Free Weekly Lesson Plan Templates for Teachers
A well-structured weekly lesson plan template helps teachers organize instruction, align to standards, and ensure consistent learning all week long. Browse our free editable templates for every grade level and subject below, or generate a custom weekly plan with AI in minutes.
What Is a Weekly Lesson Plan Template?
A weekly lesson plan template is a structured planning document that organizes instruction across an entire school week. It maps out daily learning objectives, activities, materials, assessments, and differentiation strategies in a single overview, giving teachers a clear roadmap from Monday through Friday.
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Weekly Lesson Plan Template Examples
Browse four ready-to-use weekly lesson plan templates designed for different teaching contexts. Each template includes sample content so you can see exactly how to fill it in.
Basic Weekly Lesson Plan Template
A simple, clean weekly layout with Monday through Friday columns and essential planning rows. Ideal for any subject or grade level as a starting point.
Best for: All teachers, especially those new to weekly planning
| Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Topic/Theme | Introduction to Fractions | Fraction Models | Comparing Fractions | Equivalent Fractions | Fraction Review |
| Objective | Identify parts of a whole | Use visual models | Compare using benchmarks | Find equivalent fractions | Apply fraction skills |
| Standards | 3.NF.A.1 | 3.NF.A.1 | 3.NF.A.3d | 3.NF.A.3b | 3.NF.A.1-3 |
| Activities | Fraction pizza activity | Pattern block models | Fraction number line | Fraction strips matching | Fraction stations |
| Materials | Paper plates, markers | Pattern blocks, worksheet | Number lines, cards | Fraction strips, glue | Station materials |
| Assessment | Exit ticket | Partner check | Quick quiz | Journal entry | Weekly test |
| Homework | Worksheet pg. 12 | Practice problems | Compare 5 pairs | Find equivalents | Study for test |
Elementary Weekly Template (K-5)
Subject-based layout designed for elementary teachers who teach multiple subjects. Rows represent subjects, columns represent days of the week.
Best for: Elementary classroom teachers (K-5)
| Subject | Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ELA/Reading | Read aloud: Ch. 3 Comprehension Q's | Guided reading groups Vocabulary work | Shared reading Text features | Independent reading Reading response | Book talks Weekly assessment |
| Writing | Mini-lesson: leads Draft writing | Peer revision Conference | Editing practice Grammar focus | Final draft Publishing | Author's chair Celebration |
| Math | Number talk Lesson 4.1 | Problem solving Lesson 4.2 | Math stations Lesson 4.3 | Math games Lesson 4.4 | Review & quiz Spiral practice |
| Science/SS | Science inquiry Plant observation | Social studies Map skills | Science lab Experiment | Social studies Timeline activity | Science journal Reflection |
| Specials | PE | Art | Music | PE | Library |
Block Schedule Template (6-12)
Designed for middle and high school teachers on block schedules with longer class periods. Includes detailed activity breakdowns with time allocations.
Best for: Middle and high school teachers with 60-90 minute periods
| Component | Monday (A Day) | Tuesday (B Day) | Wednesday (A Day) | Thursday (B Day) | Friday (A/B) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bell Ringer (10 min) | Journal prompt: Revolution causes | Vocabulary review: 5 key terms | Primary source analysis | Map activity: Battle locations | Weekly review Kahoot |
| Direct Instruction (20 min) | Lecture: Causes of the Revolution | Lecture: Key figures & events | Document-based lesson | Military strategy analysis | Wrap-up discussion |
| Guided Practice (20 min) | Timeline creation w/ partner | Character web group activity | DBQ practice w/ scaffolds | Battle mapping group project | Study groups test prep |
| Independent Work (15 min) | Reading: Ch. 7 Cornell notes | Essay outline: persuasive letter | Source evaluation worksheet | Project work time research | Practice test self-assess |
| Closure (5 min) | 3-2-1 exit ticket | Muddiest point | One-sentence summary | Gallery walk reflection | Goal setting next week |
| Assessment | Formative: notes | Formative: outline | Formative: analysis | Formative: project | Summative: quiz |
Subject-Specific Weekly Template
A detailed template tailored for single-subject teachers. Includes space for warm-ups, core instruction, practice, and daily reflection. Shown here for ELA.
Best for: Single-subject teachers wanting detailed daily breakdowns
| Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Warm-Up (5 min) | Grammar: commas in a series | Vocabulary: context clues | Grammar: run-on sentences | Vocabulary: word roots | Free write: journal prompt |
| Mini-Lesson (15 min) | Narrative elements: characterization | Author's craft: dialogue | Narrative elements: conflict types | Author's craft: pacing | Peer review protocol |
| Reading (20 min) | Shared reading: "The Outsiders" Ch.4 | Independent reading w/ annotations | Literature circles Ch.4 discussion | Close reading: key passage | Read aloud & predict Ch.5 |
| Writing (15 min) | Narrative draft: opening scene | Add dialogue to narrative draft | Develop conflict in narrative | Revise for pacing and detail | Peer edit & final revisions |
| Closure (5 min) | Share one strong sentence | Vocabulary exit ticket | Discussion reflection | Self-assessment checklist | Published piece celebration |
| Differentiation | Graphic organizer for struggling | Sentence starters provided | Flexible groups by level | Choice in revision focus area | Rubric with tiered expectations |
Key Components of a Weekly Lesson Plan
Every effective weekly lesson plan template should include these essential elements. Whether you build your own or use ours, make sure these components are covered.
