What To Include In Preschool Lesson Plans

Have you ever stared at a blank piece of paper, wondering what to include in preschool lesson plans? You’re not alone! Many early childhood educators struggle with the same question: how do you design engaging activities that guide learning and allow exploration?

This article will guide you to creating well-rounded lesson plans that spark a love of learning in young children. We’ll explore the critical elements preschool lesson planning, discuss the benefits of planning, and even offer some fun theme ideas to get you started!

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As educators, the blank canvas of a lesson plan can often pose a daunting challenge, leaving us pondering the crucial elements that will help student meet milestones in letter recognition and preschool math objectives.

In this blog post, we will unravel the mysteries surrounding what to include in preschool lesson plans.

We will break down the essential components of effective preschool lesson plans to guide you through the process of creating engaging and educational experiences for children.

From defining clear learning objectives to designing interactive activities and incorporating stimulating preschool themes, we will provide you with a practical roadmap to navigate preschool lesson planning with confidence and purpose.

But first, we need to talk about the difference between a preschool curriculum and lesson plans.

What is the Difference Between Curriculum and Lesson Plans?

The difference between a preschool curriculum and lesson plans lies in their roles within the learning journey.

While a curriculum sets the overall goals and activities for student learning, acting as a structured blueprint, lesson plans bring this curriculum to life by detailing specific learning objectives, engaging activities, and a mix of structure and exploration to create a dynamic learning experience for children.

Lesson plans are the building blocks that follow the blueprint.

A preschool curriculum is a roadmap, while the lesson plans are the directions.

Effective lesson plans, crafted with intention, breathe life into preschool curriculum. They are the “how” behind the learning goals.

By incorporating clear learning objectives, a variety of engaging activities, and a balance between structure and exploration, educators can foster a love for learning in their young students. 

Preschool Learning Goals

Before diving into planning out preschool activities, consider the “why” behind your lesson. 

Preschool learning goals are sometimes referred to as learning objectives, and are broad statements that define what you want children to learn and achieve. These goals could focus on social and emotional development, like learning to share and take turns, or cognitive development, like identifying colors and shapes.

Having clear goals helps you design activities that effectively target those skills. Here are some articles about learning objectives that go into greater depth.

The NAEYC describes what a high-quality preschool program looks like.

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The Importance of Preschool Lesson Plans

Crafting well-thought-out lesson plans is important in early childhood education, especially in preschool settings. Here’s why preschool lesson planning holds such significance:

  • Structure and Organization
    • Lesson plans provide a structured framework for educators to follow, ensuring a cohesive flow of learning activities and maximizing instructional time.
  • Alignment with Learning Goals
    • They help align teaching strategies with specific learning objectives, allowing educators to tailor activities that cater to the developmental needs of young children.
  • Engagement and Interaction
    • By incorporating interactive and age-appropriate activities, lesson plans enhance student engagement, fostering a positive and stimulating learning environment.
  • Differentiation and Individualization
    • Lesson planning enables educators to differentiate instruction to meet the diverse needs of students, accommodating various learning styles and abilities within the classroom.
  • Assessment and Progress Tracking
    • It facilitates ongoing assessment and progress tracking, enabling educators to monitor student development, identify areas for improvement, and adapt teaching strategies accordingly.
  • Parental Engagement
    • Well-designed lesson plans promote transparency and communication with parents, allowing them to understand the educational objectives and actively support their child’s learning journey.
    • Here is an article about how to do pre-k lesson planning at home.
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Difference Between Thematic Calendar and Emergent Curriculum Approach

There are two main approaches to preschool lesson planning: the thematic calendar and the emergent curriculum.

Let’s break them down.

Thematic Calendar

This approach selects a central theme for a week or month, and all activities revolve around that theme. For example, if the theme is “Animals,” you might read books about different animals, sing songs about animal sounds, and create animal masks for dramatic play.

This well-organized approach allows for a deeper exploration of a particular topic. However, it can feel less flexible and may only sometimes address the immediate interests of your students.

If you gravitate toward thematic preschool lesson planning, then here are some must-read resources.

Emergent Curriculum

This approach incorporates children’s interests and current events into the lesson plan. For example, if you notice a fascination with butterflies, you can plan activities around butterfly lifecycles, create artwork, or even plant a butterfly garden.

This method allows for active learning and fosters a sense of agency in the classroom.

The downside? It can be more challenging to plan and requires a high degree of flexibility from the teacher. This article gives a more descriptive example of what emergent curriculum looks like in the classroom.

The differences between a thematic and emergent lesson plans share many similarities with academic vs. play-based preschool early childhood learning.

The best approach for you may depend on your teaching style and the needs of your students. Don’t be afraid to experiment and find a balance between the two!

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A Step-by-step Guide to Preschool Lesson Plans

Now that we’ve explored the importance of lesson plans and the different curriculum approaches, it’s time to make your own! 

Here’s a step-by-step guide to crafting effective preschool lesson plans: 

  • Identify Learning Goals
    • Start by defining what you want children to learn.
  • Choose Activities
    • Select age-appropriate activities that align with your learning goals. Consider incorporating a mix of individual, small-group, and whole-group activities.
  • Gather Materials
    • Ensure you have all the necessary materials readily available to avoid disruptions.
  • Plan for Assessment
    • Outline how you will assess children’s understanding of the concepts. This could involve informal observations, activity participation, or quick exit tickets.

How to Incorporate Themes in Preschool Lesson Plans

We’ve covered the essential elements of a successful preschool lesson plan, but where do you find inspiration for engaging activities? 

Themes are a fantastic way to provide a framework for learning while igniting children’s imaginations. From exploring the underwater world to celebrating the changing seasons, themes offer endless possibilities!

 Here’s how to incorporate them effectively:

  • Choose Engaging Themes
    • Select themes relevant to children’s lives and experiences, such as seasons, holidays, or animals.
    • Here is our big list of preschool themes.
  • Plan Activities Across Domains
    • Integrate activities that address different developmental areas, such as literacy, math, science, and social-emotional learning.
  • Provide Opportunities for Exploration
    • While themes offer structure, leave room for children to explore and ask questions within the theme.
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Six Preschool Lesson Plan Ideas to Try in Your Classroom

Here are six preschool lesson plan ideas to try in your classroom to jumpstart your creative planning!

By incorporating the above elements in this article, you’ve unlocked the secrets of crafting well-rounded and engaging preschool lesson plans! 

Remember, the ultimate goal is to ignite a love for learning in young children.

What to include in preschool lesson plans becomes clear: clear learning goals, engaging activities, and a healthy balance between structure and exploration. These ingredients transform your lesson plans into springboards, launching children into a vibrant and enriching learning environment. So, go forth, plan passionately, and watch your classroom blossom with the joy of discovery!

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