How to write a good lesson plan and make your lesson planning easier

Lesson planning is the process of organizing and arranging a plan for a lesson. This plan should include the objectives, materials, and activities that will be used during the lesson.

Lesson planning is important because it allows teachers to effectively use their time in the classroom and helps them to provide students with meaningful lessons. By having a well-thought-out plan, teachers are able to better manage their classes and create an environment within which students can learn and grow.

When teachers plan their lessons, they must consider the age group they are teaching and the level of knowledge and expertise that each student already has. In other words, they must be sure to create activities and lessons which are appropriate and engaging to the learner. Additionally, the teacher must ensure that the lesson is structured in a way that allows the students to gain the most knowledge possible.

Good lesson planning can also help teachers to create a balance between student-led activities, teacher-led activities, and independent activities. Each lesson should include a variety of activities, and these must be carefully selected to meet the needs of the learners.

In summary, lesson planning is an important tool for teachers to use in order to provide students with effective lessons and to make the most of their classroom time. When properly planned, lessons can be fun, educational, and meaningful to students.

Enhance your writing skills with this informative piece, which is just one part of our comprehensive guide, “Master the Art of Writing“.

How to write a good lesson plan

Start by brainstorming all the topics and concepts you want to cover in your class

When you’re planning a lesson, it’s important to make sure that you cover all the bases. This means thinking of all the topics and concepts that you want to include, and then brainstorming ways to cover them.

It can be a lot of work, but we’ve got a few tips to help you get it done quickly and efficiently.

  1. Make a list of everything you want to cover. This is your starting point. Write down every topic and concept that you can think of, no matter how big or small. You can always narrow things down later, but for now, just get everything out there.
  2. Do some research. Once you have your list, it’s time to do a little digging and find out more about each topic and concept. What are the most important things for your students to know? What are some fun facts that will help them remember what they’re learning? The more information you have, the better equipped you’ll be to plan an effective lesson.
  3. Group similar concepts together. Once you’ve finished your research, it’s time to start grouping things together. Are there any topics or concepts that naturally go together? Are there any that could be covered in the same lesson? Organizing things this way will make it easier to plan later on.
  4. Create an outline. Now that you have everything organized, it’s time to start putting together an outline for your lesson plan. Begin by deciding what format you want to use, then fill in the details using the information you gathered in steps 1-3. If you need help getting started, there are plenty of resources available online (including our very own lesson plan templates!) 
  5. Make it your own! The final step is to add your own personal touches to your lesson plan. What activities will engage your students? What examples can you use to illustrate key concepts? Answering these questions will help you create a lesson plan that’s both informative and enjoyable for your students.

Make a list of objectives for each day – what do you want your students to learn by the end of the lesson/day/week/etc.

What makes for a good objective? What are the characteristics of an effective daily lesson objective? Here is a list of things to keep in mind when crafting your objectives.

  1. Be specific. A good objective is specific and clearly defined. It should be measurable and relevant to the day’s lesson. For example, “The students will be able to list the steps of the scientific method” is a good, specific objective. 
  2. Make it challenging but achievable. Your objective should challenge your students but still be achievable. If it is too easy, your students will be bored. If it is too hard, they will get frustrated and give up. 
  3. Write it down. Write your objectives down somewhere where you can refer back to them easily. This could be in a lesson plan book or on a whiteboard in your classroom. Having them visible will help you stay on track during the lesson.
  4. Check for understanding. At the end of the lesson, take a quick check for understanding to make sure that the students met the objective. This will help you adjust your teaching methods for future lessons. 
  5. Be flexible. Even with the best-laid plans, things don’t always go according to plan. Be prepared to change your objective if necessary based on how the lesson is going.

 

Plan out each day’s lesson, including what activities you’ll do and what materials you’ll need

Once you know your objectives, you can start planning the activities and materials you’ll need in order to meet them. Here are some tips:

Choose an engaging activity

If you’re teaching a grammar lesson, for example, instead of just having your students do a worksheet on sentence diagramming, have them write their own sentences and then diagram them. This way, they’re actively engaged in the material and more likely to remember what they’ve learned.

Use materials that are appropriate for your students’ level

If you’re teaching a group of beginners, make sure the materials you’re using are appropriate for their level. If you’re teaching a more advanced group, on the other hand, feel free to challenge them with tougher material. By using materials that are appropriately difficult for your students, you can ensure that they’re getting the most out of the lesson.

Plan for different types of learners 

Not all students learn in the same way. Some are visual learners, while others learn best by listening or doing. Make sure to include activities that cater to all different types of learners in your lesson plan. This way, everyone in the class will be able to get something out of it. You can see it during IB Internal Assessment in senior school.

