Discover a comprehensive explanation of English Language Teaching lesson plan formats with a downloadable sample template. This guide is perfect for teachers looking to create effective and engaging lessons. For a step-by-step procedure to design lesson plans, refer to our article on how to design effective lesson plans.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Looking for a practical lesson plan format or template?
This guide provides an adaptable lesson plan sample that you can use to meet the unique needs of your class.
Read on for tips, examples, and essential components of an effective lesson plan.
English Teachers Resources – Lesson Plan Template, Format, and Sample
1. Why Use a Lesson Plan?
Here is why you need a lesson plan:
A well-structured lesson plan helps teachers:
- Stay organized and confident in delivering lessons.
- Align objectives with activities and assessments.
- Address diverse student needs effectively.
2. Lesson Plan Format: Key Components
Here is a breakdown of the essential components of a lesson plan, including explanations for each section:
- Date
- Indicate the date the lesson will be delivered.
- Lesson Number
- Helps maintain a sequence in your teaching and ensures continuity.
- Unit
- Specify which unit of the course curriculum this lesson belongs to.
- Course/Subject
- State the subject, e.g., English as a Foreign Language (EFL), Grammar, Speaking, etc.
- Topic
- Focus on the specific area or skill to be taught, such as “Using Present Perfect” or “Writing a Descriptive Paragraph.”
- Instructor
- Include the teacher’s name to personalize the plan or for documentation purposes.
- Objectives
- Define what students should achieve by the end of the lesson.
Example:- Students will be able to identify and use irregular verbs in sentences.
- Students will improve their listening skills through a guided audio activity.
- Define what students should achieve by the end of the lesson.
- Instructional Aids, Materials, or Tools Needed
- List all the materials and tools required for the lesson, such as:
- Flashcards
- Videos or audio recordings
- Whiteboard and markers
- List all the materials and tools required for the lesson, such as:
- Lesson Outline
- Provide a step-by-step breakdown of the lesson stages.
Example:- Warm-Up (5 mins): A quick question to activate prior knowledge.
- Presentation (10 mins): Introduce the topic using a video or short lecture.
- Practice (15 mins): Group activity or pair work to practice the new skill.
- Production (10 mins): Students create their own sentences or examples.
- Wrap-Up (5 mins): A summary of the lesson and clarification of doubts.
- Provide a step-by-step breakdown of the lesson stages.
- Assignment
- Include follow-up activities for students to complete at home or in the next class.
- Notes
- Use this section for personal reflections or feedback on what worked well and areas to improve.
- References
- List any sources or materials you referred to while planning the lesson.
3. Different Lesson Plan Frameworks in English Language Teaching
English language teaching offers various frameworks to structure lessons effectively. Each framework caters to different teaching styles, learning objectives, and classroom contexts. Below is an overview of the most common lesson plan frameworks:
Lesson Plan Format Frameworks
A. PPP (Presentation, Practice, Production)
Overview: This traditional and widely used framework focuses on gradual learning and practical application.
- Presentation: The teacher introduces the target language (e.g., grammar or vocabulary) using examples or context.
- Practice: Students engage in controlled activities to practice the new language (e.g., gap fills, repetition exercises).
- Production: Students use the language creatively in real-life scenarios (e.g., role-play or discussions).
Advantages:
- Clear structure for teachers and learners.
- Effective for introducing new concepts.
Limitations:
- Can be teacher-centered if not balanced.
B. ESA (Engage, Study, Activate)
Overview: Popularized by Jeremy Harmer, this framework allows for flexibility and emphasizes student engagement.
- Engage: Activities to capture students’ interest and motivation (e.g., videos, games, or discussions).
- Study: Focus on language rules or concepts, including explanations and practice exercises.
- Activate: Students apply the language in communicative tasks like storytelling or debates.
Advantages:
- Student-centered and engaging.
- Flexible structure suitable for different levels and contexts.
Limitations:
- Requires careful planning to maintain balance between the phases.
C. TTT (Test, Teach, Test)
Overview: This lesson plan format framework is diagnostic and adaptive, allowing teachers to assess students’ knowledge and adjust the lesson accordingly.
- Test 1: Students complete a task or activity to show their current knowledge of the target language.
- Teach: The teacher explains or corrects areas where students struggled.
- Test 2: Students perform a similar activity to demonstrate improvement and understanding.
Advantages:
- Identifies specific learning needs.
- Encourages active learning and self-reflection.
Limitations:
- May not suit complete beginners due to lack of prior knowledge.
D. Discovery Learning
Overview: In this inductive framework, students discover language rules or patterns through guided activities.
- The teacher provides examples or contexts, and students analyze them to deduce rules (e.g., grammar structures or word usage).
- Encourages critical thinking and active participation.
Advantages:
- Promotes deep learning and retention.
