Lesson planning
What Is a Lesson Plan? Parts, Template, and Example
Start with the seven parts of a usable lesson plan, then see a completed 45-minute example.
Teaching resources that save planning time
Plan clearer lessons. Teach with more confidence.
Mentor Teaching collects practical guides for lesson planning, classroom strategies, assessment, technology integration, and student engagement.
Updated July 2026
How to Use Mentor Teaching
Use this site as a practical planning companion: start with the lesson goal, choose the strategy that fits the goal, add access supports, and check for evidence of learning before the lesson ends.
Most useful starting points
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- Prefer practical classroom steps over vague inspiration.
- Connect advice to reputable education sources when possible.
- Include examples, templates, checks, or next steps teachers can use.
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Lesson planning
How to Write an Effective Lesson Plan
Move from a learning goal to instruction, practice, evidence of learning, and a realistic adjustment plan.
Teacher preparation
Lesson Plan Rationale: Template and Examples
Explain why a teaching choice fits the learning goal, student context, and evidence you will collect.
Standards
How Many Standards Should Be in a Lesson Plan?
Choose one priority standard for most lessons, with a second closely related standard only when the evidence supports both.
Inclusive teaching
Inclusive Learning Spaces: A 10-Minute Access Check
Check physical, sensory, communication, participation, and belonging barriers before the lesson begins.
Instruction
Instructional Strategies in a Lesson Plan
Choose a teaching move that fits the objective instead of adding activities that do not produce useful evidence.