Tips How To Write Lesson Plans

Posted by teacher on November 1, 2011

Writing lesson plans does not have to be difficult. This is the time that a teacher can show their creativity. Here is a how-to on how to create effective lesson plans that will help ensure success. You can use the Lesson Plan Template as you work through creating your lesson plans.

Difficulty: Average

Time Required: 2-4 hours

1. Begin with the end in mind. What do you want the students to learn from this lesson? What state or national standards are you meeting? What does the state or your district require? What age students are you trying to reach? How are you going to assess that learning? Once you’ve determined this, write a quick description and list out your objectives for the assignment.

2. Create a key vocabulary list that you will add to as you write out your lesson plan procedure. This will help you remember terms that you need to make sure the students understand as they work through the lesson.

3. Create a materials list and add to this as you write your procedure so that you know exactly what you will need including A/V equipment, number of copies, page numbers from books, etc.

4. Determine how you will introduce the lesson. For example, will you use a simple oral explanation for the lesson, an introductory worksheet, or an interactivity of some sort.

5. Decide the method(s) you will use to teach the content of your lesson. For example, does it lend itself to independent reading, lecture, or whole group discussion? Sometimes it is best to use a combination of these methods, varying teaching techniques: beginning with a couple minutes of lecture, followed by a short whole group discussion to ensure that the students understand what you have taught them.

6. Once you have determined how you will teach the content of the lesson, write out supporting information in your notes.

7. Determine how you will have the students practice the skill/information you just taught them. For example, if you have taught them about the laws of supply and demand in economics, how you will have them practice this information to truly gain an understanding of the material. Will you have them complete independent practice, use a whole group simulation, or allow students to work cooperatively on a project? These are just three possibilities of how you can have them practice the information.

8. Once you determine how students will practice the skills that you taught them, write out step by step instructions.

9. Create an end of period review.

10. Complete details for any homework or assessments that you will be giving the students.