Five-Paragraph Essay Lesson Plan: Producing Writing

*Click to open and customize your own copy of the Five-Paragraph Essay Lesson Plan .

This lesson accompanies the BrainPOP topic, Five-Paragraph Essay , and supports the standard of developing an organized piece of writing with a clear thesis, relevant details, and a concluding statement. Students demonstrate understanding through a variety of projects.

Step 1: ACTIVATE PRIOR KNOWLEDGE

As a class, or individually, have students read Tim’s model essay, The Case For a Longer School Year. Ask:

  • What argument is Tim making in his essay?
  • What are his reasons or evidence for his argument?
  • Is Tim’s argument persuasive? Why or why not?
  • What is the purpose of the first paragraph? middle paragraphs? Last paragraph?

Step 2: BUILD KNOWLEDGE

  • Read aloud the description on the Five-Paragraph Essay topic page . 
  • Play the Movie , pausing to check for understanding.

Step 3: APPLY and ASSESS 

Assign the Five-Paragraph Essay Quiz , prompting students to apply essential literacy skills while demonstrating what they learned about this topic.

Step 4: DEEPEN and EXTEND

Students express what they learned about writing five-paragraph essays while practicing essential literacy skills with one or more of the following activities. Differentiate by assigning ones that meet individual student needs.

  • Make-a-Movie : Produce a movie where you present a persuasive argument that follows the format of a five-paragraph essay. 
  • Make-a-Map : Create a concept map that shows the features of each paragraph in a five-paragraph essay. 
  • Creative Coding : Code a meme that shows the benefits of using the five-paragraph essay format.

More to Explore

Related BrainPOP Topics : Deepen understanding of the writing process with these topics: Types of Writing , Writing in Sequence , Research , and Outlines . 

Teacher Support Resources:

  • Pause Point Overview : Video tutorial showing how Pause Points actively engage students to stop, think, and express ideas.  
  • Learning Activities Modifications : Strategies to meet ELL and other instructional and student needs.
  • Learning Activities Support : Resources for best practices using BrainPOP.

Lesson Plan Common Core State Standards Alignments

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Teaching the Compare and Contrast Essay through Modeling

essay format lesson plan

  • Resources & Preparation
  • Instructional Plan
  • Related Resources

Together, students and teacher use charts and Venn diagrams to brainstorm and organize similarities and differences between two objects. The teacher then models the beginning of the first draft, inviting students to help rephrase, clarify, and revise as the draft is written. Finally, students take what they have learned to complete the draft independently.

Featured Resources

Comparison and Contrast Guide : This student-centered online guide provides a thorough introduction to the compare and contrast essay format, including definitions, transitions, graphic organizers, checklists, and examples.

Venn Diagram : Use this online tool during prewriting to organize ideas for a compare and contrast essay.

From Theory to Practice

Rick VanDeWeghe writes of modeling: "teachers show how they go about the processes of reading and writing-drawing students' attention to the ways readers and writers think and the real decisions they make, especially when they themselves are challenged." In her book Conversations , Regie Routman explains why this modeling process is so successful: "It has always been our job to teach directly and explicitly in response to students' needs-carefully demonstrating, specifically showing how, clearly explaining. Whatever we want our students to do well, we first have to show them how. Of all the changes I have made in my teaching, adding explicit demonstration to everything I teach has been the single most important factor in increasing students' literacy" (24).

Further, writing out loud with students gives me an opportunity to show my enjoyment for the writing process. Students see that revision and editing are part of the fun, and that even teachers don't get it correct the first time. As an added bonus, students are frequently more eager to share personal writings with me for feedback once they see this process modeled.

Further Reading

Common Core Standards

This resource has been aligned to the Common Core State Standards for states in which they have been adopted. If a state does not appear in the drop-down, CCSS alignments are forthcoming.

State Standards

This lesson has been aligned to standards in the following states. If a state does not appear in the drop-down, standard alignments are not currently available for that state.

NCTE/IRA National Standards for the English Language Arts

  • 3. Students apply a wide range of strategies to comprehend, interpret, evaluate, and appreciate texts. They draw on their prior experience, their interactions with other readers and writers, their knowledge of word meaning and of other texts, their word identification strategies, and their understanding of textual features (e.g., sound-letter correspondence, sentence structure, context, graphics).
  • 4. Students adjust their use of spoken, written, and visual language (e.g., conventions, style, vocabulary) to communicate effectively with a variety of audiences and for different purposes.
  • 5. Students employ a wide range of strategies as they write and use different writing process elements appropriately to communicate with different audiences for a variety of purposes.
  • 6. Students apply knowledge of language structure, language conventions (e.g., spelling and punctuation), media techniques, figurative language, and genre to create, critique, and discuss print and nonprint texts.

