30-Minute Lesson Plan Template for K–2

Gathering + opening (5 min): Transition to carpet or desks with a song, chant, or visual cue. Introduce the learning target in student-friendly language: 'Today we will learn to...'

Mini-lesson (8 min): Direct instruction with visuals, manipulatives, or a read-aloud. Model the skill once, then do one example together. Keep teacher talk under 8 minutes for this age group.

Guided practice (10 min): Students practice with support — partner work, centers, or a hands-on task. Circulate and provide immediate feedback. Use a timer visible to students.

Closure (7 min): Gather students back. Quick check: thumbs up/down, show-me whiteboard, or 'turn and tell your partner one thing you learned.' Close with a clear routine (song, countdown, transition phrase).

Attention spans are short. No single activity should last more than 10 minutes. Build in movement transitions: stand up, stretch, move to a new spot. These aren't breaks — they're resets that extend productive learning time.

Routines carry the lesson. When students know what comes next, you spend less time giving instructions and more time teaching. Invest heavily in routine-building during the first weeks — it pays off all year.

Select K–2 grade levels and LessonCraft adjusts pacing, language complexity, and activity types. Plans include movement cues, visual support notes, and age-appropriate assessment formats.