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Lesson Plan Template for Word, Google Docs and PDF

Fill in the template, then download a real Word file, paste into Google Docs with the formatting intact, or save a clean PDF. Blank versions too.

Your plans save automatically in this browser only. Nothing is sent to us or anyone else. Don't enter students' personal details.

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.

Save and share

My plans

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    Week

    Plans appear on the day set in their Date box. Click a plan to open it.

    Microsoft Word (.docx)

    Press Word (.docx). The file is created in your browser and downloads straight away. It uses normal Word headings and tables, so it opens cleanly in Word, Google Docs, Apple Pages and LibreOffice, and you can keep editing it.

    Google Docs

    Press Copy for Google Docs, open a new document (type docs.new in your address bar) and paste with Ctrl+V (Cmd+V on a Mac). Headings and tables come across. Or upload the Word file to Google Drive and open it with Google Docs.

    PDF

    Press PDF and choose Save as PDF as the printer. The PDF uses a clean print layout without the website around it, and empty sections are left out.

    Paper size: US formats download on Letter paper; the UK and EYFS formats use A4.

    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

    Is the Word file a real .docx?

    Yes. It is a standard Office Open XML document, the same format Word saves, so it can be edited anywhere.

    Why doesn't pasting into Google Docs keep my formatting?

    Make sure you used the Copy for Google Docs button, then paste with Ctrl+V rather than "paste without formatting". If your browser blocks rich copying, download the Word file and open it in Google Docs instead.

    Can I get a blank lesson plan template as a PDF?

    Yes. Press Print blank template and choose Save as PDF.

    Other lesson plan templates

    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.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.