Hey there, Joyful Journey Makers! Let’s talk about something we all know is important but can sometimes feel like a time-consuming chore—lesson planning. It’s easy to feel like lesson plans are just another item on a never-ending to-do list, but I’m here to remind you that planning isn’t just busywork—it’s the secret sauce to a smooth-running classroom.
In this post, we’ll explore why good lesson planning is crucial, even when it feels like a hassle, and how it ultimately saves you time (and stress!) down the road. I’ll also introduce my Digital Lesson Plans Template, designed to make your life easier by organizing everything you need to plan for in one place! And, cause you’re pretty awesome, I’m giving this template to you for free so you can give this style of lesson planning a try!
Why Good Lesson Planning Matters (Even When It Feels Like a Hassle)
- It Reduces Stress: Let’s be real—winging it might work once in a while, but consistent lesson planning reduces those “What do I do next?” moments. By having a clear plan, you walk into class feeling confident and prepared, which translates into a calmer, more organized learning environment.
- It Keeps You On Track: Planning isn’t just about knowing what you’ll teach that day—it’s about ensuring you meet your learning objectives. When you have a detailed lesson plan, it helps you track progress, ensure content coverage, and adjust as needed to meet your students’ needs.
- It Supports Differentiation: With a well-thought-out plan, you can more easily differentiate instruction for your students. You’ll know where to add extra support for struggling learners and how to challenge advanced students without scrambling for ideas mid-lesson.
- It’s Your Backup Plan: Ever had one of those days where the technology fails, the copy machine jams, or your lesson doesn’t go as expected? A well-crafted lesson plan is your safety net. You’ll have something solid to fall back on, even when things go off course.
What Good Lesson Plans Are NOT
- Busywork: Planning isn’t about creating pages of documents you’ll never look at again. It’s about crafting a roadmap that guides your teaching and helps your students achieve their goals.
- Rigid Scripts: Lesson plans shouldn’t feel like scripts you have to follow word-for-word. They’re guidelines that give you flexibility to adapt and respond to your students’ needs in the moment.
Breaking Down my Digital Teacher Lesson Plan Template
Let’s take a closer look at how my Digital Teacher Lesson Plan Template is designed to make lesson planning easier and more effective. This template covers all the essentials you need to plan for, keeping everything organized and simple to use.
What’s Included:
- Objectives: At the top of your lesson plan, start by defining your learning objectives. What do you want your students to achieve by the end of the lesson? Having clear objectives ensures you stay focused on the most important outcomes and helps guide your instruction throughout.
- Materials: No more last-minute scrambling! This section lets you list all the materials you’ll need, from technology to textbooks to markers. It’s your one-stop-shop for gathering everything in advance, so you’re ready to roll when class begins.
- Introduction/Hook: Every great lesson needs an engaging hook to grab your students’ attention right from the start. Use this section to brainstorm a fun, interesting way to introduce the lesson and get students excited about what they’ll be learning.
- Direct Instruction: This is where you outline how you’ll present new information. Whether you’re giving a mini-lecture, reading a passage, or modeling a skill, use this section to jot down the key points you want to cover during direct instruction.
- Guided Practice: After introducing new material, it’s important to give students a chance to practice with your support. Use the guided practice section to plan for activities where students can work through problems or apply their learning, while you’re there to offer help and feedback.
- Independent Practice: Once students have practiced with your help, they’re ready to work independently. Use this section to plan for activities that allow students to apply their knowledge on their own. This could include worksheets, reading, or creative projects.
- Closure: Every lesson should end with a moment of reflection or summary. In this section, plan how you’ll wrap up the lesson. You might ask students to reflect on what they’ve learned, review key concepts, or preview what’s coming next.
- Assessment: Finally, use this section to decide how you’ll assess student learning. Will you use exit tickets? Quick quizzes? Observational checklists? This is where you’ll evaluate whether students have met the lesson’s objectives.
Why Lesson Planning Saves You Time in the Long Run
While planning might seem like extra work upfront, it actually saves you time down the line. Here’s how:
- Prevents Scrambling: When everything is prepped in advance, you’re not wasting time looking for materials or figuring out what to do next.
- Allows for Reflection: After the lesson, you can easily go back to your plan to reflect on what worked and what didn’t, helping you improve future lessons.
- Creates Flexibility: A well-thought-out plan gives you the freedom to adapt. When you know your lesson inside and out, it’s easier to make adjustments on the fly if things go off track.
The Gist of it All
Lesson planning might feel like a chore, but it’s one of the best things you can do to set yourself—and your students—up for success. With my Digital Teacher Lesson Plans Template, you’ll have everything you need to stay organized, focused, and ready to create dynamic, engaging lessons that meet your students’ needs.
Resources
Course design. CTE Resources. (2024, March 14). https://cteresources.bc.edu/documentation/learning-objectives/
School of Education, William & Mary. (1970, February 28). The importance of lesson planning for Student Success. William & Mary Education. https://counseling.education.wm.edu/blog/the-importance-of-lesson-planning-for-student-success