Materials and Technology

  • LCD Projector hooked to a computer with a word processor, or an overhead projector
  • Word processor software
  • General classroom supplies (pencils, paper, etc.)
  • Compare and Contrast Chart Graphic Organizer (optional)
  • Comparison and Contrast Rubric (optional)

Preparation

  • Set the projector up so that the teacher is facing the class and able to type the text (or write easily on the overhead) and the class is able to follow along.
  • Familiarize yourself with the basic commands of the word processor on the computer that you're using.
  • Test the Venn Diagram student interactive, Comparison and Contrast Guide , and Compare and Contrast Map on your computers to familiarize yourself with the tools and ensure that you have the Flash plug-in installed. You can download the plug-in from the technical support page.
  • Prior to this lesson, students should have learned how to write introductions and conclusions. The ReadWriteThink lesson Leading to Great Places in the Elementary Classroom can be a useful resource for exploring introductory sentences.
  • (optional) For background information on the compare and contrast essay format, see Literacy Education Online's Comparison/Contrast Essays .

Student Objectives

Students will

  • define the characteristics of a comparison/contrast essay.
  • generate ideas for the group composition and their own essays as the process is modeled.
  • develop a final copy of a comparison/contrast paper.

Session One

  • Hold up or display two different objects for students to focus on as they explore the meaning of the terms compare and contrast. You might choose two different beverage options (juice versus milk), two candy bars (Milky Way versus Reese's Cups), or two different television programs ( SpongeBob SquarePants versus The Rugrats ). Be sure to choose items which students are familiar with so that the process of comparing the objects will be clearer to them.
  • Make two columns on the board or chart paper and invite students to brainstorm characteristics of first one of the objects (e.g., juice) and then the other object (e.g., milk). Invite students to add and revise information as they work, moving between the two columns.
  • If students need help building the lists of characteristics, ask leading questions such as "How do you decide which beverage you want to drink?" or "How do you decide which candy bar to buy?"
  • Ask students to identify characteristics that are included in both of the columns. Either mark these similarities using a different colored pen, or create a new chart with the column headings of "Comparison" and "Contrast."
  • Based on the information in the lists, lead a class discussion on the definitions of the words compare and contrast . Refer to examples on the charts to clarify the difference between the two terms.
  • As a class, brainstorm other ways students compare and contrast in their daily lives (sports teams, restaurants, toys, books, etc.). You can do this by pairing students in groups or 2-4 having them compose a list as a group and then as a coming together as a class to share ideas.
  • From there, you will brainstorm and generate a class definition of compare and contrast making sure they understand why comparing and contrasting is important by using examples as needed.

Sessions Two and Three

  • Use the Comparison and Contrast Guide to review information from the first class session as needed.
  • You can decide or allow the class to help you decide two things to compare and contrast for the class essay.
  • Use the "Graphic Organizer" tab on the Comparison and Contrast Guide to introduce the Venn Diagram. Alternately, you can use the Compare and Contrast Chart Graphic Organizer if you prefer.
  • Open the Venn Diagram Student Interactive . Alternately, you can draw a simple graphic organizer on the chalkboard of a Venn diagram (two overlapping circles).
  • Label the circles and brainstorm as a class what is different about your topics and drag the ideas to the appropriate circle and what is the same about your topic and drag those ideas to the overlapping part of the circles.
  • Print out the Venn Diagram, and make copies for students to use in later sessions.
  • Use the "Organizing a Paper" tab on the Comparison and Contrast Guide and the Compare and Contrast Map to introduce the Similarities-to-Differences structure.
  • Open a new word processor file, where you'll compose the first sections of the essay as a group.
  • Brainstorm an interesting lead with the class. Have several people give ideas and model for the class how to rearrange ideas and thoughts to come up with the best and most interesting beginning and continue writing as a class from there.
  • Demonstrate cut, copy, and paste commands for your word processor software.
  • As you write with your class, feel free to delete ideas and change them as better ones come up and reread what has been written before asking for the next idea to be sure that the thoughts flow nicely. Refer back to the Venn Diagram as necessary.
  • Use the "Transitions" tab on the Comparison and Contrast Guide to introduce the use of transitional words to increase coherence.
  • Save your class draft of the introduction and the section on similarities. If possible, share the file with students, so that they can continue writing the text in their own copy of the file. Alternately, print the file and makes copies for students.
  • Ask the students to continue the essay using the beginning that you've written together. They can add the section on differences and the conclusion in class or as homework.
  • Use the Comparison and Contrast Guide to review information as needed. Use the "Checklist" tab to explain the requirements for the finished essay. If desired, share the Comparison and Contrast Rubric with students as well.
  • Show students how to access the Comparison and Contrast Guide so that they can refer to the resource as they like while writing.
  • If students work in class, circulate among students, giving ideas and help.
  • Write another comparison and contrast essay, using the whole-to-whole or point-by-point organization explained in the "Organizing a Paper" tab on the Comparison and Contrast Guide .
History historical figures, maps of different time periods, states, time periods, books on the same historical subject Science scientists, weather patterns, plants in habitats Art paintings, artists' lives, different techniques Reading two different authors, two stories by the same author, books on the same topic by different authors, a book and the movie made from it

