What are the 5 parts of a lesson?
Out of the 3types of lesson plan, detailed and semi-detailed plans are the ones that
canbe broken down into 5 parts. The 5 parts of a lesson plan differ across websites
andeven across primary schools as there are many variants, but the most common
ways ofdividing lessons are listed below:
1. Objectives
This is possibly the most important out of the 5 parts of a lesson plan, they are
thereason the lesson exists and should drive the activities. It is realistically the first
thing ateacher should do, giving the whole lesson a statement of purpose. Objectives
shouldanswer what students will be capable of doing by the end of the lesson, this is
what teachers should start with. They may include things such as explain, create,
define oruse as just a few examples.
Often objectives use SMART criteria, they should be 1. SPECIFIC, 2.
MEASURABLE, 3. ATTAINABLE, 4. RELEVANT AND 5. TIME-BASED.The aims you
look at should be specific enough to be achieved in that particular lesson,even if the
lesson works towards a greater overarching aim.
"To develop an appreciation of creative writing"
"To develop an appreciation of creative writing in the short story 'The Looking Glass'
by Anton Chekhov."
In the examples above, the second aim is much more appropriate in one single
lessonas it is something that can be achieved in one lesson.
2. Subject matter The subject matter includes the specific topic and how that relates
back to the NationalCurriculum. It should include the sources of information or
references - whether that iswebsites, textbooks or some other material.It likely also
lists any objects or tools teachers may use to enhance their lessons.
3. Procedure
The procedure makes up the body of the plan, it is an explanation of how the lesson
willprogress step-by-step. For detailed plans, this includes the expected routines, the
activities that will go on andthe questions and answers. For semi-detailed, this is
more about the procedures orsteps and the methods that teachers will use to get
there.
4. Evaluation
Evaluation is where teachers weigh up how well children understand what they've
beenin that lesson, this may be as simple as some multiple-choice questions or a
formativetest. Teachers will then want to look at the proportion of class who got the
answers right.
5. AssignmentThe assignment component of a plan is made up of questions,
exercises and set ofpractice specified by the teacher including focused specific
questions.
6 Steps to building an effective lesson plan
These six steps provide a foundation for building a great lesson plan. As you get
more familiar with the six steps, you may find that you tweak them to better serve
your students. But here are the fundamentals to start with.
Step 1: Identify your learning objectives
The first step in any lesson plan is to identify the end goal. You will want to identify
clear and measurable learning objectives so that your learning plan is very focused.
Clear objectives state exactly what you want your students to achieve by the end of
the lesson.
After identifying these objectives, you should double-check that they are both aligned
with curriculum standards and appropriate for the students' grade level.
Finally, you should make sure that there are ways to make achieving the objectives
fun and engaging.
Step 2: Work with your grade level team
The next step in building a good lesson plan is to collaborate with your grade level
team to ensure that everyone is on the same page with their teaching strategies,
materials, and assessment methods.
By collaborating with other teachers, everyone can share insights on effective
teaching practices and exchange ideas to improve the overall educational experience
for students.
You may even discover ways to coordinate your lesson plans with colleagues and
lessen the workload for everyone. And by sharing worksheets or other materials,
students across different classrooms will receive the same educational experience.
Step 3: Design your learning activities & content
The third step is to develop a well-structured outline for your lesson that
encompasses an introduction, instruction, practice and assessment components.
You should also make sure to organize the content in a way that makes the most
sense to students. It should be easy to follow and be presented in a clear way.
Next comes choosing an engaging and relevant learning activity. Ideally, this activity
will cater to various learning styles and capture your students’ interest. By keeping
them engaged in the lesson, this activity will create a better learning experience.
Step 4: Determine how you will assess knowledge
While we most often think of tests as the way that we assess students’ knowledge,
there are lots of other options for assessing learning. Depending on your learning
objectives and teaching styles, you may use quizzes, discussions, or projects as
assessment tools.
It should be clearly specified when and how these assessments will be administered.
You could choose to do it during the lesson or at the end of the lesson.
It is incredibly important to ensure that your assessments not only focus on rote
memorization but also deeper comprehension and critical thinking skills.
Tip: Consider using game-based platforms like Prodigy Math to deliver assessments
that help take the anxiety out of testing in your students.
Step 5: Adapt & modify according to students’ needs
While it’s important to spend time before a lesson prepping and preparing, it’s just as
important to be flexible and willing to adjust on the fly. While teaching your lesson,
you should continuously monitor students' understanding and engagement during the
lesson.
If you notice that they don’t seem to be getting a concept, spend a little more time on
it. If they all seem to be bored with an activity quicker than you thought they would
be, just move on to the next thing.
Have a plan to differentiate your instruction to accommodate the different learning
styles and abilities in your classroom.
The best lesson plan will have adaptations to maximize each students’ learning
experience. Consider the various teaching styles, like game-based learning, that may
hold your students’ interest while teaching them effectively.
Step 6: Review & edit
Even if you thought that you made the best lesson plan possible, there are likely
some points that you will see could be improved at the end of the school day.
Take time after teaching a lesson to reflect on what worked well and what didn’t go
as great. Make notes and tweaks while everything is fresh in your mind.
If you teach the same grade each year, store the lesson plan (and its improvements)
away for the next year. Or share it and what you learned with your fellow teachers for
feedback and collaboration.
The importance of a high-quality lesson plan
The value of a high-quality lesson plan can’t be overstated.
High-quality lesson plans ensure that the key components of what you want your
students to learn are emphasized. By focusing your efforts, students will make
measurable progress in their understanding of the material.
Effective lesson plans also offer engaging activities and strategies that capture
students' attention and maintain their focus throughout the lesson. The last thing you
want is students thinking about lunch or their after-school activities during the math
lesson!
Additionally, well-planned lessons prevent wasted time in the classroom. With a clear
structure, teachers can maximize class time and cover more content in the limited
time that they get with students.
Particularly in high school, where the subject matter becomes more complex, a high-
quality lesson plan is even more important. It ensures that students receive a well-
rounded education and the opportunity to grasp the main points of each lesson,
supporting their overall academic success.
Lesson Plan
Can I use lesson plan templates to build my lesson plans?
Yes, lesson plan templates can be a great tool to structure your lessons effectively.
Templates provide a framework for organizing your weekly lesson objectives,
activities, and time frame.
Templates help maintain consistency. If you plan to be gone for some reason, a
template can make it easier for substitute teachers to follow the plan.
You can also personalize templates to suit your learners' needs and tailor the lesson
to their prior knowledge and abilities.
How can I adapt my lesson plan to accommodate different learning styles and
abilities?
You should consider employing various teaching strategies to address diverse
learning styles, such as visual aids, worksheets, and hands-on activities. Not every
student learns the same way, so we shouldn’t teach every student the same way.
If you aren’t sure where your students are at or how the lesson may need to be
tweaked for them, consider giving a formative assessment. This could be a quiz and
discussion that gauges student understanding and lets you know how to adjust your
teaching approach.
