here.
• Teacher Name : Your name or the name of the instructor.
• Room/Location : Indicate the classroom or location where the lesson will take place.
• Signature : A space for your signature or initials, which may be useful for documentation or accountability.

High School Lesson Plan Template

The templates below and most of the templates above can be used for high school classes.

Crafting an effective high school lesson plan is a vital step in guiding students toward academic excellence and preparation for their future endeavors. High school students are transitioning into young adults, and your lesson plan should reflect this by encouraging more independent learning and critical thinking. Set clear learning objectives aligned with rigorous academic standards, and incorporate activities that challenge students to analyze, synthesize, and apply their knowledge. In-depth discussions, research projects, and practical applications of concepts are key components of high school lesson planning. Utilize various assessment methods to evaluate their comprehension and help them prepare for college or the workforce. Our free high school lesson plan templates are tailored to meet the advanced needs of high school students, ensuring a robust educational experience that equips them for success beyond the classroom.

This teaching plan template is for high school classes.

College Lesson Plan Template

This template is similar to the middle school and high school templates above but it includes additional sections such as:

• Alignment with Course Objectives : This section explicitly addresses how the lesson aligns with the overall course objectives and learning outcomes, emphasizing the integration of the lesson within the broader curriculum.
• Additional Information : This section allows for the inclusion of supplementary information or resources relevant to the college or university-level instruction, such as references or additional readings.
• Office Hours : It provides a space to specify your office hours for college or university students to seek assistance or clarification, acknowledging the more independent and proactive approach expected from them.
• University/College Policies : This section is included to highlight and communicate specific university or college policies that pertain to the course, such as late assignment policies or academic integrity guidelines.

This is a sample college lesson plan template.

The Benefits of a Lesson Template

Using a lesson plan template offers several benefits for teachers, whether they’re working with preschoolers, elementary, middle school, or high school students. Some of the key advantages include:

• Organization : Lesson templates provide a structured framework to organize your teaching materials, activities, and objectives. This organization helps you stay on track during the lesson and ensures you cover all the necessary content.
• Consistency : Templates promote consistency in your teaching approach. When you use the same format for each lesson, it’s easier for both you and your students to follow and understand the lesson structure.
• Time-Saving : Creating a lesson plan from scratch can be time-consuming. Templates streamline the process, allowing you to focus more on the content and teaching strategies rather than formatting.
• Alignment with Objectives : Templates often include sections for learning objectives and goals. This ensures that your lessons are aligned with curriculum standards and learning outcomes.
• Flexibility : While templates provide structure, they also allow for flexibility. You can adapt and customize them to suit your students’ needs, interests, and any unexpected classroom situations.
• Improved Communication : Lesson plans are useful for communicating your teaching intentions and goals with colleagues, administrators, and even substitute teachers. They provide a clear roadmap for what should be accomplished during a lesson.
• Assessment and Reflection : Templates often include sections for assessment strategies and reflection. This encourages you to think about how you will assess student understanding and what adjustments may be needed for future lessons.
• Professional Development : When you consistently use lesson plan templates, you develop a professional habit of thoughtful lesson planning. Over time, this can enhance your teaching skills and lead to better student outcomes.
• Student Engagement : A well-structured lesson plan can increase student engagement. When students know what to expect, they are more likely to participate actively in the lesson.
• Legal and Administrative Requirements : In some educational settings, such as special education or government-funded programs, having detailed lesson plans may be a legal or administrative requirement. Templates make it easier to meet these obligations.
• Resource Management : Templates often include a section for listing required materials and resources. This helps you ensure you have everything you need before the lesson begins.

Overall, lesson plan templates are valuable tools that help teachers deliver effective, organized, and engaging lessons while promoting professional growth and accountability. They can be adapted to suit different grade levels, subjects, and teaching styles, making them versatile assets for educators.

Which File Format Should You Select

If you find a template that you can use as-is then any format will work for you. If you want to use the template as-is then the free editable lesson plan template PDF will be perfect. Most of the PDF templates are typeable so you can type on them but you cannot change the layout. If you want to change the lesson plan layout, then select the lesson plan template Word or Excel versions. You can make as many changes as you want until the template works for you. Always keep a blank lesson plan template that you can reuse it over and over instead of deleting the content each time.

How to Make a Teacher Lesson Plan Book (Ready-Made)

You can either print or download a ready-made lesson plan book or create your own using the templates above.

Elementary School : 30-Page Lesson Plan Book

Middle School / High School : 31 Page Lesson Plan Book

How to Create a Teacher Lesson Plan Book (DIY)

You can make cheap lesson plan books by printing the templates on this page with a binder cover to create a DIY lesson book. The advantage of creating your own book is that you can choose the template that best suits you or even mix and match if you prefer.

You can include additional printables in your book. For example, if you want to create a teacher’s lesson planner and record book then add both of those templates to your DIY book. Print as many copies as you want to include. See the teacher planner for additional printables that you might find useful.

• Choose any teacher lesson planner printable from the selection above.
• Download it.
• Print as many copies as you want.
• Insert the lesson plan pages into a binder or have them bound.

You can also create a digital template for lesson planning by using the PDF versions of the templates above. See digital planner .

How to Write a Lesson Plan: A Comprehensive Guide for Educators

Writing an effective lesson plan is a fundamental skill for educators. Whether you’re teaching preschoolers or high school students, a well-structured lesson plan can make a significant difference in the learning experience. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the key components of a lesson plan and provide step-by-step instructions on how to create one that meets your teaching goals.

Lesson Plan Format

A lesson plan is a teacher’s detailed description of the course of instruction or “learning trajectory” for a lesson. Here is a general format you can follow when creating a lesson plan. Keep in mind that this is a basic template and can be customized based on individual needs, institutional requirements, and specific educational goals.

[Lesson Title]

1. Objective: Clearly state what students should know or be able to do by the end of the lesson. 2. Standards: List any academic standards that the lesson aligns with. 3. Materials: Detail all materials needed for the lesson, including textbooks, handouts, and technology requirements. 4. Introduction: Describe how you will introduce the lesson to students and any prior knowledge needed. 5. Procedure: Outline the sequence of learning activities, detailing both teacher and student roles and provide an estimated time for each activity. 6. Guided Practice: Explain how students will be guided through the learning activities, highlighting any formative assessment or feedback provided. 7. Independent Practice: Describe activities or assignments that students will complete independently to reinforce learning. 8. Closure: Explain how the lesson will be concluded and how you will reinforce the learning objectives. 9. Assessment/Evaluation: Detail how students’ understanding will be assessed, including any rubrics, tests, or informal assessments used. 10. Homework/Assignments: If applicable, list any homework or assignments that students are required to complete. 11. Differentiation: Describe any modifications or accommodations for students with diverse learning needs. 12. Reflection: After the lesson, note any areas that went well or could be improved for next time.

