The 7 Essential Parts of a Lesson Plan (Plus What to Actually Write in Each)

I still remember my first year teaching when my principal asked to see my lesson plans. I'd been scribbling notes on sticky notes and keeping rough outlines in my head. Let's just say that observation didn't go well.

Lesson planning isn't just administrative busywork—it's the framework that keeps your teaching focused and your students learning. But you don't need to write a novel for every class period. You just need the right components.

Here are the seven essential parts every solid lesson plan needs, along with what to actually write in each section.

1. Learning Objectives (The "What" and "Why")

This is where you state exactly what students will be able to do by the end of the lesson. Not what you'll teach, but what they'll learn.

What to write: Start with "Students will be able to..." and use measurable action verbs. Skip vague words like "understand" or "appreciate."

Example: Instead of "Students will learn about photosynthesis," write "Students will be able to diagram the photosynthesis process and explain how plants convert sunlight into energy."

Time-saver: Your objectives should align with your standards. Reference the standard code (like "CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.5.2") so you're not rewriting it every time.

2. Materials and Resources

This is your shopping list. If someone else had to teach your lesson tomorrow, could they gather everything they need from this section?

What to write: List everything—worksheets, manipulatives, technology, books, even that specific YouTube video you're planning to show.

Example:

• Copies of "The Tell-Tale Heart" (class set)
• Chart paper and markers
• Timer
• Chromebooks (1 per pair)
• Exit ticket (linked in Google Classroom)

Pro tip: Keep digital copies of worksheets and resources in a shared folder. Just link to it in your lesson plan instead of printing everything multiple times.

3. Anticipatory Set (The Hook)

This is how you grab attention in the first 3-5 minutes. It activates prior knowledge, creates curiosity, or connects to students' lives.

What to write: A brief description of your opener and roughly how long it'll take.

Example: "(5 min) Show 30-second video of bridge collapse. Ask: What causes structures to fail? Think-pair-share. Connect to today's lesson on forces and load distribution."

The anticipatory set answers the student question: "Why should I care about this?" If you can't answer that, rethink your lesson.

4. Direct Instruction (The "I Do")

This is where you teach the new content. It's your mini-lecture, demonstration, or explanation.

What to write: The key points you'll cover, examples you'll use, and questions you'll ask. You don't need a script, but you need a map.

Example:

• Define theme vs. topic (use chart from last week)
• Model finding theme in a picture book ("The Giving Tree")
• Think-aloud: How do I identify what the author wants me to learn?
• Check for understanding: Turn and tell your partner one possible theme

Common mistake: Making this section too long. If you're talking for more than 15 minutes straight, you've lost them. Break it up.

5. Guided Practice (The "We Do")

Students try the skill with your support. You're still holding their hand, but they're doing the work.

What to write: The activity, grouping structure, and how you'll circulate and support.

Example: "(15 min) In pairs, students read 'Thank You, Ma'am' and identify two possible themes using the graphic organizer. Circulate to each pair. Guiding questions: What lesson does Roger learn? What does the author want us to take away? Reconvene for pairs to share one theme."

This is where you catch misconceptions before they harden. Plan your guiding questions ahead of time.

6. Independent Practice (The "You Do")

Students apply the skill on their own. This is your proof that they can actually do what your objective said they'd be able to do.

What to write: The task, success criteria, and what you'll do while they work.

Example: "(20 min) Students select one of three short texts and write a paragraph identifying the theme with text evidence. Must include: topic sentence with clear theme statement, two pieces of evidence, explanation of how evidence supports theme. Conference with students who struggled during guided practice."

Reality check: Not everyone will finish. That's okay. Plan what early finishers will do (extension question, start homework, read independently).

7. Closure and Assessment

How do you know if they got it? This is your formative assessment—the data you'll use to plan tomorrow's lesson.

What to write: Your exit ticket, reflection question, or quick check, plus what you'll look for in their responses.

Example: "Exit ticket (5 min): Read the one-paragraph story on the board. Write one sentence stating the theme. Look for: Can students distinguish theme from topic? Do they confuse theme with summary?"

Closure isn't just "pack up your stuff." It's your last chance to reinforce the learning and gather data.

The Part Most Teachers Skip (But Shouldn't)

One bonus component: Differentiation notes. How will you support struggling students? Challenge advanced learners? Accommodate IEPs?

You don't need a separate plan for every student, but jot down your strategies:

• "Provide sentence stems for ELL students"
• "Pre-teach vocabulary to tier 3 intervention group"
• "Extension: Ask advanced students to compare themes across two texts"

Making This Manageable

Let's be honest: writing detailed lesson plans for every single class period isn't sustainable. Here's what actually works:

Use templates. Once you have the seven components in a template, you just fill in the blanks. Your school might provide one, or create your own in Google Docs.

Keep a resource bank. Save good hooks, discussion questions, and assessment ideas by unit. You'll reuse them every year.

Collaborate. If you're teaching the same grade or subject as colleagues, divide and conquer. You plan this unit, they plan the next one, you both benefit.

Let AI help with the heavy lifting. Tools like LessonDraft can generate complete lesson plans with all seven components in minutes. You provide the topic and grade level; it creates a structured plan you can customize. It's not about replacing your teaching expertise—it's about getting the framework done so you can focus on the parts that require your professional judgment.

The bottom line: A good lesson plan isn't about impressing your principal (though it helps). It's about teaching with intention. When you know exactly where you're going, your students are much more likely to get there.

And on those chaotic days when the fire alarm goes off or a student has a meltdown? A solid plan is what gets you back on track.