Lesson Plan Template
Fill in a clear, structured lesson plan: objectives, standards, materials, a timed step-by-step procedure, assessment and differentiation. Pick the standard 5-step, 5E, gradual release or Madeline Hunter format, watch the plan build on the right, and download it as a PDF or an editable Word document.
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How to use the Lesson Plan Template
- Fill in the lesson details: title, subject, grade, date and how many minutes you have.
- Write the objectives one per line, starting with an action verb ("Students will be able to compare…"), and add standards, vocabulary and materials.
- Choose a lesson model and press Apply model to set up the procedure steps, then describe what happens in each step and adjust the minutes.
- Add assessment and differentiation so you know how you will check learning and support every student.
- Press Download PDF or Download Word, or Print, to keep the plan or hand it to a substitute or mentor.
Lesson models at a glance
| Model | Steps | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Standard 5-step | Warm-up, direct instruction, guided practice, independent practice, closure | Everyday lessons in any subject |
| 5E | Engage, Explore, Explain, Elaborate, Evaluate | Science and inquiry lessons where students discover first |
| Gradual release | I do, We do, You do together, You do alone | Reading, writing and math strategies that need modeling |
| Madeline Hunter | Anticipatory set, objective, input, modeling, check for understanding, guided practice, independent practice, closure | Teaching a defined skill step by step; formal observations |
Action verbs for objectives
Objectives are easier to assess when the verb describes something you can see or hear. Grouped loosely from simpler to more complex thinking:
| Thinking level | Example verbs |
|---|---|
| Remember | list, name, label, recall, define |
| Understand | explain, summarize, describe, classify |
| Apply | solve, use, demonstrate, calculate |
| Analyze | compare, contrast, organize, distinguish |
| Evaluate | justify, critique, defend, judge |
| Create | design, compose, construct, plan |
Tips for a plan that survives the real classroom
- Time every step. Transitions and handing out materials take longer than expected; leave two or three minutes of slack.
- Plan the check, not just the activity. Write how you will know students got it (exit ticket, whiteboards, thumbs up) for each objective.
- Write it so a substitute could teach it. Short, concrete instructions ("pairs, 3 minutes, one shared sheet") help you too.
- Use the reflection box. A two-line note right after class makes next year's version better.
Frequently asked questions
What should a lesson plan include?
A complete lesson plan states the learning objectives, the standards it addresses, the materials needed, a timed sequence of activities (procedure), how learning will be checked (assessment) and how the lesson will be adapted for different learners. Many plans also list key vocabulary, an essential question and homework.
How do I write a good learning objective?
Describe what students will be able to do by the end of the lesson using a measurable action verb, such as identify, compare, solve, explain or design. "Students will be able to compare two fractions with unlike denominators" can be checked; "students will understand fractions" cannot.
What is the 5E lesson plan model?
5E is an inquiry-based sequence often used in science: Engage (spark curiosity), Explore (hands-on investigation before explanation), Explain (introduce the concepts and vocabulary), Elaborate (apply them to a new situation) and Evaluate (assess understanding). Choose 5E in the Lesson model menu and press Apply model.
What is the Madeline Hunter lesson plan?
It is a direct-instruction model with eight elements: anticipatory set, objective and purpose, input, modeling, checking for understanding, guided practice, independent practice and closure. It works well for teaching a clearly defined skill step by step.
Can I edit the lesson plan in Word or Google Docs?
Yes. Download Word (.docx) gives an editable document with headings and tables that opens in Microsoft Word, Google Docs, LibreOffice and Pages. Use the PDF when you only need to print or share a fixed copy.
Why does the procedure show minutes over or left?
The tool adds the minutes of every procedure step and compares the total with the lesson duration you entered, so you can see at a glance whether the plan fits the class period. Adjust the step times until it shows a check mark.
Is my lesson plan stored online?
No. The draft is saved only in your own browser so it is there when you return, and the PDF and Word files are created on your device. Nothing is uploaded.
Are all the tools on FreeToolCabin tested for quality and accuracy?
Yes! Every tool on our site undergoes automated Q/A testing in real browser environments to ensure high precision, correct output, and zero errors. If you happen to spot a bug or have a suggestion, please contact us at [email protected] and our team will review it right away.
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