[Additional Notes/Comments]

• Any other relevant information or notes regarding the lesson.

[Attachments]

• Attach any materials, handouts, or resources used during the lesson.

Remember to be clear and concise, ensuring that the lesson plan is easy to follow, and be flexible, allowing for adjustments based on student needs and progress.

The Key Components of a Lesson Plan

A well-crafted lesson plan consists of several key components, each serving a specific purpose to ensure a successful teaching and learning experience. Here’s a breakdown of these essential elements:

1. Learning Objectives

Begin your lesson plan by clearly defining your learning objectives. What do you want your students to know, understand, or be able to do by the end of the lesson? Learning objectives should be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART).

2. Materials and Resources

List all the materials and resources you’ll need for the lesson. This includes textbooks, handouts, visual aids, technology, and any specialized equipment. Ensuring you have everything ready in advance will help the lesson flow smoothly.

3. Lesson Introduction

Start your lesson with an engaging introduction that captures students’ attention and provides context for the lesson. You can use anecdotes, questions, multimedia, or real-world examples to pique their interest.

4. Main Content and Activities

This section outlines the core of your lesson. Break down the content into smaller, digestible chunks. Plan activities and strategies that facilitate student engagement and comprehension. Consider using a variety of teaching methods, such as lectures, group discussions, hands-on activities, and multimedia presentations.

5. Assessment and Evaluation

Detail how you will assess student learning during and at the end of the lesson. Include formative assessment strategies (ongoing assessments) and summative assessments (end-of-lesson evaluations). This can encompass quizzes, discussions, projects, or other assessment tools.

6. Differentiation

Address how you will meet the diverse needs of your students. Consider accommodations for students with special needs, English language learners, or advanced learners. Tailor your instruction to ensure every student can access and benefit from the lesson.

End your lesson with a summary or conclusion that reinforces the key points and learning objectives. This closure helps students consolidate their understanding of the material.

8. Homework or Follow-up Activities

If applicable, assign homework or suggest follow-up activities to reinforce what students have learned. This extends the learning beyond the classroom.

9. Reflection and Adaptation

Include a section for your own reflection on the lesson. What worked well, and what could be improved? This self-assessment will help you refine your teaching methods over time.

How to Create a Lesson Plan

Now that you’re familiar with the components, let’s go through the step-by-step process of creating a lesson plan:

Step 1: Identify Your Learning Objectives

• Determine what you want students to achieve by the end of the lesson.
• Ensure your objectives are aligned with curriculum standards and grade-level expectations.

Step 2: Gather Your Materials

• Compile all the materials, resources, and technology you’ll need for the lesson.
• Double-check that everything is in working order and readily accessible.

Step 3: Plan Your Introduction

• Create an engaging introduction to spark students’ interest and set the stage for the lesson.
• Think about how to connect the new material to what students already know.

Step 4: Outline Your Main Content and Activities

• Break down the content into manageable segments.
• Design activities that actively involve students in learning.
• Consider the pacing of the lesson to ensure you cover all planned activities.

Step 5: Plan Assessment Strategies

• Determine how you will assess student understanding throughout the lesson.
• Decide on an appropriate method for summative assessment.

Step 6: Address Differentiation

• Identify ways to differentiate instruction to meet the needs of all students.
• Consider providing additional support or challenges as necessary.

Step 7: Create Closure

• Develop a brief summary or closing activity that reinforces key concepts.
• Ensure closure relates to the learning objectives.

Step 8: Assign Homework or Follow-up Activities

• If applicable, suggest homework assignments or supplementary activities.
• These should reinforce the lesson’s content and objectives.

Step 9: Reflect and Adapt

• After delivering the lesson, reflect on what went well and what could be improved.
• Use this feedback to adapt your teaching strategies for future lessons.

Remember that lesson planning is a dynamic process. As you gain more experience, you’ll become better at anticipating your students’ needs and adjusting your plans accordingly. Effective lesson planning is a key factor in creating a positive and productive learning environment for your students, so invest the time and effort to craft engaging and meaningful lessons.

Lesson Plan Samples

College or university-level course.

This is a sample lesson plan template for a college or university-level course. In this example, we’ll create a lesson plan for an introductory biology class covering the topic of cell structure.

Lesson Plan: Cell Structure

Course: Introduction to Biology

Instructor: Dr. Jane Smith

Duration: 90 minutes

Learning Objectives:

• Describe the basic structure and functions of eukaryotic cells.
• Identify and differentiate between the major organelles found in eukaryotic cells.
• Explain the significance of cell structure in relation to cellular function.

Materials and Resources:

• PowerPoint presentation
• Whiteboard and markers
• Handout: Cell Structure Diagram
• Microscope slides (optional for in-class demonstration)

Preparation:

• Prepare PowerPoint slides with visuals and diagrams.
• Create a handout with a labeled cell structure diagram for students.
• Ensure that the classroom technology and equipment are functional.

Introduction:

• Begin the lesson by asking students what they know about cells and their functions.
• Discuss the importance of understanding cell structure in biology.
• Share the lesson objectives and provide an overview of what will be covered.

Instructional Strategies:

• Present an overview of cell structure, including the differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.
• Discuss the cell membrane, cytoplasm, and the role of the nucleus.
• Use the PowerPoint presentation to illustrate the structure of eukaryotic cells.
• Highlight major organelles, including the endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, mitochondria, and chloroplasts (if relevant).
• Engage students in a discussion about the function of each organelle and how they contribute to cell function.
• Distribute the handout with a labeled cell structure diagram.
• Have students work in pairs or small groups to label the diagram and discuss the functions of each organelle.
• Cover the main components of eukaryotic cell structure, emphasizing the significance of each organelle in cell function.

Differentiation:

• Encourage students to ask questions and seek clarification during the discussion to accommodate diverse learning styles.

Assessment:

• Conduct a brief quiz at the end of the lesson to assess students’ understanding of cell structure.
• Assign a homework exercise in which students research a specific organelle and its role in cellular function.
• Summarize the key points of the lesson.
• Emphasize the relevance of cell structure to the broader field of biology.

Homework/Assignments:

• Read assigned textbook chapters on cell structure.
• Complete the homework exercise on organelle functions.

Reflection/Evaluation:

• Reflect on the lesson’s success and student engagement.
• Consider adjustments for future lessons based on student feedback and outcomes.
• Remind students about the upcoming laboratory session on cell observation and microscopy.

