What is a lesson plan template?

A lesson plan template is a pre-formatted document that provides a structured framework for teachers to organize their daily, weekly, or unit instruction. It typically includes sections for learning objectives, standards alignment, materials needed, instructional procedures (introduction, direct instruction, guided practice, independent practice), differentiation strategies, and assessment methods. Templates save teachers time by providing a consistent format that ensures all essential elements of effective instruction are included.

What should be included in a lesson plan template?

A comprehensive lesson plan template should include: lesson title and subject, grade level, duration, learning objectives (using measurable verbs), standards alignment (Common Core, NGSS, etc.), materials and resources needed, anticipatory set or hook, direct instruction procedures, guided practice activities, independent practice tasks, differentiation strategies for diverse learners, assessment methods (formative and summative), closure activity, and reflection/notes section. The best templates also include space for homework assignments and cross-curricular connections.

How do I use a free lesson plan template?

To use a free lesson plan template: 1) Choose a template that matches your teaching style and needs (daily, weekly, or unit plan). 2) Copy or download the template. 3) Fill in your specific lesson details starting with objectives and standards. 4) Plan your instructional sequence from opening to closure. 5) Add differentiation notes for diverse learners. 6) Include assessment strategies. 7) Review for alignment between objectives, activities, and assessments. You can also use AI tools like SchoolGPT to auto-fill templates based on your topic and grade level.

What is the difference between a daily and weekly lesson plan template?

A daily lesson plan template focuses on a single class period with detailed minute-by-minute procedures, specific activities, and immediate assessment strategies. A weekly lesson plan template provides an overview of an entire week, showing how daily lessons connect and build upon each other. Weekly templates are better for seeing the big picture and pacing, while daily templates ensure thorough preparation for individual lessons. Many teachers use both: a weekly overview for planning and daily templates for detailed execution.

Are these lesson plan templates free to download?

Yes, all lesson plan templates on this page are completely free to use, copy, and customize. You can copy the template text directly from the page, adapt it to your needs, and use it in your classroom without any signup, subscription, or attribution required. For editable digital versions, you can paste the templates into Google Docs, Microsoft Word, or any document editor. SchoolGPT also offers a free AI Lesson Plan Generator that creates fully customized plans instantly.

What is the best lesson plan template for new teachers?

For new teachers, we recommend starting with the Standard Daily Lesson Plan Template, which includes all essential components with clear labels and guidance. The Madeline Hunter model is also excellent for beginners because it provides a structured, step-by-step approach covering anticipatory set, objectives, input, modeling, guided practice, independent practice, and closure. As you gain experience, you can simplify to the Quick Daily Template or explore specialized formats like 5E for science or Backward Design for unit planning.

Can I edit these lesson plan templates?

Absolutely. These templates are designed to be fully editable and customizable. You can copy the text and paste it into Google Docs, Microsoft Word, Apple Pages, or any word processor. Feel free to add, remove, or modify sections to match your school's requirements, your teaching style, or specific subject needs. Many teachers customize templates by adding school logos, adjusting section sizes, or incorporating additional fields like technology integration or cross-curricular connections.

What lesson plan format do most schools require?

Most US schools accept a standard lesson plan format that includes objectives, standards, materials, procedures (opening, instruction, practice, closure), differentiation, and assessment. However, specific requirements vary by school and district. Some schools mandate the Madeline Hunter model, others prefer Understanding by Design (backward design), and many STEM-focused schools use the 5E model. Always check with your administration for specific formatting requirements. The templates on this page cover all major formats.

How long should a lesson plan be?

The length of a lesson plan depends on the format and purpose. A daily lesson plan is typically 1-2 pages covering a single class period (30-90 minutes of instruction). A weekly lesson plan overview is usually 1-2 pages covering 5 days. A unit plan can be 3-10 pages covering 2-4 weeks of instruction. For formal observations, plans tend to be more detailed (2-3 pages for a single lesson). For daily use, a concise 1-page plan that captures key elements is often most practical.

Can AI help me create lesson plans from templates?

Yes! SchoolGPT's free Lesson Plan Generator can create complete, standards-aligned lesson plans in minutes. Simply enter your topic, grade level, subject, and preferred format, and the AI generates a detailed plan with objectives, procedures, activities, differentiation strategies, and assessments. You can generate plans in multiple formats including standard, 5E, Madeline Hunter, and backward design. It saves teachers an average of 5-10 hours per week on planning.

What is the 5E lesson plan template?

