How do you write a nursery lesson plan?
A nursery lesson plan includes the theme, the learning goal, the age group, materials, a short introduction (hook), the main activity, how you will support or extend different children, a closing, and how you will observe learning. Keep it to 15 to 20 minutes of focused activity and link it to the week's theme.
What this means in practice
Planning helps you think through timing, resources and differentiation before you face the group.
Template
- Theme and date
- Learning goal (e.g. recognise and name three fruits)
- Materials
- Hook (2 min): a mystery bag or puppet
- Main activity (10 min)
- Support and extension ideas
- Closing (2 min): song or recap
- Observation notes
Weekly planning
Plan a weekly theme with activities across language, maths, physical, creative and social areas, so each day balances group time, free play and outdoor play.
Sample activity plan: colours (Nursery)
- Goal: name red, blue and yellow
- Hook: a colour box with hidden objects
- Activity: sort objects into coloured hoops
- Support: name colours with the child
- Extension: find colours in the room
- Close: colour song
Practical next steps
- Choose a theme.
- Set one clear goal per activity.
- Prepare materials in advance.
- Reflect after the lesson.
What to keep in mind
Plans are guides. Follow children's interests when they lead somewhere useful.
Common follow-up questions
How long should a nursery lesson be?
10 to 20 minutes of focused activity.
Do nursery teachers write daily plans?
Most schools expect weekly plans with daily detail.
Sources
- National Curriculum Framework for the Foundational Stage 2022, NCERT
- NAEYC: Developmentally appropriate practice
Course facts come from APTTI's published course pages. Examples use made-up names. How these answers are prepared.