Alignment with Course Objectives:

• This lesson aligns with the course objectives related to understanding fundamental biological concepts and cellular structures.

Room/Location: Classroom 203

This sample lesson plan provides a structured framework for teaching a college-level biology lesson on cell structure. You can adapt and customize it to suit the specific content, objectives, and teaching style for your course.

High School

Here’s a sample high school lesson plan for a 10th-grade history class on the topic of “The American Civil War.”

Lesson Plan: The American Civil War

Grade: 10th Grade

Subject: History

Duration: 60 minutes

Lesson Objectives:

• Describe the major events and causes of the American Civil War.
• Analyze the impact of the Civil War on American society and politics.
• Evaluate the significance of key figures in the Civil War.
• Maps depicting Civil War battles
• Primary source documents (letters, diaries, speeches)
• Copies of selected readings on the Civil War

Introduction (10 minutes):

• Begin with a brief discussion on the importance of studying history and its relevance to understanding contemporary issues.
• Introduce the topic of the American Civil War and its significance in American history.

Instructional Strategies (20 minutes):

• Present an overview of the causes of the Civil War, including sectionalism, slavery, and economic differences.
• Discuss major events leading up to the war, such as the Missouri Compromise and the Compromise of 1850.
• Show students excerpts from letters or speeches by individuals from the Civil War era.
• Encourage students to analyze the documents for insights into the sentiments and perspectives of the time.

Content (15 minutes):

• Use a PowerPoint presentation with maps and images to illustrate key battles and turning points of the Civil War, such as Gettysburg and Appomattox.
• Engage students in a discussion about the social and political impact of the Civil War, including the Emancipation Proclamation and the 13th Amendment.

Assessment (5 minutes):

• Ask students to summarize the main causes and consequences of the Civil War.

Closure (5 minutes):

• Ask students to reflect on the relevance of studying the Civil War in understanding contemporary issues and conflicts.
• Assign readings on specific Civil War battles or figures.
• Ask students to choose a Civil War figure (e.g., Abraham Lincoln, Robert E. Lee) for further research and a short presentation.
• Consider adjustments or additional activities for future lessons.
• Provide information about upcoming classroom debates on key issues related to the Civil War.
• Mention the availability of additional resources in the school library for further research.

Room/Location: History Classroom

Elementary School

Here’s a sample elementary lesson plan for a 3rd-grade science class on the topic of “The Water Cycle.”

Lesson Plan: The Water Cycle

Grade: 3rd Grade

Subject: Science

Duration: 45 minutes

• Describe the stages of the water cycle.
• Identify key vocabulary related to the water cycle.
• Poster or diagram of the water cycle
• Small plastic cups
• Blue food coloring
• Construction paper and markers for vocabulary cards
• Begin with a brief discussion about water and its importance.
• Show a poster or diagram of the water cycle, highlighting key terms such as “evaporation,” “condensation,” and “precipitation.”
• Ask students what they know about the water cycle and write down their responses on the whiteboard.

Instructional Strategies (15 minutes):

• Explain the stages of the water cycle: evaporation, condensation, and precipitation.
• Conduct a simple demonstration using plastic cups and water with blue food coloring to represent water evaporating, forming clouds (condensation), and raining (precipitation).
• Divide the class into small groups.
• Provide each group with construction paper and markers.
• Ask them to create vocabulary cards for key terms related to the water cycle (e.g., evaporation, condensation).
• Groups can share their cards with the class.

Content (10 minutes):

• Review the stages of the water cycle, reinforcing key vocabulary.
• Emphasize that the water cycle is a continuous process in nature.
• Ask students to share what they’ve learned about the water cycle.
• Use the vocabulary cards and terms discussed during the lesson to assess their understanding.
• Ask students to think about where they might observe the water cycle in their daily lives (e.g., puddles drying up, steam rising from a pot).
• Assign a simple project: Students can create a poster or drawing that illustrates the stages of the water cycle.
• Encourage them to observe and record instances of the water cycle they notice at home.
• Consider any adjustments or additional activities for future lessons.
• Remind students to bring in their observations of the water cycle for the next class.

Room/Location: Classroom 102

Use this teacher lesson plan example as a foundation to craft your own engaging and effective lesson plans across various subjects and grade levels, tailoring them to your specific teaching objectives and classroom needs.

2 thoughts on “Lesson Plan Template”

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• Creating Lesson Plans

How to Build a Lesson Plan: Templates, Requirements, and More

Last Updated: April 7, 2024 Fact Checked

Sample Lesson Plans

Constructing a lesson plan, adjusting your lesson plans efficiently, presenting the lesson, expert q&a.

This article was co-authored by César de León, M.Ed. and by wikiHow staff writer, Eric McClure . César de León is an Educational Leadership Consultant and currently serves as an Assistant Principal for the Austin Independent School District in Austin, TX. César specializes in education program development, curriculum improvement, student mentorship, social justice, equity leadership, and family and community engagement. He is passionate about eradicating inequities in schools for all children, especially those who have been historically underserved and marginalized. César holds a Bachelor’s degree in Education and Biology from Texas State University and a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from The University of Texas at Austin. There are 20 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 3,842,370 times.

As a teacher, developing a thoughtful lesson plan is an essential part of your job. Not only do your lesson plans lay out everything you’ll do in a given class, but they can be shared with subs to complete your lessons when you’re out sick, and administrators can use them to provide feedback and monitor your classroom. While writing a lesson plan may seem like a daunting task at first, take it from a former teacher that they’ll soon become second nature. In this article, we’ll walk you through what you need to include in each lesson plan, show you how to use your lesson plan to make you a better teacher, and walk you through what a class might look like based on your plans.

Things You Should Know

• A lesson plan outlines what you’ll teach in a given lesson and provides justification for why you’re teaching it.
• Every lesson plan needs an objective, relevant standards, a timeline of activities, an overview of the class, assessments, and required instructional materials.
• Overplan in case your lesson ends early and tailor your plans to suit the needs of your students.

• An example of a good objective might be, "Students will be able to analyze nonfiction texts by performing a close reading on a historical document."
• Most teachers will use Bloom’s taxonomy when choosing their objective verb.
• Teachers often abbreviate “Students will be able to” with “SWBAT” on their lesson plans.
• Many teachers start with the objective then work their way out from there, choosing class activities last. This is called “backmapping” and it’s the most widely accepted lesson organization style around today. [2] X Research source

• Our previous objective aligns nicely with the CCSS R.L.8.2, which reads “Determine a theme or central idea of a text and analyze in detail its development over the course of the text…”
• A handful of states, including Florida, Virginia, and Texas, refuse to adopt common core. They have their own state standards.
• If you’re still in school to become a teacher, you may not have specific standards you need to cover just yet.
• Many schools will allow teachers to cover the objectives in whatever order they’d like so far as they cover all of them. Some schools will map out the standards to cover in their curriculum, though.

