Developing a Lesson Plan: How to Write Understandable Lesson Plans

In an age where teachers are being held more accountable than ever, having the ability to write effective and understandable lesson plans is crucial for both beginning and experienced teachers. However, what initially seems to be a simple task - outlining what you will teach to a class - often becomes an exercise in frustration for many teachers and academic personnel. Described below are some tips to help ease the struggle teachers may face in developing lesson plans to organize their instruction.

Think about the purpose of a lesson plan. Lesson planning is not only an activity to hold teachers accountable, but it is also a way to help you organize your curriculum. Lesson plans can serve as a record of what information you have presented to your class as well as a method for tracking successful means of instruction. Plus they are vital to a substitute to teacher in case you are ever absent.

Allow time to develop a lesson plan. Planning an effective lesson takes time and thought. It is not in the best interest of you or your students to put together a lesson "on the fly". Try to prepare your subject matter at least 48 hours in advance.

Develop your plan with care. Be sure to include the following elements in your lesson plan:

Decide what your students will learn. Look at the current curriculum and determine the next logical sequence of instruction. What is the new skill or knowledge, students will gain after the class is over? Include reference notes and materials so you can have them ready if you need them. Any handouts should be attached to the lesson plan as well.

Next, reflect on what your students already know. Is there new information they need to have before they can move on to what you want them to learn? How will today's lesson tie to yesterday's? Keep copies of any materials you may need to refer to with your lesson plan.

Determine how the students will learn the new knowledge or skill. Will you deliver it in a lecture format or via a hands-on-activity? Describe in detail the methods you will use to deliver instruction. (Remember, it may not be you teaching the class, so be clear and precise in your descriptions.) Be sure to include in your lesson plan the places materials are located as well as lists of materials that are needed for the activity. Also, if any students have special needs or will need special help with the activity you may want to note it here.

Evaluate the outcome of the lesson. How will you know the students learned the information or skill? Attach any assessment tools to the lesson plan.

Critique your lesson plan. Ask other people to read your lesson plan and solicit their feedback. This will help you learn to write clear, concise plans that are easily understood and implemented by yourself and other teachers.

Research lesson plans. If you are still struggling, go online and search for lesson plan templates. Having a format in front of you may give your teaching creativity the push it needs to begin the lesson plan process. Also, ask colleagues and other teachers for examples of lesson plans and start a collection of the ones you find useful. While, as a teacher, you should focus on developing your own "style" of instruction and planning, you may be inspired by the work of others.

Above all - have fun! Don't let yourself become so caught up in the mechanics of lesson planning, that you forget to be creative! Creativity is essential in a teacher. If you do not have to submit your lesson plans on a standardized form, use colored paper or maybe a metallic colored pen to write with! These quirky additions may give your plan the boost it needs!