Learning Objectives
Clear, measurable goals for what students will know and be able to do by the end of each day and the week. Aligned to state or national standards.
Standards Alignment
Reference codes for state standards (Common Core, NGSS, state-specific) that each lesson addresses. Ensures curriculum coverage and accountability.
Daily Activities
Engaging instructional activities for each day including warm-ups, direct instruction, guided practice, independent work, and collaborative learning.
Materials & Resources
A list of all materials, handouts, technology, and resources needed for each day so you can prepare everything in advance.
Assessments
Formative checks (exit tickets, observations, quick quizzes) throughout the week and summative assessments to measure mastery of objectives.
Differentiation Strategies
Planned modifications for diverse learners including scaffolding for struggling students, on-level activities, and extensions for advanced learners.
Homework & Practice
Meaningful homework assignments that reinforce daily learning and prepare students for the next day's instruction.
How to Create a Weekly Lesson Plan
Follow these six steps to build a weekly lesson plan that keeps your instruction organized, standards-aligned, and responsive to student needs.
Review your curriculum pacing guide
Start by reviewing your district or school pacing guide to identify which standards and topics need to be covered during the week. Check where students are in the scope and sequence and note any upcoming assessments or school events that may affect instructional time.
Set weekly learning objectives
Write clear, measurable learning objectives for the week that align with your standards. Use action verbs from Bloom's Taxonomy (analyze, evaluate, create) and ensure objectives build progressively from Monday to Friday. Aim for 2-4 key objectives per week.
Plan daily activities and lessons
Break your weekly objectives into daily lessons. Plan engaging activities that include direct instruction, guided practice, independent work, and collaborative learning. Ensure each day builds on the previous one and leads toward the weekly goals.
Incorporate assessments throughout the week
Plan both formative assessments (exit tickets, quick checks, observations) for daily monitoring and a summative assessment for the end of the week. Use assessment data from the previous week to inform your current planning.
Add differentiation strategies
For each day, plan modifications for struggling learners (scaffolding, visual aids, simplified tasks), on-level students (standard activities), and advanced learners (extension activities, enrichment). Include flexible grouping strategies and varied materials.
Review and adjust the plan
Look at the full week holistically. Check for pacing issues, variety in instructional strategies, and smooth transitions between topics. Ensure you have all materials ready, and leave buffer time for unexpected teachable moments or re-teaching if needed.
SchoolGPT creates a complete weekly lesson plan in under 2 minutes.
Weekly Lesson Plan Templates by Grade Level
Different grade levels have different planning needs. Here is what to include in your weekly lesson plan template depending on the age group you teach.
Elementary (K-5)
Weekly Planning Features
Pro tip: Elementary weekly plans work best as a grid with subjects as rows and days as columns. Include transition times, specials, and recess. Keep activities short and varied to match younger attention spans.
Middle School (6-8)
Weekly Planning Features
Pro tip: Middle school plans should balance structure with student autonomy. Include engaging bell ringers, plan for collaborative learning, and build in time for student choice. Consider using a rotating station model for variety.
High School (9-12)
Weekly Planning Features
Pro tip: High school weekly plans should accommodate longer block periods and deeper content. Include time for Socratic seminars, lab work, or extended projects. Plan formative checkpoints to adjust instruction before summative assessments.
Tips for Effective Weekly Lesson Planning
Make the most of your weekly lesson plan template with these expert-tested strategies from experienced educators.
Start with the end in mind
Identify your weekly goals and end-of-week assessment before planning individual days. This backward design approach ensures every lesson contributes to the overall learning targets.
Build in flexibility
Leave 10-15% of your weekly plan as buffer time. Students may need re-teaching, a lesson may run long, or a powerful teachable moment may arise. Rigid plans create stress; flexible plans create great teaching.
Vary your instructional strategies
Alternate between direct instruction, group work, independent practice, hands-on activities, and technology integration throughout the week. Variety keeps students engaged and addresses different learning styles.
Use Monday for activation, Friday for consolidation
Begin the week by activating prior knowledge and introducing new concepts. Use Friday to review, assess, and celebrate learning. This creates a natural rhythm students can rely on.
Plan differentiation proactively
Rather than scrambling to modify lessons in the moment, build differentiation into your weekly plan from the start. Note specific accommodations, extensions, and grouping strategies for each day.
Keep a reflection column
Add a notes or reflection section to your template. After each day, jot down what worked, what did not, and adjustments for tomorrow. This makes you a more responsive and effective teacher over time.
Batch your planning
Set aside a dedicated weekly planning block (many teachers use Sunday evening or a prep period). Planning the full week at once is more efficient than planning day by day and creates better-connected lessons.
Leverage technology and AI tools
Use digital templates and AI-powered tools like SchoolGPT to speed up your planning. AI can generate aligned activities, suggest differentiation strategies, and create assessments, saving you hours each week.
Generate Your Weekly Lesson Plan in Minutes
Stop spending hours filling in templates manually. SchoolGPT's AI creates complete, standards-aligned weekly lesson plans with objectives, activities, assessments, and differentiation -- all customized for your grade level and subject.
Free to use • No credit card required • Standards-aligned
Weekly Lesson Plan Template FAQ
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