• For example, if your class is about Shakespeare's Hamlet , your overview might be “Introduction to Hamlet . Historical context, biographical info, and preliminary information. We’ll cover the folio, character list, and assign reading roles. Start Act 1 if time allows.”
• A single overview may get you through multiple classes, so you may find yourself copy and pasting the same overview into multiple plans. That’s totally okay!

• 1:00-1:10: Warm up . Bring class into focus and recap yesterday's discussion on great tragedies; relate it to Hamlet .
• 1:10-1:25: Present information. Discuss Shakespearean history briefly, focusing on his creative period 2 years before and after Hamlet.
• 1:25-1:40: Guided practice . Class discussion regarding major themes in the play.
• 1:40-1:55: Freer practice. Class writes single paragraph describing current event in Shakespearean terms. Individually encourage bright students to write 2 paragraphs, and coach slower students.
• 1:55-2:00: Conclusion. Collect papers, assign homework, dismiss class.

• Formative assessments are instructional tools. They’re anything you use to check if students are learning so you can adjust your lessons. Examples include: class discussions, teacher questions, pop quizzes, group work, surveys, and self-reflections.
• Summative assessments are how you prove a student learned something. They occur at the end of lesson arcs, units, or sections. Examples include: tests, quizzes, essays, presentations, and final projects.
• All summative assessments (outside of tests and quizzes) have rubrics, which are the set of standards you’re judging students on. You do not need to include your rubrics in the lesson plan, but you should be making rubrics.

• You might list textbooks, worksheets, novels, calculators, or whiteboards. If you need to borrow a TV or need a link to a specific YouTube video, include that, too.
• Skip the basic school supplies every student needs. You don’t need to mention pens, pencils, etc.
• Need a worksheet or special materials for a class but don’t want to spend super long making them from scratch? Check out Teachers Pay Teachers . Seasoned educators sell their instructional material to other teachers for cheap!

• Over time, you’ll need to do this less and less. Eventually, you'll be able to go in with practically nothing at all!

• If you find yourself constantly running over your schedule, know what you can and cannot scratch. What must you cover in order for the children to learn most? What is just fluff and time killers?

• Odds are you'll be working with a pile of extroverts and introverts. Some students will benefit more from working alone while others will thrive in pair work or in groups. Knowing this will help you format activities to different interaction preferences. [11] X Research source
• You'll also wind up having a few students that know just about as much as you do on the topic and some that, while smart, look at you like you're from another planet. If you know who these kids are, you can plan accordingly.

Joseph Meyer

Effective teaching strategies consider a student's individual strengths. Tailoring instruction to a student's existing skills and encouraging collaborative activities can improve a student's outcome. Recognizing diverse learning styles allows for a stronger approach, fostering potential in all learners.

• Really, any activity can be manipulated to be done separately, in pairs, or in groups. If you have ideas already mapped out, see if you can revamp them at all to mix it up.

• Every student learns differently. Some need to see the info, some need to hear it, and others need to literally get their hands on it. If you've spent a great while talking, stop and let them talk about it.
• You will likely have some students with IEPs, or Instructional Educational Plans. These are legal documents for students with special needs that require specific instructional adjustments.

• The easiest thing to do is to come up with a quick concluding game or discussion. Throw the students together and have them discuss their opinions or ask questions.

• Avoid using shorthand or acronyms that only you’ll be able to understand.

Eric McClure

"It helps if your backup lesson plans are very easy to find and clearly labeled as substitute plans. If there are any handouts, print those out ahead of time as well. This is the kind of thing that’s easy to overlook early in the year, but trust me—you’ll need a day off at some point and when you do, you won’t want to come in just to drop off lesson plans."

• The warm up can be a simple game (possibly about vocab on the topic to see where their current knowledge lies (or what they remember from last week!). Or, it can be questions, a mingle, or pictures used to start a conversation. Whatever it is, get them talking and thinking about the topic.

• Go over the objective at the beginning of class! Always let your students know why they’re doing what they’re doing.

• This is often explained by teachers as “I do, we do, you do.” In other words, you show them how to do it. Then, the whole class does it together. Finally, the students do it on their own.
• If you have time for two activities, all the better. It's a good idea to test their knowledge on two different levels -- for example, writing and speaking (two very different skills). Try to incorporate different activities for students that have different aptitudes.

• If you've been teaching the same group for a while, odds are you know the students who might struggle with certain concepts. If that's the case, pair them with stronger students to keep the class going.
• You don't want certain students left behind, but you also don't want the class held up, waiting for everyone to get on the same level.

• It all depends on the subject at hand and the skills you want to use. It can be anything from a 20-minute puppet making project to a two-week long dalliance with the oversoul in a heated debate on transcendentalism.

• If you have a group full of kids that can't be paid to raise their hands, turn them amongst themselves. Give them an aspect of the topic to discuss and 5 minutes to converse about it. Then bring the focus to the front of the class and lead a group discussion. Interesting points are bound to pop up!

• Assign and hand out any homework at the end of the class.

• Don’t worry if lesson planning feels really unfulfilling and pointless to you. A lot of new teachers think they feel like busy work at first—especially when classes don’t go as planned. Luckily, once you finish one year of teaching, you’ll have a full year’s worth of lessons to use! [24] X Research source Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
• Lesson plans typically cover a single class period, although a more complex lesson may require 2-3 days to get through. A single lesson plan may also bleed over into multiple classes if there’s a fire alarm, some behavioral issue that requires attention, or you have to modify your schedule due to a school-wide event. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 1

