Essential Tips for Effective Lesson Planning: A Guide for New Teachers

1. Start with Clear Learning Objectives

Before you begin planning, identify the learning objectives for your lesson. What do you want your students to know, understand, or be able to do by the end of the class? Objectives should be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART). For example, in a science class, a learning objective might be, “Students will be able to identify and describe the stages of the water cycle.” 

2. Align with Curriculum Standards 

Ensure that your lesson objectives align with the curriculum standards set by your school, district, or state. This alignment ensures that your lessons contribute to broader educational goals and help students meet required benchmarks. It can be helpful to note curriculum standards directly on your lesson plan as a north star for your planning. 

3. Begin with an Engaging Hook 

Start your lesson with an activity or question that captures students’ interest and sets the stage for learning. This could be a thought-provoking question, a short video clip, or an intriguing fact. For example, in a history lesson on ancient civilizations, you might start with, “What if you woke up one day in ancient Egypt? What do you think your day would be like?” 

4. Use a Variety of Teaching Methods 

Incorporate different teaching methods to cater to diverse learning styles. Use a mix of lectures, discussions, group work, hands-on activities, inquiry-based learning activities, and multimedia presentations. For instance, in a language arts lesson, you could have a short lecture on literary devices, followed by group work where students identify examples in a text, and conclude with a creative writing exercise. 

5. Include Guided Practice 

Provide opportunities for students to practice new skills with your guidance. This step helps reinforce learning and allows you to assess their understanding. For example, after teaching a math concept, work through a few sample problems together before letting students try on their own. Having students complete math problems on individual whiteboards as you circulate around the classroom allows you to provide immediate feedback and ensure students understand the concepts that were taught. You can even make a game of it and have them hold up their whiteboards when they are finished, allowing the first student with the correct answer to share their work with the class.   

6. Plan for Independent Practice 

After guided practice, give students time for independent practice. This could be in-class work or homework. This helps solidify their understanding and provides you with valuable feedback on their progress. Ensure the tasks are challenging yet achievable. 

7. Allocate Time for Each Activity 

Estimate the time needed for each part of your lesson. This helps you stay on track and ensures that all essential elements are covered. Be flexible and ready to adjust if students need more time for certain activities. For instance, you might plan 10 minutes for the hook, 15 minutes for direct instruction, 20 minutes for guided practice, and 10 minutes for independent practice.  

8. Include a Closure Activity 

End your lesson with a summary or review activity that reinforces the key points. This could be a quick recap, a question-and-answer session, a short quiz, or an exit ticket. For example, in a biology class, you might end with a game where students match terms with their definitions, reinforcing the day’s vocabulary.  

Kahoot is one way to use technology to check for understanding at the class’s end.  Create a quick 5-minute Kahoot to discover where your students are struggling, so you can provide individualized assistance when needed.  

9. Plan for Assessment 

Determine how you will assess students’ understanding of the lesson objectives. Assessments can be formative, such as observations and quizzes, or summative, such as projects and tests. For example, in a geography lesson, a formative assessment might involve students labeling a blank map, while a summative assessment could be a project on a country’s culture and geography.  

It is crucial to do quick formative assessments, such as “fist-to-five” where students hold up fingers from zero to five to show their level of understanding. You can then use this data to drive your instructional choices in the classroom.  

Let’s revisit the earlier example where students label a blank map. In this case, doing a quick fist-to-five formative assessment first can give you an idea where students stand with the material. If most of the class puts up four or five fingers, you can hand out the maps, have them complete the assessment, and move forward without wasting valuable teaching time on a concept your students have mastered.  

10. Reflect and Revise 

After the lesson, take time to reflect on what worked well and what could be improved. Consider student engagement, the effectiveness of your teaching methods, and the clarity of your explanations. Use this reflection to adjust future lessons, including updating the lesson for use next year. 

11. Use a Lesson Plan Template 

A template can help you organize your thoughts and ensure you cover all necessary components. There are many templates available, or you can create your own based on your needs. Canva has several lesson plan templates you can customize to fit your needs.  

12. Plan but Stay Flexible 

While it’s important to plan, be prepared to adapt your plan based on students’ needs and classroom dynamics. Sometimes lessons don’t go as expected, and being flexible allows you to respond effectively. It’s always a good idea to have a plan B for your lesson. If the power goes out or your laptop isn’t working, what’s your backup plan for keeping students engaged?  

13. Collaborate with Colleagues 

Work with other teachers to share ideas and resources. Collaborating can provide new insights and help you develop more engaging and effective lessons. Websites such as Teachers Pay Teachers enable you to learn from and get lessons from other teachers to use in your classroom. Moreland alumni have access to a private group where they can ask questions, share lessons, and learn from educators around the world.  

14. Keep Resources and Materials Ready 

Gather all the resources and materials you need before the lesson. This includes handouts, visual aids, and technology. With handouts, it’s helpful to have a few extra copies on hand. Being prepared reduces stress and ensures a smooth flow of activities. 

Effective lesson planning is a skill that develops over time with experience and reflection. By setting clear objectives, using a variety of teaching methods, and incorporating assessment and reflection, you can create engaging and meaningful lessons for your students.  

Remember, flexibility and adaptability are key, and don’t hesitate to seek support from colleagues. With these practical tips, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a confident and successful teacher.