What is a lesson plan? This is a detailed plan for a single lesson or a series of lessons. It outlines the learning objectives, instructional strategies, assessment strategies, materials needed, and any accommodations that will be necessary for the lesson. A lesson plan is typically more formal and structured than a lesson note and may need to be approved by a supervisor or administrator. It is a tool that teachers use to plan and organize their instruction before the lesson.
There is a current misconception between lesson note and lesson plan, while both are very similar is use and practice, there is a slight difference between both as defined below.
A lesson note is a record of what happened during a lesson. It is a document that a teacher writes after the lesson to capture the main points covered, the activities that took place, and any feedback or observations about how the lesson went. A lesson note is often used for reflection and to inform future instruction. It is a more informal document than a lesson plan and can be written in a variety of formats.
In summary, a lesson plan is a plan for what will happen during a lesson, while a lesson note is a reflection on what happened during a lesson.
However, for the purpose of this article, I will be focusing on lesson plan, you can also read up on lesson notes to gain more insights.
At the end of this article, you should have been able to identify the following
- Differentiate between a lesson note and a lesson plan.
- Know how to draw up a lesson plan
- Contents of a standard lesson plan
- Lesson plan templates & formats
- Lesson plan samples
Since I have already differentiated the between a lesson plan and a lesson note, now I will be listing and explaining briefly, the contents of a standard lesson plan.
Contents of a Standard Lesson Plan
A standard lesson plan must contain the followings
Lesson Title: A clear and descriptive title that indicates what the lesson is about.
Learning Objectives: Clearly stated and measurable objectives that outline what the students are expected to learn or achieve during the lesson.
Standards: The state or national standards that align with the learning objectives.
Materials: A list of all the materials and resources needed for the lesson, including any technology, textbooks, handouts, equipment, or other materials.
Anticipatory Set: An engaging activity or discussion that captures students’ attention and activates prior knowledge.
Direct Instruction: A clear and concise explanation of the main concepts, skills, or ideas that students will be learning in the lesson.
Guided Practice: Activities or exercises that provide students with opportunities to apply the new knowledge or skills in a supportive and scaffolded environment.
Independent Practice: Activities or exercises that allow students to practice and apply the new knowledge or skills on their own, with opportunities for feedback and revision.
Closure: A summary of the key points of the lesson, and a discussion or activity that connects the lesson to larger concepts or skills.
Assessment: Clear and measurable assessment strategies that evaluate student learning and determine whether the learning objectives have been met.
Accommodations: Strategies or accommodations that address the diverse learning needs of students, such as visual or auditory aids, or additional supports.
Reflection: A reflection on the effectiveness of the lesson in meeting the learning objectives, and any changes that could be made to improve future instruction.
Please note that the above contents are not exhaustive, and you can customize your lesson plan to fit your teaching style, subject matter, and specific needs.
Now I will be giving your 5 template formats of a lesson plan you can work with as a guide to develop yours after which I will give samples to give you a much clearer example when writing yours.
5 Templates of a standard Lesson Plan
There are different designs you can adopt in drawing up your lesson plan. Below are 5 templates of lesson plan and the various designs.
Template 1: Standard Lesson Plan
Subject:
Grade Level:
Duration:
Objectives:
Materials:
Introduction:
Direct Instruction:
Guided Practice:
Independent Practice:
Assessment:
Closure:
Accommodations:
Reflection:
Template 2: Backward Design Lesson Plan
Subject:
Grade Level:
Duration:
Learning Goals:
Assessments:
Activities:
Materials:
Introduction:
Direct Instruction:
Guided Practice:
Independent Practice:
Closure:
Accommodations:
Reflection:
Template 3: Inquiry-Based Lesson Plan
Subject:
Grade Level:
Duration:
Essential Question:
Objectives:
Materials:
Introduction:
Exploration:
Explanation:
Elaboration:
Evaluation:
Conclusion:
Accommodations:
Reflection:
Template 4: Constructivist Lesson Plan
Subject:
Grade Level:
Duration:
Objectives:
Materials:
Introduction:
Exploration:
Explanation:
Elaboration:
Evaluation:
Closure:
Accommodations:
Reflection:
Template 5: 5E Lesson Plan
Subject:
Grade Level:
Duration:
Engage:
Explore:
Explain:
Elaborate:
Evaluate:
Materials:
Accommodations:
Reflection:
Having provided a lesson plan template as seen above, below are samples of a good lesson plan.
Samples of a Standard Lesson Plan
Sample 1: English Language Arts Lesson Plan
Lesson Title: Analyzing Theme in Short Stories
Subject: English Language Arts
Grade Level: 8th Grade
Duration: 60 minutes
Learning Objectives:
Students will be able to identify and analyze the theme in a short story.