You Might Also Like

• ↑ https://www.nea.org/professional-excellence/student-engagement/tools-tips/5-tips-improve-your-lesson-plan
• ↑ https://www.calstate.edu/csu-system/why-the-csu-matters/graduation-initiative-2025/co-requisite-mathematics-summit/Handouts/Backmapping_example_and_template.pdf
• ↑ https://drexel.edu/soe/resources/student-teaching/advice/how-to-write-a-lesson-plan/
• ↑ https://iris.peabody.vanderbilt.edu/module/cnm/cresource/q4/p16/
• ↑ https://poorvucenter.yale.edu/Formative-Summative-Assessments
• ↑ https://jan.ucc.nau.edu/~slm/AdjCI/Lessonplan/Elements.html
• ↑ https://awildsurmise.medium.com/improving-teaching-scripting-5950e1d15f54
• ↑ https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/511257/Eliminating-unnecessary-workload-around-planning-and-teaching-resources.pdf
• ↑ César de León, M.Ed.. Educational Leadership Consultant. Expert Interview. 11 November 2020.
• ↑ https://onlineprograms.ollusa.edu/ma-in-counseling/resources/learning-styles-of-introverts-and-extroverts
• ↑ http://www.auburn.edu/~nunnath/engl6240/seating.html
• ↑ https://teach.com/what/teachers-know/learning-styles/
• ↑ https://www.ascd.org/el/articles/pacing-lessons-for-optimal-learning
• ↑ https://www.chalk.com/introduction-to-lesson-planning/why-lesson-plan/
• ↑ https://www.edutopia.org/blog/having-an-off-day-josh-stock
• ↑ https://poorvucenter.yale.edu/teaching/teaching-how/chapter-2-teaching-successful-section/running-class
• ↑ https://readingrecovery.clemson.edu/home-2/reading-comprehension/lesson-structure/guided-practice/
• ↑ https://www.teachingenglish.org.uk/professional-development/teachers/knowing-subject/d-h/free-practice
• ↑ https://teaching.cornell.edu/teaching-resources/engaging-students/using-effective-questions
• ↑ https://www.tefl.net/elt/ideas/younglearners/finishing-preschool-english-lessons/

About This Article

If you need to make a lesson plan, start by creating a timeline based on the length of the class or the school day. As you get to know your class throughout the year, try to tailor your lesson plan to their strengths. For instance, some groups might learn better by taking notes during a lecture, while others might benefit more from group discussions or worksheets. Try to include several different activities during each class period so the kids don’t get bored, and also to appeal to the different learning styles in the classroom. Read on for sample lesson plans and more tips on how to budget your time! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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How To Create a Lesson Plan to Engage Your Students (with Template)

Written by Maria Kampen

• Teacher Resources

• What is a lesson plan and what is it used for?
• How to create a good lesson plan
• Tips for making different types of lesson plans
• Get started with free lesson plan templates

Lesson planning can be a huge time commitment, especially if you’re new to teaching. But a good lesson plan template can save you hours of prep time and help you feel more confident when it comes to guiding your student’s learning. 

Keep reading to find out how to write lesson plans that set you up for success — weeks, months or even years from now. Then download our free daily, weekly and monthly templates to get you started!

A lesson plan is a brief, detailed description of what’s going to happen during the lesson , including:

• Learning objectives or goal
• Teaching strategies you’ll use
• Materials needed for the lesson
• Goals or assessment methods for the end of the lesson or unit

A lesson plan is your blueprint for making sure the class runs smoothly and students learn effectively. From introducing the topic to the types of assessment you’ll use at the end of the unit, it helps guide your teaching and keep classroom activities on track. 

A good lesson planning template can help you:

• Stay organized and on track
• Be more effective with your teaching strategies
• Plan for different levels of learning in your classroom

A daily, weekly or monthly lesson plan can help you save time planning and keep your classroom organized . Plus, it gives school leaders an idea of what you’ll be covering in your classroom and can help substitute teachers jump in at the last minute. 

A good lesson plan template gives you a planning shortcut and helps you keep track of relevant materials or which techniques worked best. 

Every teacher’s lesson plan looks a little different, so feel free to adjust as necessary to meet the needs of your students. Follow the six steps below to help you create yours!

1. Set lesson objectives

The first step of knowing how you’re going to do something is to figure out what you’re going to do. Using curriculum requirements or even Common Core standards, explicitly state what students should know how to do do at the end of the lesson.  

The best learning objectives:

• Refer back to curriculum or core standards
• Can be measured and assessed by teachers
• Are written clearly, without jargon or extra fluff
• Are achievable for students, regardless of ability

To craft good learning objectives, consider using the SMART goal formula:

• Specific — What skills are students learning?
• Measurable — How will students be assessed?
• Achievable — Is the goal possible, given student ability and lesson time? 
• Relevant — How does this skill fit into the rest of the unit?
• Time-bound — How long should it take students to master this skill?

2. Share learning requirements

Sharing lesson requirements with students can help them understand the why behind what they’re learning and make connections across topics. 

Build out space in your lesson plan to go over learning objectives with students at the beginning of the lesson or unit. Instead of working towards an uncertain end goal, this actively involves them in the planning process and helps them build a growth mindset .

While this is more effective for older students, phrase lesson objectives in a way all students can understand, and be specific. 

3. Include lesson materials

Worksheets, PowerPoint presentations, podcasts — in today’s classrooms, there’s an endless supply of digital and physical resources to plan your lessons with. 

In each lesson plan, clearly lay out what materials you’ll need and where you (and your students) can find them . Host digital materials on a classroom website or learning management system for easy access, and consider including copies of physical resources with your lesson plan so you don’t lose what you need. 

While you’re planning, think about what students need to be successful. Depending on their learning style or your teaching methods, include materials like:

• Grading rubrics
• Charts and diagrams
• Copies of primary or secondary sources
• Instructions for classroom games or activities

Write down where to find them and record if you’ll need devices for students, to make sure you’re prepared. 

4. Define lesson procedures

When you’re standing at the front of the classroom and all your students are ready to learn, what are you going to do first? This is where the bulk of your lesson planning lies.

Your lesson procedures determine what’s going to happen in your classroom. This can be anything you think students will respond to best, including:

• Learning activities
• Independent practice
• Opportunities for differentiation
• Specific teaching methods you’ll use

Plan ways to help students warm up their skills or introduce a new topic. You could start with connecting the topic to real-life events, activating prior knowledge or giving students time to explore a relevant question in pairs. 

Then, plan lessons that help you give information to students and allow them to practice it for themselves. This could be a mixture of group work, blended learning or independent practice.

5. Designate grading and assessment methodology

As you plan the end of your lesson or unit, build in techniques that help you assess understanding and wrap up your lesson. Common ways of checking student knowledge include formative assessments , exit tickets and quick class surveys.

For every assessment you have planned, include clear criteria to help students succeed. This could include:

• A detailed rubric
• Examples of good work
• A syllabus with grade breakdowns and due dates

Include these materials in your lesson plan to help students understand what’s expected of them, and ensure you’re using curriculum-based measurements to truly assess learning. 

6. Create your lesson plan outline

Once you’ve gathered all this information together, build a lesson plan outline to help make the process smoother . Every time you plan a lesson, you should be able to drop relevant info into your outline and speed up the planning process 

Make a space to add in your learning objectives, materials and methods. If you have regular activities, like a morning warm-up or entry ticket, add them into the master copy to save time. 