- Develops problem-solving skills.
Limitations:
- Can be time-consuming.
- Some students may struggle without explicit guidance.
E. Task-Based Learning (TBL)
Overview: This communicative framework prioritizes completing meaningful tasks over explicit language instruction.
- Pre-task: The teacher introduces the topic and task.
- Task cycle: Students perform the task (e.g., planning a trip or writing an email).
- Post-task: The teacher provides feedback and highlights language used during the task.
Advantages:
- Focuses on real-world communication.
- Encourages creativity and collaboration.
Limitations:
- May not address specific language points directly.
F. Content-Based Instruction (CBI)
Overview: In this framework, language is taught through engaging topics or subjects (e.g., history, science).
- Combines language learning with academic or cultural content.
- Focuses on comprehension and communication.
Advantages:
- Immersive and motivating.
- Builds subject knowledge alongside language skills.
Limitations:
- Requires careful material selection to suit learners’ levels.
G. Lexical Approach
Overview: This framework focuses on teaching language in “chunks” (collocations, phrases, and expressions) rather than isolated grammar points.
- Activities include identifying collocations, analyzing authentic texts, and practicing phrases in context.
Advantages:
- Builds natural fluency and accuracy.
- Emphasizes real-life language use.
Limitations:
- Less structured than traditional approaches.
- May not suit learners focused on explicit grammar rules.
Choosing the Right Framework
When selecting a framework, consider the following factors:
- Student proficiency level: PPP works well for beginners, while Discovery Learning suits advanced students.
- Lesson objectives: Use TBL for communicative tasks or ESA for a flexible structure.
- Class size and context: Some frameworks (e.g., TTT) work better in smaller groups.
4. Lesson Plan Template Example
A. Blank Lesson Plan Format
Here is a ready-to-use lesson plan format:
| DATE | LESSON NO. | UNIT |
|---|---|---|
| COURSE | TOPIC | |
| INSTRUCTOR | ||
| OBJECTIVES | ||
| INSTRUCTIONAL AIDS, MATERIALS, OR TOOLS NEEDED | ||
| LESSON OUTLINE | ||
| ASSIGNMENT | ||
| NOTES | ||
| REFERENCES | ||
B. Lesson Plan Format: Completed Sample
The following lesson plan format is based on the PPP framework described above:
| DATE: LESSON NO. 5 | UNIT: Daily Routines |
| COURSE: General English | TOPIC: Present Simple Tense for Daily Routines |
| INSTRUCTOR: | OBJECTIVES: Students will be able to use the Present Simple to describe daily routines with accuracy and fluency. |
| Materials | – Whiteboard or PowerPoint for grammar rules and examples – Worksheet with gap-fill and matching activities – Flashcards with daily routine verbs |
| Stage | Procedure |
|---|---|
| Warm-up | Ask students about their morning routines (e.g., “What do you do when you wake up?”). |
| Examples | |
| Presentation | 1. Contextualize the Target Language Assign a reading task & brief comprehension activity Write examples from the text on the board (e.g., “She eats breakfast.”). 2. Introduce the Present Simple tense: – Form: Subject + Verb (he/she/it adds -s). – Use: Habitual actions (e.g., “I brush my teeth every morning.”). |
| Practice | 1. Matching Match subjects to verbs to form correct sentences (e.g., “She → brushes her teeth.”). 2. Gap- Fill Provide gap-fill worksheets: – “I ______ (wake up) at 7 AM every day.” – “He ______ (go) to school at 8 AM.” – “They ______ (play) football on weekends.” Review answers as a class. 2. |
| Production | 1. Pair Work Students discuss their daily routines in pairs. Example prompts: – “What time do you wake up?” – “What do you do after school/work?” 2. Class Activity Create a group timeline of daily routines. Each student contributes one action. Example: – “At 7 AM, I wake up.” – “At 8 AM, she goes to school.” |
| Note | – Reinforce the difference between 3rd person singular (“He plays”) and other forms (“They play”). – Use gestures and visuals to engage learners during the explanation. |
| Assignment Task | Write a short paragraph (5-7 sentences) describing your daily routine using the Present Simple tense. |
| References | Resources: – English Grammar in Use by Raymond Murphy – Teacher-created worksheets and visuals |
C. Tips for Using This Template
- Adapt for Your Students: Adjust the objectives and activities to match your students’ skill levels.
- Be Flexible: Unexpected interruptions happen—leave room for flexibility in your plan.
- Incorporate Technology: Use online tools and multimedia resources to make lessons more engaging.
D. Downloadable Resources
Final Thoughts
Lesson plans are an indispensable part of effective teaching. By using a clear format and tailoring it to your needs, you’ll ensure your lessons are both engaging and successful. Feel free to adapt this template and format for your own teaching context.
More on Lesson Plan Frameworks!