Student Assessment / Reflections

If possible, it is great to read the essay with the student individually and provide direct feedback. When this option is not available, constructive written comments are helpful. As you read the essays, keep notes on the aspects to review and share with the class later. For more structured feedback, use the Comparison and Contrast Rubric . After you have finished responding to the essays, review them with the class, adding advice as needed. You might go back and model an area where students needed more practice. Alternately, you can use the Compare and Contrast Guide to review the area.

This interactive tool allows students to create Venn diagrams that contain two or three overlapping circles, enabling them to organize their information logically.

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  • How to write an essay outline | Guidelines & examples

How to Write an Essay Outline | Guidelines & Examples

Published on August 14, 2020 by Jack Caulfield . Revised on July 23, 2023.

An essay outline is a way of planning the structure of your essay before you start writing. It involves writing quick summary sentences or phrases for every point you will cover in each paragraph , giving you a picture of how your argument will unfold.

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Table of contents

Organizing your material, presentation of the outline, examples of essay outlines, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about essay outlines.

At the stage where you’re writing an essay outline, your ideas are probably still not fully formed. You should know your topic  and have already done some preliminary research to find relevant sources , but now you need to shape your ideas into a structured argument.

Creating categories

Look over any information, quotes and ideas you’ve noted down from your research and consider the central point you want to make in the essay—this will be the basis of your thesis statement . Once you have an idea of your overall argument, you can begin to organize your material in a way that serves that argument.

Try to arrange your material into categories related to different aspects of your argument. If you’re writing about a literary text, you might group your ideas into themes; in a history essay, it might be several key trends or turning points from the period you’re discussing.

Three main themes or subjects is a common structure for essays. Depending on the length of the essay, you could split the themes into three body paragraphs, or three longer sections with several paragraphs covering each theme.

As you create the outline, look critically at your categories and points: Are any of them irrelevant or redundant? Make sure every topic you cover is clearly related to your thesis statement.

Order of information

When you have your material organized into several categories, consider what order they should appear in.

Your essay will always begin and end with an introduction and conclusion , but the organization of the body is up to you.

Consider these questions to order your material:

  • Is there an obvious starting point for your argument?
  • Is there one subject that provides an easy transition into another?
  • Do some points need to be set up by discussing other points first?

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Within each paragraph, you’ll discuss a single idea related to your overall topic or argument, using several points of evidence or analysis to do so.

In your outline, you present these points as a few short numbered sentences or phrases.They can be split into sub-points when more detail is needed.

The template below shows how you might structure an outline for a five-paragraph essay.

  • Thesis statement
  • First piece of evidence
  • Second piece of evidence
  • Summary/synthesis
  • Importance of topic
  • Strong closing statement

You can choose whether to write your outline in full sentences or short phrases. Be consistent in your choice; don’t randomly write some points as full sentences and others as short phrases.

Examples of outlines for different types of essays are presented below: an argumentative, expository, and literary analysis essay.

Argumentative essay outline

This outline is for a short argumentative essay evaluating the internet’s impact on education. It uses short phrases to summarize each point.

Its body is split into three paragraphs, each presenting arguments about a different aspect of the internet’s effects on education.

