Every institution has its format for writing an lesson plan: and this may keep changing over the years. But writing an effective lesson plan does not merely depend on following the prescribed ‘formula’. It has more to do with how you execute the plan rather than just writing points and activities that look good on paper.

An effective lesson plan is really helpful makes classroom teaching more productive and fun.

1. Don’t treat the lesson plan as a mere formality. It has value in the amount of time saved when you prepare a topic.
2. Be specific in what you want to achieve in the classroom. For example, instead of writing ‘Reading practice will be done’, write ‘Children will be guided with correct pronunciation during the lesson’s reading.’
3. Don’t write activities just for the sake of making the lesson plan an interesting read. If you write ‘Role play’ as an additional activity in your language class, consider the size of your class, time restrictions, and the amount of the topic you aim to cover in a day.
4. At the end of every lesson plan, make a column for ‘feedback/reflections. Once you have taught according to a particular lesson plan, take five minutes to write what did or didn’t work. It will help you think of solutions and alternatives for the next time.
5. Nothing increases the effectiveness of your lesson plan like micro-planning. Ask your academic in charge if this can become a part of the lesson plan. If not, make a micro plan separately.
6. Write down short questions, the meaning of scientific terms, answers to expected questions, classwork and home assignments, and any other extra information you want to share in the class. It will make you more confident and relaxed when you take up the lesson.

These points will change the way you feel about writing an effective lesson plan every week or fortnight, making it less of a chore and more of a secret weapon to help you excel in the classroom.