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Free Lesson Plan Templates

Fill in a lesson plan template right here, then download it as Word, PDF or Google Docs. Or print it blank. Every template is free with no sign-up.

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The standards the lesson addresses: Common Core or state standard codes, with a short description.

What students will be able to do by the end. Start with a measurable verb: "Students will be able to…"

Everything you need to prepare: texts, slides, manipulatives, handouts, tech.

Words students need to understand and use.

A short opener that grabs attention and connects to prior learning.

Lesson procedure

Each step with its timing: direct instruction, guided practice, independent work.

Support, extension, English learners, IEP/504 accommodations. Describe groups and needs, not named students.

How you will know they met the objective: exit ticket, observation, quiz, work sample.

How students sum up what they learned before they leave.

Optional practice or an extension task.

What worked, what to change, who needs a re-teach.

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    Templates for every need

    Daily lesson plan templateOne plan per lesson, saved by date, with a week view.Weekly lesson plan templateMonday to Friday grid by subject or period.Blank lesson plan templatePrint an empty form in any of 14 formats.Simple lesson plan templateJust the essentials: objective, steps, check, close.Lesson plan template: Word, Google Docs, PDFDownload as .docx, paste into Google Docs or save a PDF.Elementary lesson plan templateK–5 template with a Grade 1 phonics example.Secondary lesson plan templateMiddle and high school, with a chemistry example.Special education lesson plan templateIEP goals, accommodations and data collection.

    What goes in a lesson plan template?

    A good lesson plan template has room for the objective, standards, materials, an opening, the main activities with timings, differentiation, assessment and closure. That's what the template above includes. Leave out what you don't need: empty sections are dropped when you print or download.

    Want a different structure? The format menu switches to the 5E, Madeline Hunter, UDL, SIOP and other lesson plan models, or the UK lesson plan with WALT and WILF.

    Three ways to use these templates

    • Type and download. Fill in the form, then press Word, PDF or Copy for Google Docs.
    • Print blank. Press Print blank template for a form to fill in by hand, or Blank Word template for an editable file.
    • Keep a planner. Plans save in your browser. Date them and use Week view to see the week at a glance.

    Worked example: Standard lesson plan

    Here is a complete example made with the maker above. Use it as a model, or load it into the form and change it to suit your class.

    Standard lesson plan (US)

    Finding the main idea

    SubjectEnglish language arts (reading)Grade3
    DateLength45 minutes

    Standards

    CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.3.2 (determine the main idea of an informational text and explain how key details support it).

    Learning objectives

    Students will be able to identify the main idea of a short nonfiction passage and name three details that support it.

    Materials and resources

    Article "Why Bees Matter" (one page, two reading levels)

    Main idea "table" graphic organizer (tabletop + 3 legs)

    Chart paper and markers

    Exit ticket slips

    Key vocabulary

    main idea, key detail, topic, support

    Warm-up / hook (5 min)

    Show a photo of a messy desk. Ask: "If you had to describe this picture in one sentence, what would you say?" Link the one-sentence summary to the idea of a main idea.

    Lesson procedure

    TimeActivity
    10 minModel with a short paragraph about sea turtles: underline the topic, then think aloud to turn it into a main idea sentence. Fill in the "table" organizer: main idea on top, details as legs.
    10 minGuided practice: read the first two paragraphs of "Why Bees Matter" together. Pairs agree on a main idea and two details; share on whiteboards.
    12 minIndependent practice: students finish the article and complete their own organizer. Teacher confers with a small group.

    Differentiation and accommodations

    Support: easier version of the article with key sentences highlighted; sentence starter "This text is mostly about…".

    Extension: write a second main idea for one paragraph and compare it to the whole-text main idea.

    English learners: picture glossary for bee vocabulary; partner talk before writing.

    Assessment

    Exit ticket: a new short paragraph. Students write its main idea and one supporting detail. Sort into "got it / almost / not yet" for tomorrow's groups.

    Closure (5 min)

    Turn and talk: "How is a main idea different from a topic?" Two pairs share.

    Homework / extension

    Read a page of any nonfiction book at home and tell a family member its main idea in one sentence.

    Planned time: 42 minutes of 45

    Common Core State Standards codes are cited for reference only; see the official Common Core site for the full standards. © Copyright 2010. National Governors Association Center for Best Practices and Council of Chief State School Officers. All rights reserved.

    Frequently asked questions

    Are these lesson plan templates free?

    Yes. Every template, format and download is free, with no sign-up.

    Can I download a lesson plan template in Word?

    Yes. Press Word (.docx) for your filled-in plan, or Blank Word template for an empty one you can edit in Word or Google Docs.

    Which lesson plan template should I use?

    For everyday lessons, the standard template above works for most teachers. For inquiry science use 5E, for direct instruction Madeline Hunter, and for planning around a wide range of needs UDL.

    Can I change the sections?

    You can leave any section empty and it won't appear in your printout or download. To change the whole structure, pick another format from the menu.

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