  • Importance of the internet
  • Concerns about internet use
  • Thesis statement: Internet use a net positive
  • Data exploring this effect
  • Analysis indicating it is overstated
  • Students’ reading levels over time
  • Why this data is questionable
  • Video media
  • Interactive media
  • Speed and simplicity of online research
  • Questions about reliability (transitioning into next topic)
  • Evidence indicating its ubiquity
  • Claims that it discourages engagement with academic writing
  • Evidence that Wikipedia warns students not to cite it
  • Argument that it introduces students to citation
  • Summary of key points
  • Value of digital education for students
  • Need for optimism to embrace advantages of the internet

Expository essay outline

This is the outline for an expository essay describing how the invention of the printing press affected life and politics in Europe.

The paragraphs are still summarized in short phrases here, but individual points are described with full sentences.

  • Claim that the printing press marks the end of the Middle Ages.
  • Provide background on the low levels of literacy before the printing press.
  • Present the thesis statement: The invention of the printing press increased circulation of information in Europe, paving the way for the Reformation.
  • Discuss the very high levels of illiteracy in medieval Europe.
  • Describe how literacy and thus knowledge and education were mainly the domain of religious and political elites.
  • Indicate how this discouraged political and religious change.
  • Describe the invention of the printing press in 1440 by Johannes Gutenberg.
  • Show the implications of the new technology for book production.
  • Describe the rapid spread of the technology and the printing of the Gutenberg Bible.
  • Link to the Reformation.
  • Discuss the trend for translating the Bible into vernacular languages during the years following the printing press’s invention.
  • Describe Luther’s own translation of the Bible during the Reformation.
  • Sketch out the large-scale effects the Reformation would have on religion and politics.
  • Summarize the history described.
  • Stress the significance of the printing press to the events of this period.

Literary analysis essay outline

The literary analysis essay outlined below discusses the role of theater in Jane Austen’s novel Mansfield Park .

The body of the essay is divided into three different themes, each of which is explored through examples from the book.

  • Describe the theatricality of Austen’s works
  • Outline the role theater plays in Mansfield Park
  • Introduce the research question : How does Austen use theater to express the characters’ morality in Mansfield Park ?
  • Discuss Austen’s depiction of the performance at the end of the first volume
  • Discuss how Sir Bertram reacts to the acting scheme
  • Introduce Austen’s use of stage direction–like details during dialogue
  • Explore how these are deployed to show the characters’ self-absorption
  • Discuss Austen’s description of Maria and Julia’s relationship as polite but affectionless
  • Compare Mrs. Norris’s self-conceit as charitable despite her idleness
  • Summarize the three themes: The acting scheme, stage directions, and the performance of morals
  • Answer the research question
  • Indicate areas for further study

If you want to know more about AI tools , college essays , or fallacies make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples or go directly to our tools!

  • Ad hominem fallacy
  • Post hoc fallacy
  • Appeal to authority fallacy
  • False cause fallacy
  • Sunk cost fallacy

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You will sometimes be asked to hand in an essay outline before you start writing your essay . Your supervisor wants to see that you have a clear idea of your structure so that writing will go smoothly.

Even when you do not have to hand it in, writing an essay outline is an important part of the writing process . It’s a good idea to write one (as informally as you like) to clarify your structure for yourself whenever you are working on an essay.

If you have to hand in your essay outline , you may be given specific guidelines stating whether you have to use full sentences. If you’re not sure, ask your supervisor.

When writing an essay outline for yourself, the choice is yours. Some students find it helpful to write out their ideas in full sentences, while others prefer to summarize them in short phrases.

You should try to follow your outline as you write your essay . However, if your ideas change or it becomes clear that your structure could be better, it’s okay to depart from your essay outline . Just make sure you know why you’re doing so.

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Caulfield, J. (2023, July 23). How to Write an Essay Outline | Guidelines & Examples. Scribbr. Retrieved March 13, 2024, from https://www.scribbr.com/academic-essay/essay-outline/

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Informative Writing

Our Informative Writing lesson plan teaches students the proper structure of an informative essay and the components that make it up. During this lesson, students use this information to write their own five-paragraph informative essay from start to finish.

Description

Additional information.

