How to Plan a Lesson: 5 Simple Steps for Effective Teaching
Whether you're teaching Year 2 phonics, KS3 history, or an adult skills course — great lessons don’t happen by accident. They’re built on clear objectives, structure, and engagement. If you’ve ever wondered how to plan a lesson from scratch, this guide walks you through the essentials in five simple steps.
From lesson plan formats to subject-specific tweaks (like maths vs English), this article is perfect for NQTs, ECTs, and even experienced teachers refreshing their approach.
✍️ What Is a Lesson Plan?
A lesson plan is a structured outline of what and how you intend to teach during a session. It ensures your teaching is purposeful, inclusive, and aligned with curriculum goals.
A good lesson plan answers:
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What will students learn?
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How will they learn it?
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How will I check their understanding?
✅ The 5 Steps of a Strong Lesson Plan
These steps are universal and adaptable to KS2, secondary, adult education, and beyond.
1. Learning Objective
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What should students know or be able to do by the end?
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Use “All / Most / Some will…” for differentiation
2. Starter Activity
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Recap prior knowledge (REK/Do Now)
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Spark curiosity or activate thinking
3. Main Activity (Input + Student Task)
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Deliver core knowledge clearly
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Include modelling, questioning, and checking for understanding
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Set tasks that align with the objective and stretch all learners
4. Assessment for Learning (AfL)
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Include moments for feedback, self-assessment or peer check
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Use questioning or mini whiteboards to gauge progress
5. Plenary
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Summarise key learning
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Allow students to reflect or answer an exit question
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Link back to learning objective
Lesson Plan Template (Basic Format)
Here’s a simplified layout you can adapt:
| Section | Details |
|---|---|
| Date/Class/Topic | e.g., Monday, Year 4 – Fractions |
| Objective | What will they learn? |
| Resources Needed | Whiteboards, cubes, worksheet, video |
| Starter | 5 mins recap game |
| Input | 10 mins teacher modelling |
| Task(s) | Main student activity (group/independent) |
| Assessment/AfL | Questions, checklists, live marking |
| Plenary | Recap quiz / sticky note exit |
What Are the 4 C’s of Lesson Planning?
Many schools use this framework to ensure lessons are well-rounded:
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Connection – Link to prior learning
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Content – Deliver new material
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Challenge – Stretch thinking or depth
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Checking – Gauge learning through assessment
🧪 Subject-Specific Advice
🧮 Maths
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Ensure progression from concrete → pictorial → abstract
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Include time for fluency and reasoning
📚 English
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Link grammar or vocabulary to a real text
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Use shared/modelled writing and SPAG recaps
👩🏫 KS2/Primary
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Keep transitions tight and pace brisk
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Use visual and kinaesthetic activities
🧓 Adult Education
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Focus on real-world application
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Prioritise clear instructions and relevance
Bonus: Want Ready-Made Resources?
If planning feels overwhelming or time is tight, explore editable, curriculum-aligned resources created by UK teachers:
👉 Browse teaching resources on Resource Rack
You can also list your own materials and start earning passively from plans you've already created.
Final Thought
Lesson planning doesn’t need to be complex. Stick to clear steps, focus on outcomes, and don’t be afraid to reuse and refine what works. Whether you're teaching KS2, A-Level, or adult learners — structure helps every student thrive.