Make a master copy to keep at your desk. When it comes time to plan your lessons, you’ll have a detailed outline ready to go. 

Add space at the end to record observations after the lesson. If you have time, write down a few quick points about what worked and what didn’t, so you can use the information to make the next plan even better!

To get you started, we put together a package of free daily, weekly and monthly lesson plan templates. Download them now!

A preschool teacher’s lesson plan doesn’t look the same as a high school science teacher’s. In fact, your lesson plans might even look different depending on your unit or the students in your classroom!

Daily, weekly and monthly lesson plans can help you adapt to the realities of day-to-day teaching and find what works best for you. 

Daily lesson plan 

Daily lesson plans are a great place to get really specific about the minute-to-minute steps in your lesson. 

Follow the steps laid out above and include:

• Specific classroom activities, with instructions
• Ways to keep students engaged during the lesson
• What materials you plan to use and where to find them

These lesson plans are easy to give to substitute teachers in a pinch, so keep an extra copy in your classroom.

Download a daily lesson plan template.

Our Prodigy teachers made a sample daily lesson plan for a 2nd grade class learning about contractions, including materials, worksheets and in-class activities. Download the lesson plan PDF here and use it in your classroom!

Weekly lesson plan

Weekly lesson plans can help you get a bigger picture look at what students are doing in your classroom over the course of a week. 

In your weekly lesson plan, include:

• The parts of the day that stay the same 
• Space to make sure students are retaining information
• A brief overview of what activities you’re going to use in each class

Use weekly lesson plans to make daily lesson plans easier and help you work faster. 

Download a weekly lesson plan template.

Monthly lesson plan

If a weekly lesson plan is a bigger picture, a monthly lesson plan is a bird’s eye view of everything you need to cover in a month or a unit . 

This is where you can make sure your lesson plans are always aligned to state standards and you’re not falling behind in your teaching plan.  

If you have a team of educators who teach the same grade or subject, work with them to create a monthly lesson plan that structures outcomes and makes sure learning happens at the right pace. 

Download a monthly lesson plan template.

Preschool lesson plan

In preschool, students are focused on building kindergarten readiness skills and key social emotional skills. It’s less academically rigorous than higher grades, so your lesson plan should reflect that! 

In your preschool lesson plan, focus on activities and hands-on experiences . Social emotional learning activities can help students learn the importance of cooperation, sharing and self-expression, while play-based learning activities can guide exploration and help develop new skills. 

Your lesson plan should allow for flexibility and student choice. Use it to structure days effectively and make sure students hit milestones and build foundational skills. 

Middle school lesson plan

In middle school, students have more opportunities to learn independently and take charge of their own projects — with your guidance, of course. 

Build time for group work and individual work, with clear guidelines. Make sure you communicate academic and behavioral expectations to help students be successful. 

Help students build a growth mindset and share lesson objectives to give them an opportunity to actively participate in their own learning. 

High school lesson plan

When you’re focusing on one subject at a time in high school, you have the opportunity to drill deeper into materials and instructional techniques . 

Your lesson plan should also have opportunities for self-directed learning, as well as a variety of digital and physical resources to keep students engaged and expand their learning experiences. 

Don’t be afraid to try new teaching strategies and dive into teaching theory to boost student learning! Monthly lesson plans are especially helpful for getting through a broad range of topics and keeping pace with the curriculum.

Distance learning lesson plans

While a remote learning plan follows the same basic template as an in-person plan, remote teaching is very different from classroom instruction. 

Include a mix of digital and physical resources to keep students engaged as they learn online. Keep students and parents on the same page with lesson objectives and materials posted on your classroom website.

Include time for small groups and breakout rooms to foster connection, and have troubleshooting solutions handy in case of technological glitches. 

Include a mix of synchronous and asynchronous activities to accommodate student learning styles and schedules. 

Lesson planning can be daunting at the beginning of the process. It’s a lot to keep track of, but any experienced teacher will tell you it’s worth it — and it gets easier over time. 

Download our free monthly, weekly and daily lesson plans to get a head start on your planning!

And check out our articles on specific types of lesson plans:

• 1st Grade Lesson Plan: “More” and “Less”
• 2nd Grade Lesson Plan: Number Patterns and Skip Counting
• 3rd Grade Lesson Plan: Borrowing in Subtractio n
• 4th Grade Lesson Plan: Calculating Perimeter, Area, and Volume
• 5th Grade Lesson Plan: Mental Multiplication
• 6th Grade Lesson Plan: All About Quadrilaterals
• 7th Grade Lesson Plan: Angle Hunt and Classroom Design
• 8th Grade Lesson Plan: Understanding Sampling Techniques
• English Lesson Plans
• Reading Lesson Plans

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Enhancing Learning Outcomes with the 5E Lesson Plan Framework

Afia Siddiqui

Afia, a writer at Suraasa, is a literary explorer who dives deep into stories, navigating the vast ocean of words. When not immersed in books, she finds serenity in swimming, gliding through the water with grace.

What is the 5E Lesson Plan?

The 5 phases of the 5e lesson plan, sample 5e lesson plans for different subjects, tips for implementing the 5e model lesson plan in your classroom, benefits of using the 5e model lesson plan in the classroom.

Think about it: teaching methods have come a long way from the days of chalkboards and rote memorization. Today’s classrooms are buzzing with interactive, hands-on learning that connects real-world experiences with academic concepts. As educators, you’re likely on the lookout for effective 5E lesson plan models to make your teaching more engaging and impactful.

So, what is 5e lesson plan? This innovative framework, also known as the 5E model lesson plan, is designed to align with modern teaching practices by focusing on interactive and inquiry-based learning.  It helps bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application through real-life examples and exploratory activities. By adopting the 5E lesson plan, you can create more dynamic lessons that resonate with your students and enhance their learning experiences. Embrace this evolution in education to make your classroom a more engaging and effective place for learning. In this blog, you’ll discover how the 5E lesson plan can elevate your teaching practice.

Table of Contents:

• What is 5E Lesson Plan?  
• The 5 Phases of the 5E Lesson Plan: A structured approach with phases—Engage, Explore, Explain, Elaborate, Evaluate
• 5e lesson plan Science
• 5e lesson plan English
• 5e model lesson plan Social Science, and
• 5e lesson plan examples Math
• Tips: Practical advice and tools like Suraasa’s AI tool for planning.
• Benefits: Increases student engagement, understanding, and effective learning
• ‍ Conclusion: By the end, you’ll have a clear roadmap for designing lessons that captivate and engage your students, leading to better learning outcomes and a more rewarding teaching experience.

Free 5E Lesson Plan Template!