Our Informative Writing lesson plan develops written expression as students successfully write a five paragraph informative essay which clearly provides factual information and/or explanations about an expository topic. Starting with a collaborative group brainstorming session to model fact accumulation and categorization of ideas, this interactive lesson demonstrates the process of composing an informative writing piece. Students are asked to identify key elements of a given informative essay, such as topic sentences and the conclusion to reinforce their understanding and help them write their own essays.

At the end of the lesson, students will be able to successfully write a five paragraph informative essay which clearly provides factual information and/or explanations about an expository topic.

State Educational Standards: LB.ELA-LITERACY.W.4.2, LB.ELA-LITERACY.W.4.2.A, LB.ELA-LITERACY.W.4.2.B, LB.ELA-LITERACY.W.5.2, LB.ELA-LITERACY.W.5.2.A, LB.ELA-LITERACY.W.5.2.B, LB.ELA-LITERACY.W.5.2.C, LB.ELA-LITERACY.W.5.2.D, LB.ELA-LITERACY.W.6.2, LB.ELA-LITERACY.W.6.2.A, LB.ELA-LITERACY.W.6.2.B, LB.ELA-LITERACY.W.6.2.C, LB.ELA-LITERACY.W.6.2.D

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This is great lesson plan from start to finish. It provides an introduction as well as a closure to the lesson. In addition, an articles is included in the lesson. No need to search for articles that are grade appropriate.

Infomative Writing Lesson Plan

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  • ELA 2019 G8:M1:U3:L6

Painted Essay®: Analyze a Model

In this lesson, daily learning targets, ongoing assessment.

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Focus Standards:  These are the standards the instruction addresses.

  • RL.8.9, RI.8.1, W.8.2

Supporting Standards:  These are the standards that are incidental—no direct instruction in this lesson, but practice of these standards occurs as a result of addressing the focus standards.

  • RL.8.1, RL.8.2, RL.8.3, RI.8.3, RI.8.5, W.8.4, W.8.6, W.8.10, SL.8.1, L.8.6
  • I can analyze a Painted Essay® model to generate criteria of an effective compare and contrast essay. (RI.8.1, W.8.2)
  • I can analyze a model essay to determine criteria for my essay on a modernized monster. (RI.8.1, W.8.2)
  • Opening A: Entrance Ticket (RL.8.4, L.8.4a)
  • Work Time A and Closing and Assessment A: Painted Essay® template (RL.8.1, W.8.2, W.8.4, W.8.9a)
  • Work Time B and Work Time C: Informative Writing Checklist (RI.8.1, W.8.2)
  • Prepare Entrance Ticket: Unit 3, Lesson 6.
  • Familiarize yourself with the color-coding and the purpose of each choice of color in the Painted Essay®.
  • Ensure there is a copy of Unit 3, Lesson 6 Entrance Ticket at each student’s workspace.
  • Post the learning targets and applicable anchor charts (see Materials list).

Tech and Multimedia

  • Work Time A: Project a digital version of the model essay to display and color-code.  
  • Closing and Assessment A: Complete the modeling for Painted Essay® template graphic organizer with the class in a word-processing document such as a Google Doc.

Supports guided in part by CA ELD Standards 8.I.B.6, 8.I.B.7, 8.I.B.8, 8.IC.10, 8.I.C.11, and 8.I.C.12.

Important Points in the Lesson Itself

  • To support ELLs, this lesson introduces the Painted Essay®, a practice of using color-coding to highlight structural elements of an essay to help students to understand the purpose of each part, appropriate content within each part, and how the different parts connect. The Painted Essay® is introduced using a familiar text: Model Essay: “Peuchen,” which students first encountered on the mid-unit assessment in Lesson 2. While this reading was used on the assessment as an informational text to assess students’ proficiency in finding main ideas and key details and writing summaries on the assessment, the reading is repurposed in this lesson as a model compare and contrast essay. The essay will be used a tool for analysis throughout the unit to help guide students in their preparation for writing a compare and contrast essay on the end of unit assessment.  
  • ELLs may find it challenging to understand the Painted Essay® concept if they have not been introduced to it in earlier grades. Expect a potential gap in knowledge of, and experience with, the Painted Essay® among students, depending on their previous exposure. Activate students' prior knowledge of the Painted Essay® (or essay writing, in general) through a quick, general discussion of purpose and approach before moving into more detailed analysis.  
  • generate, model (A)
  • Painted Essay(r) (DS)

