The Parts of a Lesson Plan
One way that helps teachers prepare for a lesson is to create a lesson plan. This document helps you think through and write down information about each activity or component of your class. Breaking a lesson into these different components helps you plan effectively and feel less overwhelmed. We have created a blank lesson plan template you can print and fill out as you plan your lesson. Below is a description of each part of a typical lesson in order. You will also find each of these parts on the lesson plan template.
1. Lesson Title:
Choose a Bible story and create a title. A title gives focus and reminds you, as the teacher, that this lesson is unique and has a purpose. The title may be for your use as the teacher, or you may share it with the children. You can make up your own title or use one of the ones listed in Bible Stories and Suggested Themes.
2. Scripture References:
Once you have chosen the Bible story you want to teach, write down the scripture reference for that story. You may also want to write down the memory verse or other related scriptures. You can find the verses on your own or check any lessons at Bible Stories and Suggested Themes.
3. Emphasis/Theme:
Rather than try to cover everything in one lesson, try to narrow the focus down to one basic theme. There are often many themes or subjects you could emphasise, so you will have to choose the best one for your lesson and the children you teach. To choose, first think about the important truths those hearing the story for the first time will learn. What does the story reveal about God? Then think about what the children in your class would find relevant. How can you help them learn who God is and what it means for their lives? If you need help choosing a theme, you will find suggested ones for each lesson in Bible Stories and Suggested Themes.
4. Welcome:
For children to learn, it is important that they feel safe, wanted, and welcomed in their environment. Just as Jesus welcomed the little children, it is important we help each child feel welcomed too! Make sure that you arrive earlier than the children and are prepared for the lesson to begin. This will allow you to welcome each child with intentionality and genuineness.
As the children arrive to the session, use the time to discover together what you have in common. Whether you have one or many children present, you can use what you have in common to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. Children also feel welcomed when they are valued. Some ways to show children that they are valued and welcomed in class include:
- letting them help you prepare materials or set up a table
- chatting while you colour pictures together that will be used as a visual during the story
- looking through a book or pictures that relate to the day’s story or emphasis
- making something out of play-dough that relates to the story or emphasis
- finding a verse in the Bible, singing songs
- or any other activity that helps them feel welcomed.
5. Introducing the Story:
After the children have arrived, you will gather them to one space and help them get settled before telling the main story of the day. This can be done by asking a leading question, describing a current-day (and age appropriate) situation that relates to what is happening in the story, showing an object that relates to something in the story, etc. As you get to know the children in your group, you will learn what really grabs their attention.
6. Telling the Story:
You will choose a method to present a lesson from the Bible. No matter how you decide to present the story, remember that the most important step is that you first read and understand the scripture yourself. Then when you share the scripture, your presentation will be natural and from the heart.
Some teachers are excellent storytellers and use a combination of this and reading directly from the Bible as their main method. Others are artistic and draw pictures as they tell the story. Many of us find good pictures to use at some point while telling the story. Using a variety of methods helps the children understand and remember the story the best. I suggest challenging yourself to try something different so that your teaching does not become stale. Visual Aids and Ways to Tell the Story
7. Application:
A powerful part of your time together will be in the activities you choose to help relate the story to the children’s lives. This can be done through interactive games, singing, prayer, discussion, memorising or reading verses from the Bible, projects, crafts or any other method that you and the children enjoy. This is not a time for “busy work” but a time to plant God’s word in their hearts. Ideas for application activities
8. Review:
Re-emphasising the important points of the day’s story will help the children remember it. Again, this can be done through games, crafts, songs, memory verse activities, letting a student retell the story by reusing your visual aids, etc. Ideas for review activities
9. Closing:
Making it clear when your time together is over helps the children have closure, process what they learned, and transition to what they will be doing after the session. You can close with prayer, a quiet game, a particular song you sing each week, handing out homework or any activity that you and your students find helpful.
10. Teacher’s Preparation List:
List the supplies you need to gather for the session. List any other preparation you need to take care of before the day of your session.
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Praise The Lord.. I have been Looking for 2024 Curriculum and I have found what I’ve been looking for here on Mission Bible Class thanks
Pastor Pat-
May God bless you as you share His Word in 2023!
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Thank you so much. Have searched the net for a lesson plan for kids till i got here. God bless you for the good design.
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