The 5E lesson plan is a powerful framework designed to make teaching more engaging and effective. This model offers a structured approach to lesson planning that centers on student interaction and inquiry.  But what exactly is the 5E model lesson plan, and how can it benefit your classroom?

At its core, the 5E lesson plan is all about creating a dynamic learning environment. The framework includes five phases—Engage, Explore, Explain, Elaborate, and Evaluate—that guide the teaching process.  Each phase plays a crucial role in ensuring that students are not only exposed to new information but also actively involved in their learning journey. The purpose of the 5E based lesson plan is to enhance student engagement and comprehension. By starting with engaging activities, students are motivated to explore and investigate the topic.  You then provide explanations to help clarify and solidify their understanding. The model encourages students to apply their new knowledge in various contexts and concludes with an evaluation to assess their learning progress. The 5E model lesson plan has become a valuable tool for educators like you looking to create more engaging and effective lessons.  By implementing this approach, you can transform your teaching practice and foster a more interactive and successful learning environment.

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Now, let's delve into each of these phases in detail to see how they contribute to a comprehensive and engaging lesson plan.

The 5E lesson plan framework includes five distinct phases, each playing a crucial role in creating an engaging and effective learning experience. Let’s break down each phase, exploring its purpose and how you can implement it in your classroom.

Phase 1 : Engage

This initial phase is designed to spark students' interest and connect the new lesson to what they already know. It’s all about grabbing attention and setting the stage for deeper learning.

Objective ‍

Capture students' interest and connect the lesson to their prior knowledge. ‍

• ‍ Questions: Pose intriguing questions that challenge students and provoke curiosity. ‍ ‍
• ‍ Multimedia: Show a short video, image, or animation related to the lesson topic to draw students in. ‍
• Hands-On Activities: Introduce a fun and interactive activity that relates to the lesson content to create excitement. ‍
• ‍ Interactive Question: Start with a question like, “What happens if we mix these two substances?” to get students thinking. ‍
• Multimedia Clip: Play a video that introduces the topic in a visually engaging way. ‍
• Mystery Box: Use a box filled with objects related to the lesson and have students guess what they are and how they relate to the topic. ‍

Phase 2: Explore

In this phase, students dive into hands-on activities that allow them to investigate the topic more deeply. It’s all about discovery and interaction.

Allow students to investigate the topic through hands-on activities and collaborative tasks.

• ‍ Group Work: Organize students into groups to work on experiments or explore concepts together. ‍
• Experiments: Provide materials and guidance for students to conduct their own investigations. ‍
• Interactive Tasks: Design tasks that require students to engage with the material actively, such as building models or solving problems. ‍
• ‍ Science Experiment: Have students test different materials to see which one is the best insulator.
• ‍ Exploration Stations: Set up stations with various activities related to the lesson, like hands-on experiments or interactive simulations.
• ‍ Role-Playing: Let students act out scenarios related to the lesson to explore concepts in a practical way. ‍

Phase 3: Explain

After exploration, this phase focuses on clarifying and consolidating students' understanding. Direct instruction and discussion are key components here.

Facilitate understanding through direct instruction and student explanation. ‍

• ‍ Discussions: Lead a class discussion where students share their findings and ask questions. ‍
• Lectures: Provide clear and structured explanations of the key concepts using visual aids and examples. ‍
• Multimedia Presentations: Use slideshows or digital tools to present information in an engaging manner. ‍ ‍
• ‍ Concept Mapping: Create a visual diagram that shows the connections between key concepts. ‍
• Direct Instruction: Use a demonstration to clearly explain a scientific principle or concept. ‍
• Interactive Whiteboard: Allow students to contribute to a digital whiteboard to build and explain ideas together. ‍

Phase 4: Elaborate

This phase encourages students to extend their learning by applying concepts in new and varied contexts. It’s about deepening their understanding and fostering critical thinking.

Extend students' understanding and apply knowledge in new contexts.

• ‍ Projects: Assign projects that require students to use what they’ve learned in creative ways. ‍
• Real-World Applications: Provide scenarios or problems that show how the concepts can be applied outside of the classroom. ‍
• Further Research: Encourage students to research related topics or delve deeper into areas of interest. ‍
• ‍ Design Challenge: Have students create a prototype or design a solution based on principles learned in the lesson. ‍
• Case Studies: Analyze real-world examples related to the lesson’s concepts, like studying sustainable practices. ‍
• Extended Research: Assign a research project where students investigate a related topic and present their findings. ‍

Phase 5: Evaluate

‍ The final phase involves assessing students' grasp of the material. This includes evaluating their understanding through various assessment tools and techniques.

Assess students' understanding and skills to gauge their progress and mastery of the lesson. ‍

• ‍ Formative Assessments: Use quick quizzes, exit tickets, or observations to monitor student understanding throughout the lesson. ‍
• Summative Assessments: Implement tests, presentations, or major projects to evaluate overall learning at the end of the lesson. ‍
• Self-Assessment and Peer Review: Allow students to assess their own work and provide feedback to their peers. ‍ ‍
• ‍ Quiz: Administer a short quiz to test students’ comprehension of the key concepts. ‍
• Project Presentation: Have students present their projects and explain how they applied what they learned. ‍
• Reflection Activity: Ask students to write a reflection on their learning experience and how they can use the new knowledge.

By following these phases, the 5E lesson plan framework helps create a comprehensive, engaging, and effective learning experience. Each phase builds on the previous one, ensuring that students are actively involved and able to grasp and apply the material effectively.

Let's dive into our sample section featuring lesson plans across various subjects.

Here are templates that showcase 5E lesson plans across different subjects. Each template is designed to help you with structuring your lessons according to the 5E model: Engage, Explore, Explain, Elaborate, and Evaluate. Note: We have different images for each subject and a downloadable template at the end for you to customize and use in your own classroom .

Science Lesson Plan

Here’s a detailed “5e lesson plan Science” on the water cycle using the 5E Model:

English Lesson Plan

Here’s a detailed “5e lesson plan examples English” on narrative writing, using the 5E Model:

Social Studies Lesson Plan

Here’s a detailed “5e model lesson plan Social Science” on Ancient Civilizations, using the 5E Model:

Maths lesson plan

Here’s a detailed “5e lesson plan examples Math” on fractions, using the 5E Model:

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Looking for a flexible lesson plan template that you can easily customize for any subject or grade level.

Next, let’s dive into some practical tips for implementing the 5E model lesson plan effectively in your classroom.