(A): Academic Vocabulary

(DS): Domain-Specific Vocabulary

  • Academic word wall (one for display; from Unit 1, Lesson 1, Opening A)
  • Domain-specific word wall (one for display; from Module 1, Unit 1, Lesson 1, Work Time B)
  • Close Readers Do These Things anchor chart (one for display; from Unit 1, Lesson 4, Opening B)
  • Chart paper of Spanish words (one for display; from Unit 1, Lesson 2, Work Time A)
  • Work to Become Ethical People anchor chart (one for display; from Module 1, Unit 1, Lesson 1, Work Time D)
  • Compare and Contrast La Llorona note-catcher (for teacher reference; from Unit 3, Lesson 4, Work Time B)
  • Work to Become Effective Learners anchor chart (one for display; from Module 1, Unit 2, Lessons 4-5, Work Time D)
  • Equity sticks
  • Vocabulary logs (one per student; from Unit 1, Lesson 2, Opening A)
  • Online or print dictionaries (including ELL and home language dictionaries)
  • Entrance Ticket: Unit 3, Lesson 6 (answers for teacher reference)
  • Paint an Essay lesson plan (for teacher reference)
  • Painted Essay(r) Model: "Peuchen" (example for teacher reference)
  • Compare and Contrast Painted Essay(r) anchor chart (for teacher reference)
  • Compare and Contrast Painted Essay(r) anchor chart (one for display; to be created during Work Time A)
  • Informative Writing checklist (example for teacher reference)
  • Entrance Ticket: Unit 3, Lesson 6 (one per student)
  • Sticky notes
  • Colored pencils (red, yellow, blue, green; one of each per student)
  • Model Essay: “Peuchen” (one per student)
  • Painted Essay® template (one per student)
  • Informative Writing checklist (one per student and one for display)
  • Informative Writing checklist ▲
  • Homework: Compare and Contrast Character Depictions (one per student; from Homework Resources)

Each unit in the 6-8 Language Arts Curriculum has two standards-based assessments built in, one mid-unit assessment and one end of unit assessment. The module concludes with a performance task at the end of Unit 3 to synthesize students' understanding of what they accomplished through supported, standards-based writing.

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Lesson Plan Format: 3 Good Samples for Effective Teaching

There are many different lesson plan formats to choose from, each with its own unique structure and style. Some common formats include the daily lesson plan, the weekly lesson plan, and the unit lesson plan. Each format has its own benefits and drawbacks, so it’s important to choose the one that works best for your teaching style and the needs of your students.

To get started, it’s helpful to look at some sample lesson plans to see how other teachers structure their lessons. You can find a wide variety of sample lesson plans online, covering everything from math and science to language arts and social studies. By examining these sample lesson plans, you can get a better sense of how to structure your own lessons and what types of activities and assessments are most effective for different subjects and grade levels.

Lesson Plan Format

Lesson Plan Format: 3 Good Samples for Effective Teaching

Importance of Lesson Plan Format

Provides a Clear Structure

A lesson plan format provides a clear structure for your lessons. It helps you organize your ideas and thoughts in a logical sequence, making it easier for you to deliver your lesson in a clear and concise manner. By following a structured format, you can ensure that your lessons are well-organized and easy to follow, which can help your students retain the information better.

Creating a lesson plan format can save you time in the long run. Once you have a format in place, you can reuse it for future lessons, making it easier to plan and prepare for your classes. This can also help you stay on track during the lesson, ensuring that you cover all the necessary topics within the allotted time frame.

Helps You Meet Learning Objectives

A lesson plan format can help you meet your learning objectives. By outlining the goals and objectives of your lesson, you can ensure that your lesson is relevant and meets the needs of your students. It also helps you assess whether your students have met the learning objectives by the end of the lesson.

Facilitates Collaboration

A lesson plan format can facilitate collaboration between teachers. By using a standardized format, it becomes easier for teachers to share lesson plans and resources with each other. This can help facilitate collaboration and improve the quality of education across the board.

Components of a Lesson Plan

Learning objectives.

The first component of a lesson plan is learning objectives. These objectives should be specific and measurable, and should clearly outline what the students will be learning during the lesson. By including learning objectives, you can help ensure that your students are focused and engaged throughout the lesson.

Instructional Materials

The second component of a lesson plan is instructional materials. These materials should include everything that you will need to teach the lesson, such as textbooks, handouts, and visual aids. By including instructional materials, you can help ensure that your students have everything they need to learn the material.

