Direct Instruction Lesson Plan Template That Includes Checks for Understanding

I Do (10 min): Teacher models the skill while thinking aloud. Students watch and listen. The key is narrating your decision-making: 'First I look for... then I check whether... now I decide...' This makes invisible thinking visible.

We Do (15 min): Teacher and students practice together. Do 2–3 examples as a class, with students contributing more each time. This is where you catch misconceptions before they become habits.

You Do (15 min): Students practice independently or in pairs. Circulate and check at least 5 students' work. If more than 30% are struggling, stop and reteach with a different model before continuing.

The biggest mistake is making I Do too long. If you're modeling for 25 minutes, students have checked out. Keep it tight: one example, clearly modeled, with a think-aloud. If the concept needs multiple examples, spread them across I Do and We Do.

The second mistake is skipping We Do. Going straight from modeling to independent practice leaves struggling students without a bridge. The guided practice phase is where learning actually happens for most students.

When you select a structured teaching style, LessonCraft generates plans with explicit I Do, We Do, You Do sections, each with timing, activity descriptions, and embedded checks for understanding.