My Basic Lesson Plan

When I first started teaching, I thought I had to make each lesson very different in order to keep the children's attention. Thankfully, I finally realized that children need repetition as well as novelty. After all, the everyday world is still full of mystery to a four year old.

They are much happier and ready to learn if they know what to expect!

So here it is, my basic lesson plan for a 35-45 minute class.

Welcome Song (sitting)

Easy Song (Fingerplay)

Fun Song #1 (Usually a number song)

Fun Song #2 (Usually a seasonal or theme of the month song)

Transition to Movement Song (Same every week, goes from sitting to standing)

Circle Activity Song (Same every week)

Optional: Standing Song (Song with body movements)

Action Song or Dance to recording (gets us a little winded — wide range of motion)

Move to Storytime Position (Quickly as possible, same place every week)

Storytime Readiness Song (sitting, easy fingerplay to settle in)

Learning Skills Song (teaching phonics or colors/shapes song)

Storytime (incorporates a song or sound effects, or uses rhythm, or is about music)

Transition to Standing Song (Quick!)

Action Song, Dance or Musical Game (Moving to music, Using imaginations)

Focused Activity (sitting, maybe playing instruments or a listening game)

Transition to Standing Song (Quick!)

Musical Game

...and  if there is still time left
REALLY FUN activity — if needed (always have a few ready to go…..)