Lesson Procedure

The third component of a lesson plan is the lesson procedure. This includes the steps that you will take to teach the lesson, as well as any activities or exercises that you will use to reinforce the material. By including a lesson procedure, you can help ensure that your students are engaged and actively learning throughout the lesson.

Assessment Methods

The final component of a lesson plan is assessment methods. These methods should be used to evaluate the students’ understanding of the material, and can include quizzes, tests, or other forms of assessment. By including assessment methods, you can help ensure that your students have mastered the material and are ready to move on to the next lesson.

Types of Lesson Plan Formats

Traditional format.

The Traditional Format is the most commonly used lesson plan format. It is a simple format that includes the following sections:

  • Title: This section should include the name of the lesson and the grade level.
  • Objectives: This section should include the learning objectives for the lesson.
  • Materials: This section should include a list of all the materials that will be needed for the lesson.
  • Procedure: This section should include a step-by-step guide for how the lesson will be taught.
  • Assessment: This section should include a description of how the students’ understanding of the lesson will be assessed.

Block Format

The Block Format is a more detailed lesson plan format that is designed to be used for longer lessons or units. It includes the following sections:

  • Title: This section should include the name of the lesson or unit.
  • Objectives: This section should include the learning objectives for the lesson or unit.
  • Materials: This section should include a list of all the materials that will be needed for the lesson or unit.
  • Warm-Up: This section should include an activity or discussion that will help to prepare the students for the lesson or unit.
  • Instruction: This section should include a detailed guide for how the lesson or unit will be taught.
  • Assessment: This section should include a description of how the students’ understanding of the lesson or unit will be assessed.
  • Closure: This section should include an activity or discussion that will help to summarize the lesson or unit.

Madeline Hunter Format

The Madeline Hunter Format is a lesson plan format that was developed by educational theorist Madeline Hunter. It includes the following sections:

  • Anticipatory Set: This section should include an activity or discussion that will help to prepare the students for the lesson.
  • Objective and Purpose: This section should include the learning objectives for the lesson and the purpose of the lesson.
  • Input: This section should include a detailed guide for how the lesson will be taught.
  • Modeling: This section should include a demonstration of the skills or concepts that will be taught in the lesson.
  • Check for Understanding: This section should include activities or questions that will help to assess the students’ understanding of the lesson.
  • Guided Practice: This section should include activities or exercises that will help the students to practice the skills or concepts that were taught in the lesson.
  • Independent Practice: This section should include activities or exercises that will allow the students to apply the skills or concepts that were taught in the lesson.

Creating a Lesson Plan

Identifying learning objectives.

The first step in creating a lesson plan is to identify your learning objectives. This involves determining what you want your students to learn or be able to do by the end of the lesson. Your learning objectives should be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. This will help you to stay focused and ensure that your lesson is aligned with your overall course goals.

Choosing Instructional Materials

Once you have identified your learning objectives, the next step is to choose instructional materials that will help you to achieve those objectives. This may include textbooks, handouts, videos, or other resources. When selecting instructional materials, it is important to consider the needs and interests of your students, as well as the level of difficulty and appropriateness of the materials.

Planning Lesson Procedure

After you have identified your learning objectives and chosen your instructional materials, the next step is to plan your lesson procedure. This involves outlining the steps that you will take to teach the lesson, including any activities or exercises that you will use to reinforce the learning objectives. You should also consider the amount of time that you will need for each activity and ensure that you have enough time to cover all of the material.

Determining Assessment Methods

Finally, you will need to determine the assessment methods that you will use to evaluate your students’ understanding of the material. This may include quizzes, tests, or other types of assessments. When choosing assessment methods, it is important to ensure that they are aligned with your learning objectives and that they accurately measure your students’ knowledge and skills.

Advantages of Different Formats

When it comes to creating a lesson plan, there are various formats to choose from. Each format has its own set of advantages, which can help you plan and deliver effective lessons. Here are some advantages of different formats:

Outline Format

The outline format is a simple and straightforward way to organize your lesson plan. It involves creating a basic outline of the topics you will cover, along with any relevant details. This format is ideal for teachers who prefer a minimalist approach and want to focus on the main points of the lesson.

Advantages of the outline format include:

  • Easy to create and modify
  • Provides a clear overview of the lesson
  • Helps you stay on track during the lesson

Table Format

The table format is a more structured approach to lesson planning. It involves creating a table with columns for different aspects of the lesson, such as objectives, activities, and assessments. This format is ideal for teachers who want to ensure that all aspects of the lesson are covered and organized.