Be prepared for anything 

No matter how well you plan, there’s always a chance that something will come up that you didn’t anticipate. Make sure you have a backup plan for every part of the lesson so that you’re prepared for anything that might happen.

Create a timeline for each unit or topic you’re teaching, outlining when each concept will be introduced and practiced

One of the best ways to keep your students on track and engaged is to create a timeline for each unit or topic you’re teaching. A timeline helps students see the progression of the unit, how each lesson ties in, and where they should be at each stage of the unit. 

Creating a timeline for each unit or topic you’re teaching is a simple process that can be done in three steps: 

  1. Choose the format of your timeline. There are many different ways to represent a timeline – you can use a traditional linear format, a mind map, or even create a pictorial representation. The important thing is to choose a format that will work best for you and your students. 
  2. Identify the key events or milestones in the unit. These could be major assignments, exams, or key concepts that need to be learned. 
  3. Place these events or milestones on your timeline in chronological order. If you’re using a mind map or pictorial representation, make sure to still clearly label the order in which things should happen. 

By following these simple steps, you’ll have a timeline for each unit or topic that you’re teaching in no time!

Online and offline resources for lesson planning

As a teacher, you have a variety of resources at your disposal to help you create effective lesson plans. Online resources, textbooks, worksheets, articles, and more can all be useful in creating well-rounded lessons that engage and excite your students. Here are some tips on how to make the most of both online and offline resources when creating your lesson plans.

Online Resources

There are a plethora of online resources available to teachers these days. When it comes to creating lesson plans, online resources can be particularly useful in providing up-to-date information on current events, offering creative ideas for hands-on activities, and more. A few of our favorite online resources for lesson planning are:

The New York Times Learning Network: The NYTLN offers free lesson plans for grades 3-12 on a variety of subjects that are aligned with Common Core State Standards. These lessons can be easily searched by grade level and subject matter. 

National Geographic Education: National Geographic offers a wide range of free lesson plans for grades K-12 on topics such as geography, science, and culture. These lessons are also aligned with Common Core State Standards. 

PBS Learning Media: PBS Learning Media is a comprehensive resource for PreK-12 teachers that offers free access to thousands of videos, images, games, lesson plans, and more. All of the materials on PBS Learning Media are aligned with state standards. Don’t forget to recommend your students applications that can help with writing assignments.

Offline Resources

While online resources are incredibly useful, don’t forget about good old-fashioned offline resources like textbooks and worksheets. Textbooks can provide an overview of a particular subject or topic, while worksheets can offer drills or practice problems for students to work on in class or as homework assignments. Here are a few ideas for using offline resources in your lesson planning: 

Incorporate textbook chapters into your lesson plans: Use chapters from your textbook as the basis for your lessons. This is a great way to ensure that you cover all the important material from the textbook without getting bogged down in the details. 

Use worksheets as supplemental materials: Worksheets can be used as supplemental materials in conjunction with other activities or they can stand alone as practice exercises. No matter how you use them, worksheets are a great way to provide extra practice for your students. 

Have students create their own textbooks: Assign students to create their own mini-textbooks on a particular topic. This activity not only allows students to show what they’ve learned but also helps them develop critical thinking and writing skills. 

Utilize articles from reputable sources:Articles from reputable sources such as newspapers, magazines, and websites can provide current information on any number of topics. Be sure to assign articles that are appropriate for your students’ reading level and that relate to the material you’re covering in class. 

Proofread everything before finalizing your plans – make sure all instructions are clear and concise

Once you’ve finished writing your lesson plan, it’s important to proofread it thoroughly to ensure there are no errors. Here are four proofreading tips that every teacher should know!

  1. Read your lesson plan aloud. This will help you catch any errors that you may have missed when reading silently. It will also help you gauge how well your lesson flows and ensure that it makes sense. If you get stuck on a particular part, make a note of it so that you can go back and revise later.
  2. Get someone else to read your lesson plan. It’s always helpful to get a second pair of eyes on your work. Ask a colleague or friend to read through your lesson plan and offer feedback. Be open to suggestions and corrections – they can only make your lesson plan better!
  3. Use spell check/grammar check. Even the best writers make mistakes from time to time. Before you print out or share your lesson plan, be sure to run spell check (and grammar check if available) to catch any typos or grammatical errors.
  4. Read through your lesson plan one more time before finalizing it. Once you’ve made all the necessary revisions, give your lesson plan one final read-through before calling it done. This will help you catch anything that may have been missed earlier on. And that’s it – following these simple proofreading tips will help you create a flawless lesson plan!

 

Prepare a Summary: Summarize the Main Points for Easy Reference

Planning and preparing a lesson is an important part of teaching. In order to ensure that the lesson runs smoothly, it is important to create a summary that includes the main points. This summary should be easy to reference and understand, so the audience can quickly grasp the key concepts.

