What are the components of a lesson plan?

A complete lesson plan has eight components, and each one answers a different question about the lesson:

1. Learning objective — what students will be able to do by the end (the measurable goal).
2. Standards — the state or national standard the lesson addresses.
3. Materials — everything you and the students need, listed so nothing derails the lesson.
4. Opening / anticipatory set — a hook or warm-up that activates prior knowledge and signals what's coming (a bell-ringer works well here).
5. Direct instruction — how you'll teach the new content: explanation, modeling, and worked examples.
6. Guided practice — students try it with your support, so you can catch misconceptions early.
7. Independent practice — students apply the skill on their own (a worksheet or task).
8. Closing & assessment — a check for understanding (an exit ticket) that tells you who got it.

You'll see this list counted as anywhere from five to eight components depending on the model — some combine guided and independent practice, or fold standards into the objective. The classic Madeline Hunter model lists seven. The point isn't the exact number; it's that every lesson moves from a clear goal → I do → we do → you do → did it work?

If you want all eight filled in automatically for any grade and topic, the Lesson Plan Generator produces a structured plan with each component laid out, then lets you edit any section.