The 5E lesson plan template follows the Engage, Explore, Explain, Elaborate, Evaluate framework developed by BSCS. It is an inquiry-based instructional model particularly effective for science and STEM education. The template organizes instruction into five phases: Engage (hook and activate prior knowledge), Explore (hands-on investigation), Explain (direct instruction and vocabulary), Elaborate (apply and extend learning), and Evaluate (assess understanding). It aligns well with Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS).

Do I need a different template for each subject?

While a general template works for most subjects, subject-specific templates can be more effective because they include relevant sections. For example, a science template might include lab safety and materials sections, a math template might have space for problem sets and manipulatives, and an ELA template might include text selections and writing prompts. This page provides both general templates and subject-specific variations so you can choose what works best for your classroom.

Teacher Resources

Free Lesson Plan Templates for Teachers

Download and customize 20+ free lesson plan template options for every subject and grade level. Whether you need a simple daily lesson plan template or a comprehensive unit plan, our editable templates cover 15+ subjects and all K-12 grade levels. Start planning effective lessons in minutes, not hours.

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Why Use a Lesson Plan Template?

A well-structured lesson plan template saves time, ensures consistency, and helps you deliver more effective instruction every single day.

Save Hours Weekly

Teachers spend an average of 7-12 hours per week on lesson planning. Templates with consistent structure reduce planning time by up to 50%.

Stay Standards-Aligned

Built-in sections for objectives and standards keep every lesson focused on measurable outcomes and aligned with Common Core, NGSS, or state standards.

Support Every Learner

Dedicated differentiation sections ensure you plan for ELL students, IEP accommodations, and gifted learners before the lesson begins.

Template 1

Daily Lesson Plan Template

The most popular free lesson plan template for daily classroom instruction

This standard daily lesson plan template is the most widely used format in K-12 education. It covers all essential components for a single class period, from opening hook to closing assessment. This editable lesson plan template works for any subject and grade level.

Standard Daily Lesson Plan Template

Lesson Title:[Descriptive title of the lesson]

Subject:[e.g., Mathematics, Science, ELA]

Grade Level:[e.g., 4th Grade, 9th Grade]

Date:[MM/DD/YYYY]

Duration:[e.g., 45 minutes, 60 minutes]

Standards Alignment

[List applicable standards: CCSS, NGSS, state standards]

Learning Objectives

Students will be able to (SWBAT): [measurable verb + content + context]

1. [Objective 1]

2. [Objective 2]

Essential Question:[Open-ended question driving the lesson]

Materials & Resources

[List all materials, handouts, technology, manipulatives needed]

Instructional Procedures

Opening / Hook (5-10 minutes)

[Anticipatory set: How will you capture student attention and activate prior knowledge?]

Direct Instruction (10-15 minutes)

[Mini-lesson: What new content/skill will you teach? How will you model it?]

Guided Practice (10-15 minutes)

[What will students do with teacher support? How will you check understanding?]

Independent Practice (10-15 minutes)

[What will students do independently to apply the skill/concept?]

Closure (5 minutes)

[How will you summarize learning? Exit ticket, discussion, or reflection?]

Differentiation

Approaching: [Scaffolds for struggling learners]

On Level: [Core instruction plans]

Advanced: [Extensions for above-level learners]

ELL: [Language supports and modifications]

IEP/504: [Accommodation notes]

Assessment

Formative: [How will you monitor learning during the lesson?]

Summative: [End-of-lesson or end-of-unit assessment]

Homework:[Assignment or practice for home, if applicable]

Reflection/Notes:[Post-lesson: What worked? What would you change?]

Quick Daily Lesson Plan Template

A simplified version for experienced teachers who need a streamlined daily planning format. This simple lesson plan template captures essentials without the detail of the standard version.

Quick Daily Lesson Plan Template

Subject:[Subject]

Date:[Date]

Grade:[Grade]

Duration:[Minutes]

Standard:[Standard code]

Objective:[SWBAT...]

Do Now (5 min):[Warm-up activity]

Teach (15 min):[Key instruction and modeling]

Practice (20 min):[Guided + independent practice]

Close (5 min):[Exit ticket or summary]

Differentiation:[Key modifications]

Materials:[What you need]

Notes:[Reflection after lesson]

Template 2

Weekly Lesson Plan Template

Plan an entire week at a glance with connected daily lessons

The weekly lesson plan template gives you a bird's-eye view of your instruction across five days. It helps ensure lessons build on each other and that pacing stays on track. Use this alongside daily templates for the most thorough planning.

Weekly Lesson Plan Template

Subject:[Subject]

Week of:[MM/DD/YYYY]

Grade Level:[Grade]

Unit/Theme:[Unit name]

Weekly Standards:[Standards addressed this week]

Weekly Objectives:[What students will learn by Friday]

Monday

Topic: [Day's focus]

Objective: [SWBAT...]