A summary should include all the major details, while still being concise. If a lesson is particularly long or complicated, it can be helpful to break the summary down into smaller, manageable pieces. This allows the audience to quickly reference any key points, without having to read through the whole lesson plan again.

When creating the summary, it is important to consider the audience. Depending on the knowledge level of the learners, some parts may need to be simplified or elaborated upon. Additionally, the summary should be written in a way that is easy to comprehend, avoiding overly-complex language or jargon.

Once the summary has been written, it is beneficial to look it over a few times to ensure accuracy. Make sure that all the major points are included and that there are no errors. It can also help to discuss the main points with a colleague or friend, as they may pick up on anything that has been missed.

By preparing a summary of the main points, a lesson plan can be quickly and easily referenced. This allows the instructors to use their time more effectively and ensure their audience will fully understand the material.

Check for Prerequisites

Before you teach a lesson, it is important to make sure all the pre-lesson materials are available. This includes resources such as textbooks, worksheets, audio-visuals, reference materials, and any other items that may be necessary for your lesson plan. A thorough check of all prerequisites before the lesson begins will help ensure that your lesson is completed on-time and that no important pieces of information have been left out.

You should ensure that your audience has access to all the necessary materials so that they can understand the key concepts you will be teaching. You should also provide enough material for everyone in the class. In addition, you should have backup plans in case any materials become unavailable, or if any technical issues arise.

If any materials need to be prepared in advance, such as worksheets or handouts, examine them beforehand to make sure they are accurate and to ensure that any errors are corrected. If there is any software or equipment that needs to be installed prior to the lesson, do so ahead of time to make sure that everything is working correctly.

By making sure that all pre-lesson materials are available and ready to go, you will be setting your lesson up for success. Taking the time to properly prepare and check for prerequisites will give you the confidence to deliver a successful lesson.

Establish Ground Rules

It’s important to establish ground rules in any classroom or learning environment. Ground rules provide an opportunity for everyone involved in the lesson to understand what behavior is expected of them. This helps to create an atmosphere conducive to learning and ensure everyone feels safe and respected.

Ground rules can be anything that suits the learning environment. For example, they may include being on time, communicating respectfully, and listening to each other. It is also important to create a safe and comfortable space for learners, so allowing for breaks if needed and having snacks available are great ideas.

When establishing ground rules, it’s a good idea to get input from the learners. This not only encourages their participation in the lesson, but it also ensures that the ground rules are seen as mutually beneficial.

Finally, it’s essential to make sure the ground rules are consistently enforced. If rules are broken, it is important to address the issue immediately and be consistent in your approach.

Ground rules are an important part of any lesson plan and will help ensure everyone in the classroom feels respected and comfortable. Make sure to take the time to create ground rules that work for the environment, and reinforce them throughout the lesson.

Explain Why You’re Teaching: Explain to Your Audience Why This Information is Valuable

One of the most important aspects of writing a good lesson plan is to make sure you explain to your audience why the material you are teaching is valuable. Learners need to understand the relevance of the information for them in order to gain something from it. When you explain why you are teaching something and how it can help their lives, you create an emotional connection between them and the material.

For example, if you’re teaching them how to use a spreadsheet, you should explain why they need to know how to use a spreadsheet. You might tell them that it will help them better manage their finances or track their progress in any activity. By explaining why the material is valuable, you give your learners a reason to pay attention and take away something helpful from the lesson.

You can also tell stories related to the material. For instance, if you are teaching grammar, you can tell your students how you once saw someone make an embarrassing mistake because they didn’t know how to use a comma. This kind of story can help your students understand why the material is important and keep them engaged throughout the lesson.

In addition to explaining the value of the material, you should also let your students know why you are teaching it. Many people appreciate hearing that the instructor genuinely cares about helping them learn. You may also want to explain what makes you the right person to be teaching this lesson. For example, you could explain that you have been working with spreadsheets for years and want to share what you have learned with your students.

Overall, it is important to explain why you’re teaching and why the information is valuable for your audience. This helps you to create an emotional connection and foster learning. By providing context and background information, you help your students understand why the material is important.

Creating Written Plans: Step-by-Step

To ensure a successful and effective lesson, it is important to create written plans. This means creating an outline or plan for each phase of the lesson.

First, determine the length of the lesson. It’s important to be realistic with the timeframe and adjust the length of the lesson accordingly.

Next, identify key points to include in the plan. This may be topics, activities, demonstrations, etc. that are relevant to the lesson.

Then, create a timeline with everything necessary for the class. This includes the introduction, activities, discussion, review, assessment and concluding activity.