Students will be able to use evidence from the text to support their analysis of the theme.
Standards:
Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts: RL.8.2, RL.8.3
Materials:
- Short story handouts
- Writing paper
- Pencils or pens
Anticipatory Set:
Engage students by asking them to brainstorm examples of themes in popular movies or TV shows. Discuss how themes help viewers understand the story’s message.
Direct Instruction:
Explain to students the definition of theme and how it differs from the plot. Use a short story example to demonstrate the process of identifying and analyzing a theme.
Guided Practice:
Break students into small groups and give them a short story handout. Ask them to read and identify the theme, then provide evidence from the text to support their analysis. Circulate the room and provide feedback and support as needed.
Independent Practice:
Ask students to choose a different short story from the handout and analyze its theme and evidence on their own. Have them write a brief essay that explains the theme and supports their analysis with evidence from the text.
Closure:
Have students share their analyses with the class and discuss how different themes emerge in different stories. Emphasize the importance of using evidence from the text to support their analysis.
Assessment:
Grade student essays based on their ability to identify and analyze the theme in the short story and use evidence from the text to support their analysis.
Accommodations:
Provide audio versions of the short stories for students with visual impairments.
Provide additional time or support for students who need extra assistance with reading or writing.
Reflection:
After the lesson, reflect on what worked well and what could be improved for future lessons. Consider adjusting the length of the lesson or providing additional examples to support student understanding.
Sample 2: Science Lesson Plan
Lesson Title: Properties of Matter
Subject: Science
Grade Level: 4th Grade
Duration: 45 minutes
Learning Objectives:
Students will be able to define and identify the physical properties of matter.
Students will be able to classify matter based on its properties.
Standards:
Next Generation Science Standards: (Class grade)
Materials:
Various objects of different materials and properties (e.g., rubber ball, wooden block, paper clip, aluminum foil, etc.)
Worksheet for recording observations
Anticipatory Set:
Engage students by asking them to describe what different objects are made of and what they look like. Discuss how these properties are important for understanding the object’s function.
Direct Instruction:
Explain to students the definition of matter and the different physical properties that can be used to describe it (e.g., color, texture, shape, size, etc.). Demonstrate how to classify matter based on its properties.
Guided Practice:
Pass out various objects to small groups of students and ask them to observe and record the object’s properties on a worksheet. Have them classify the objects based on their properties.
Independent Practice:
Ask students to choose a different object from a selection and complete the same worksheet on their own. Have them classify the objects based on their properties.
Closure:
Have students share their observations and classifications with the class. Discuss how different objects can have similar or different properties, and how these properties can be used to understand their function.
Sample 1: Math Lesson Plan for 5th Grade
Lesson Title: Multiplying Decimals
Subject: Mathematics
Grade Level: 5th Grade
Duration: 60 minutes
Learning Objectives:
Students will be able to multiply decimals up to two decimal places.
Students will be able to solve word problems involving decimal multiplication.
Standards:
Common Core State Standards for Mathematics: 5.NBT.B.7
Materials:
- Whiteboard and markers
- Multiplication chart
- Worksheets with decimal multiplication problems
- Word problems involving decimal multiplication
Anticipatory Set:
Engage students by asking them to share examples of where they use decimals in their daily lives, such as shopping or measuring. Discuss how decimals are important in solving real-world problems.
Direct Instruction:
Explain to students the process of multiplying decimals and how it differs from multiplying whole numbers. Use a multiplication chart to demonstrate the process.
Guided Practice:
Have students work in pairs to solve decimal multiplication problems on worksheets. Circulate the room and provide feedback and support as needed.
Independent Practice:
Ask students to solve word problems involving decimal multiplication on their own. Have them show their work and explain their reasoning.
Closure:
Have students share their solutions to the word problems and discuss how decimals are important in solving real-world problems.
Assessment:
Grade student worksheets and word problem solutions based on their ability to multiply decimals and solve word problems using the correct process and reasoning.
Accommodations:
Provide manipulatives or visuals to support students who struggle with multiplication.
Provide additional time or support for students who need extra assistance with reading or writing.
Reflection:
After the lesson, reflect on what worked well and what could be improved for future lessons. Consider adjusting the length of the lesson or providing additional examples to support student understanding.
Lesson plans are great tools to teachers when utilized. It makes teaching more effective and easy. Adoption of any of the lesson plan styles is acceptable so long as it is approved by the head teacher or whoever is authorized to approve it.
Please feel free to share or comment in the comment section below should you have any question(s) and I will gladly respond.
