45-Minute Lesson Plan Template for Middle School

Opening (5 min): Bell ringer or Do Now connected to the objective. Students work independently while you handle attendance and logistics.

Direct instruction (10 min): Introduce or model the new concept. Keep this tight — 10 minutes of focused instruction is more effective than 20 minutes of lecture. Include at least one check for understanding before moving on.

Guided/independent practice (20 min): Students apply the concept with decreasing support. Start with a guided example together, then release to partner or independent work. Circulate and check 5–6 students' work.

Closure (10 min): Exit ticket (3 min) + brief discussion or share-out (5 min) + transition/pack-up (2 min). Protect this time — cutting closure means you don't know if students learned.

Middle schoolers need a format change every 10–15 minutes. Sitting and listening for 20 straight minutes is a recipe for off-task behavior. Build in a stand-up, a partner talk, or a movement break between segments.

Social energy is high. Channel it: pair work, quick debates, or think-pair-share. Fighting the social instinct wastes energy. Using it for academic conversation is a multiplier.

Set your duration to 45 minutes and LessonCraft automatically paces each section with realistic timing. Middle school plans include transition cues and engagement shifts built into the flow.