After that, it’s important to make sure that you have all the materials and resources needed for the lesson. This can range from handouts, worksheets, visuals, etc.

Finally, review the plan, making sure that all key points have been addressed. Make any necessary adjustments and edit for clarity.

When it comes to writing a good lesson plan, taking the time to create a well-crafted written plan will help ensure the success of the lesson.

Review the Plans

Once you have written your lesson plans, it is important to take the time to review and revise them. As you look through your plans, ask yourself if the lesson objectives have been met; if there is enough material to cover all of the objectives; if the methods are appropriate for the learners; and if the lesson is age-appropriate. Revising the plans ahead of time will help to ensure that the lesson runs smoothly and that your learners get the most out of it.

  • Are the lesson objectives met?
  • Have all of the objectives been addressed?
  • Are the methods appropriate for the learners?
  • Is the lesson age-appropriate?

It is also a good idea to review your plans with someone else for feedback. This can be a colleague, mentor, or supervisor – anyone who can provide an objective point of view. They may suggest changes or improvements to make the lesson more effective or engaging.

Lastly, review your plans just before the lesson to make sure everything is still in order. This is the time to think about any contingencies and to make sure that all materials are available. Taking the time to review and revise your plans will help to make your lesson run as smoothly as possible.

Conclusion

Creating well-thought out and engaging lesson plans doesn’t have to be difficult – use our tips and tricks to make sure your lessons are planned efficiently and effectively. And remember, there are lots of great resources available online and in print to help you out. Happy planning!

Nick Radlinsky

Nick Radlinsky

Nick Radlinsky is a devoted educator, marketing specialist, and management expert with more than 15 years of experience in the education sector. After obtaining his business degree in 2016, Nick embarked on a quest to achieve his PhD, driven by his commitment to enhancing education for students worldwide. His vast experience, starting in 2008, has established him as a reputable authority in the field.

Nick's article, featured in Routledge's "Entrepreneurship in Central and Eastern Europe: Development through Internationalization," highlights his sharp insights and unwavering dedication to advancing the educational landscape. Inspired by his personal motto, "Make education better," Nick's mission is to streamline students' lives and foster efficient learning. His inventive ideas and leadership have contributed to the transformation of numerous educational experiences, distinguishing him as a true innovator in his field.

ib dp visual arts

Visual Arts IA Topics: The Best Topic Ideas

In the vast world of art, the possibilities for your IA topic are nearly limitless. Yet, this abundance of choice can sometimes feel overwhelming. Whether you’re drawn to traditional painting techniques, the avant-garde movements of the 20th century, or the intersection of digital media and art, your chosen topic should ignite a spark of curiosity and passion within you.

Read More »

Theatre IA Topics: SL and HL Topic Ideas

Choosing the right topic for IA in the IB Theatre course is a crucial step that significantly influences your research process and overall learning experience. Whether in the Standard Level or Higher Level track, selecting your topic requires careful thought and consideration, aiming to balance personal interest with academic rigor. This guide offers a rich array of topic ideas and research questions to spark your creativity and intellectual curiosity in the vast world of theatre.

Read More »
Music IA topics

Music IA Topics for SL and HL Students

When selecting a topic for your IB Music Internal Assessment, both SL and HL students face a unique set of challenges and opportunities. As a seasoned IB educator with years of experience guiding students through this process, I’ve come to recognize the importance of choosing a topic that aligns with the IB criteria and resonates with your musical interests and strengths.

Read More »
Film IA Topics

Film IA Topics: SL and HL Topic Ideas

Choosing a topic for your IB Film Internal Assessment (IA) can be exciting and daunting. Whether you’re enrolled in the Standard Level (SL) or Higher Level (HL), the key is to select an option that not only intrigues you but also meets the criteria of the IB Film course. In this article, we dig into a variety of creative and thought-provoking ideas for both SL and HL Film IA topics.

Read More »
IB Dance IA

IB Dance IA Topics: SL and HL Ideas

When it comes to the IB Dance Internal Assessment (IA), students face the exciting challenge of exploring a topic that resonates with their interests and meets the academic rigor of the IB curriculum. I’ve seen how choosing the right topic can set the stage for an enriching learning experience. In this article, I’m thrilled to share some engaging topic ideas for both SL and HL students aimed at sparking creativity and intellectual curiosity.

Read More »
ib math aa

Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches IA Topics

Writing the Internal Assessment (IA) for IB Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches is a crucial step for any IB student, combining challenge and opportunity in equal measure. This article highlights the diverse and intriguing IA topics available to Standard Level (SL) and Higher Level (HL) students, helping them to use their mathematical skills in creative and meaningful ways.

Read More »