Lesson Planning
What are Lesson Plans?
Lesson planning is an interesting topic. Like all other types of planning, it is something that is very unique and individualized to teachers. As it should be. Our plans are just that, ours. But that said, there are some things that they should have in them that is evidence that we have considered certain things and done our due diligence as educators.
On this page, I'm not going to tell teachers how you have to write lesson plans. All I will say is that they have to write them. The only way that I have seen teachers not have to write lesson plans is because their unit plans were so detailed they were a hybrid combo of unit and lesson plans. But for the rest of us, we need to ensure that we have a plan and follow it to ensure that we are teaching with purpose, working towards learning goals, and ensuring that our students are developing mastery of the curricular outcomes.
When it comes to what should be in a lesson plan, regardless of how it is written, I came across a pretty solid list of things that one should have in a lesson. The following comes from a book entitled New Teacher's Companion by Gini Cunningham (2009). Based on her experience, this is what all lesson plans need to have in them:
So there it is, another perspective on lesson planning. I hope that this perspective, along with the other resources on this page, is helpful and informative for lesson plan writing. Additionally, there are a number of other templates and examples that will showcase quality planning at this level.
Reference
Cunningham, G. (2009). Chapter 7. Lesson plans and unit plans: the basis for instruction. New Teacher's Handbook. Retrieved on Wednesday July 21, 2014 from www.ascd.org/publications/books/109051/chapters/[email protected].
On this page, I'm not going to tell teachers how you have to write lesson plans. All I will say is that they have to write them. The only way that I have seen teachers not have to write lesson plans is because their unit plans were so detailed they were a hybrid combo of unit and lesson plans. But for the rest of us, we need to ensure that we have a plan and follow it to ensure that we are teaching with purpose, working towards learning goals, and ensuring that our students are developing mastery of the curricular outcomes.
When it comes to what should be in a lesson plan, regardless of how it is written, I came across a pretty solid list of things that one should have in a lesson. The following comes from a book entitled New Teacher's Companion by Gini Cunningham (2009). Based on her experience, this is what all lesson plans need to have in them:
- Introduction - set a purpose, introduce key concepts/topic/main idea, pull students into the excitement of learning, and make the learning relevant.
- Foundation - check on previous knowledge, clarify key points, focus on specific standards/objectives/goals, check for correctness and add to background knowledge, and introduce key vocabulary.
- Brain Activation - ask questions to clarify ideas and add to knowledge, brainstorm main ideas, clarify and correct misconceptions.
- Body of New Information - provide teacher input.
- Clarification - Check for understanding with sample problems/situations/questions, provide time for practice and review.
- Independent Practice - supervise students' independent practice.
- Closure - bring lesson to closure.
So there it is, another perspective on lesson planning. I hope that this perspective, along with the other resources on this page, is helpful and informative for lesson plan writing. Additionally, there are a number of other templates and examples that will showcase quality planning at this level.
Reference
Cunningham, G. (2009). Chapter 7. Lesson plans and unit plans: the basis for instruction. New Teacher's Handbook. Retrieved on Wednesday July 21, 2014 from www.ascd.org/publications/books/109051/chapters/[email protected].
What do Lesson Plans need to consist of?
Please use the following Unit Planning Checklist to ensure that you have all the necessary components in your lesson plans.
alberta_education_lesson_planning_checklist.pdf | |
File Size: | 19 kb |
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Lesson Analysis
As teachers, we are or should be reflective creatures. This was ingrained in us during our university practicum(s) before we became working professionals. Sometimes, however, we don't realize that we are missing aspects or components of a lesson. As such, I have provided a checklist that can be used to help with the reflective process and ensure that all necessary components of a lesson are present. The form below can be used by teachers to assess their own efficacy; however, I have also created a similar spreadsheet that I will use when I come in and observe lessons in the classrooms. I will then share a copy of the spreadsheet as part of the observation process so that teachers can receive feedback specific to lessons and how effective they were.
edmonton_public_lesson_analysis_checklist.pdf | |
File Size: | 12 kb |
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Templates and Exemplars of Lesson Plans
The following are templates and exemplars of lesson plans that can help you effectively write your own lesson plans.
alberta_education_lesson_and_activity_planning_templates.pdf | |
File Size: | 232 kb |
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edmonton_public_lesson_plannning_templates.pdf | |
File Size: | 45 kb |
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lesson_plan_template.pdf | |
File Size: | 63 kb |
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lesson_plan_example_ela_grade_1-2_ell.pdf | |
File Size: | 248 kb |
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lesson_plan_example_ela.pdf | |
File Size: | 113 kb |
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