Advantages of the table format include:

  • Provides a clear structure for the lesson
  • Helps you ensure that all aspects of the lesson are covered
  • Makes it easy to see how different aspects of the lesson are connected

Narrative Format

The narrative format is a more detailed approach to lesson planning. It involves writing a narrative description of the lesson, including details about the objectives, activities, and assessment. This format is ideal for teachers who want to provide a more detailed plan for themselves or for other teachers who may be teaching the same lesson.

Advantages of the narrative format include:

  • Provides a detailed description of the lesson
  • Helps you anticipate potential challenges and prepare for them
  • Makes it easy to share the lesson plan with other teachers

Sample Lesson Plans

Sample traditional format.

The traditional lesson plan format is a widely used and accepted format that includes the following components:

  • Lesson title
  • Grade level and subject
  • Objective(s)
  • Materials needed
  • Anticipatory set (an attention-grabbing activity to start the lesson)
  • Direct instruction
  • Guided practice
  • Independent practice
  • Closure (an activity to wrap up the lesson)

Here is an example of what a traditional lesson plan format could look like:

Anticipatory Set: Show students a picture of a pizza and ask them how they would divide it among friends.

Direct Instruction: Teach students the concept of fractions and how to identify them.

Guided Practice: Have students practice identifying fractions with like denominators in small groups.

Independent Practice: Give students a worksheet to practice identifying and comparing fractions with like denominators.

Closure: Have students share their answers and discuss any misconceptions.

Sample Block Format

The block lesson plan format is a newer format that is becoming increasingly popular in schools. It includes the following components:

  • Essential questions
  • Standards addressed
  • Instructional strategies
  • Differentiation

Here is an example of what a block lesson plan format could look like:

Standards Addressed: CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RH.6-8.2

Assessment: Students will complete a written reflection on the causes and effects of the Civil War.

Instructional Strategies: Lecture, group discussion, primary source analysis.

Differentiation: Students will work in small groups with varying levels of support.

Materials Needed: Textbook, primary source documents, whiteboard, markers.

Sample Madeline Hunter Format

The Madeline Hunter lesson plan format is a framework that includes the following components:

  • Anticipatory set
  • Input (direct instruction)
  • Check for understanding

Here is an example of what a Madeline Hunter lesson plan format could look like:

Anticipatory Set: Show students a picture of a plant and ask them what they know about photosynthesis.

Objective: Students will be able to explain the process of photosynthesis.

Input: Teach students the steps of photosynthesis.

Modeling: Model the process of photosynthesis using a diagram.

Check for Understanding: Ask students to explain the process of photosynthesis in their own words.

Guided Practice: Have students work in pairs to create a diagram of the process of photosynthesis.

Independent Practice: Give students a worksheet to complete on the process of photosynthesis.

Closure: Have students share their diagrams and explain the process of photosynthesis to the class.

By using these sample lesson plans as a guide, you can create your own lesson plans that are effective and engaging for your students.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the essential components of a detailed lesson plan?

A detailed lesson plan should include the following components:

  • Learning objectives
  • Introduction
  • Lesson content
  • Assessment methods

How can you create an effective lesson plan format for primary school?

To create an effective lesson plan format for primary school, you should consider the following:

  • Identify the learning objectives.
  • Determine the appropriate instructional strategies.
  • Select the materials and resources.
  • Plan the assessment methods.
  • Incorporate opportunities for student engagement and participation.
  • Use clear and concise language.

Where can you find sample lesson plans for English teachers?

You can find sample lesson plans for English teachers online, in educational journals, and from other teachers. There are also websites that offer free lesson plans for teachers to use and adapt to their specific needs.

What are some common topics covered in lesson plans?

Common topics covered in lesson plans include:

  • Literacy and language arts
  • Mathematics
  • Social studies
  • Physical education

What are the five key parts of a well-structured lesson plan?

The five key parts of a well-structured lesson plan are:

  • Instruction

What is the importance of having a clear and concise lesson plan format?

Having a clear and concise lesson plan format is important because it helps teachers organize their thoughts and materials, ensures that all necessary components are included, and makes it easier for students to understand the objectives and expectations of the lesson. A well-structured lesson plan also helps teachers stay on track and make the most of their instructional time.

Last Updated on September 6, 2023

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