Successfully integrating the 5E model lesson plan into your teaching practice can greatly enhance student engagement and learning outcomes.  Here are some practical tips and tricks to help you overcome common challenges and make the most of this dynamic teaching model:

1. Plan Ahead

Effective implementation of the 5E model lesson plan requires thorough planning. Before you start, take time to outline each phase of the lesson. Think about how you will engage students, what exploratory activities you’ll use, how you’ll explain concepts, and the kinds of elaborative tasks you’ll assign.  By planning ahead, you can ensure that each phase flows smoothly and that you’re prepared for any unexpected challenges.

2. Start with Clear Objectives

For each phase of the 5E lesson plan, set clear and achievable objectives. Define what you want your students to learn and how each phase contributes to these goals.  This will help you stay focused and ensure that your lesson is aligned with your learning outcomes.

3. Use Varied and Interactive Resources

Incorporate a mix of resources to keep students engaged. Use multimedia elements, hands-on activities, and interactive tools to make the lessons more dynamic.  For example, you might use videos and simulations in the Engage phase, or hands-on experiments in the Explore phase. Variety keeps students interested and caters to different learning styles.

4. Encourage Collaboration and Communication

The 5E model emphasizes active learning and student interaction. Promote collaboration through group work and discussions, especially during the Explore and Elaborate phases. Encouraging students to share their ideas and work together helps deepen their understanding and builds a supportive learning environment.

5. Be Flexible and Adapt

While the 5E model provides a structured approach, flexibility is key. Be prepared to adapt your lesson based on student needs and responses.  If an activity isn’t working as planned, be ready to make adjustments to keep students engaged and ensure they achieve the learning objectives.

6. Incorporate Formative Assessments

Throughout the lesson, use formative assessments to gauge student understanding and provide feedback. This can include quick quizzes, exit tickets, or informal observations.  These assessments help you identify areas where students may need additional support and adjust your instruction accordingly.

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7. reflect and refine.

After each lesson, take time to reflect on what worked well and what could be improved. Gather feedback from your students and consider their responses when planning future lessons.  Continuous reflection and refinement will help you enhance your implementation of the 5E model and better meet the needs of your students. In the next section, we’ll dive into the benefits of using the 5E model in the classroom and how it can enhance student engagement and learning outcomes.

The 5E lesson plan model offers several compelling advantages that can significantly enhance your teaching and students' learning experiences. Here’s a closer look at the key benefits of implementing the 5E model lesson plan in your classroom:

1. Flexible Evaluation Opportunities

The 5E lesson plan allows for both formal and informal evaluation methods. This flexibility means you can assess students' understanding through various techniques—whether through structured tests or more informal observations during activities.  This approach accommodates real-life teaching scenarios and provides a more comprehensive view of student progress.

2. Bridges Knowledge Gaps

One of the major advantages of the 5E lesson plan is its ability to address and fill knowledge gaps. By guiding students through engaging activities and explorations, the model ensures that foundational concepts are solidified before moving on to more complex topics.  This step-by-step approach helps build a strong knowledge base and supports better overall learning.

3. Fosters a Scientific Approach to Learning

The 5E model encourages a scientific approach to learning, emphasizing inquiry and investigation. Students actively explore and experiment, which cultivates critical thinking and problem-solving skills.  This method not only helps students understand concepts more deeply but also prepares them to approach new challenges with a scientific mindset.

4. Strengthens Teacher-Student Connections

The 5E lesson plan framework helps teachers connect with students on a deeper level. By engaging students in interactive and hands-on activities, teachers can better understand their needs and interests.  This connection fosters a more supportive and responsive learning environment, where students feel valued and understood.

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5. promotes individuality and personal growth.

The 5E model encourages students to explore their interests and develop a sense of individuality. Through phases like Elaborate, where students apply their knowledge in varied contexts, students have the opportunity to pursue their interests and express their creativity.  This approach helps students build confidence and a personal connection to their learning.

6. Expands Students’ Areas of Interest

By incorporating diverse activities and applications, the 5E lesson plan broadens students’ areas of interest. The model exposes students to various aspects of a topic and connects learning to real-world applications.  This exposure helps students discover new interests and encourages a lifelong love of learning.

7. Utilizes Diverse Teaching Aids

The 5E model often involves a variety of teaching aids and methods. Teachers can integrate hands-on learning experiences, multimedia resources, and choice boards to cater to different learning styles.  This variety keeps students engaged and supports diverse ways of understanding and interacting with the material.

Overall, the 5E lesson plan model offers a range of benefits that enhance teaching effectiveness and student engagement.  By incorporating this model, you can create a more dynamic and responsive learning environment that supports students' academic and personal growth. 

In summary, the 5E lesson plan model is a powerful tool for enhancing teaching and engaging students. By following the phases of Engage, Explore, Explain, Elaborate, and Evaluate, you can create dynamic and effective lessons across various subjects.  Whether you're working with a 5E lesson plan for English, Science, Social Science, or Math, understanding what the 5E lesson plan is and how it can be applied will help elevate your teaching practice.  Embrace this model to see how it can transform your classroom and improve student learning outcomes. Use these 5E model lesson plan examples to create engaging and effective lessons. Download our 5E lesson plan template for a head start!

The 5 E's of a lesson plan refer to the phases of the 5E model: Engage, Explore, Explain, Elaborate, and Evaluate. Each phase plays a crucial role in guiding students through an interactive and effective learning process.

To write a 5E model lesson plan, start by outlining activities for each of the five phases: Engage (capture interest), Explore (hands-on investigation), Explain (direct instruction), Elaborate (apply knowledge), and Evaluate (assess understanding). Ensure that each phase is designed to build on the previous one, creating a cohesive learning experience.

The 5E model of teaching is a framework developed to enhance student learning through a structured approach. It includes five phases—Engage, Explore, Explain, Elaborate, and Evaluate—that aim to foster deeper understanding and active participation in the learning process.

A 5-step lesson plan typically includes these components: 1) Engage: Capture students' interest. 2) Explore: Allow hands-on investigation. 3) Explain: Provide direct instruction. 4) Elaborate: Extend understanding with real-world applications. 5) Evaluate: Assess student comprehension and skills.

The 5E model lesson plan is a teaching framework developed by BSCS that structures lessons into five phases: Engage, Explore, Explain, Elaborate, and Evaluate. This approach helps create interactive and effective learning experiences by involving students in various ways throughout the lesson.

The 5E lesson plan model was developed by the Biological Sciences Curriculum Study (BSCS) in 1987. It was created by Rodger W. Bybee and Nancy M. Landes as part of the "Science for Life and Living" program.

A 5E lesson plan is an instructional model that organizes lessons into five distinct phases—Engage, Explore, Explain, Elaborate, and Evaluate. This model aims to create a more engaging and effective learning environment by involving students in active inquiry and application of knowledge.

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