How to Write Lesson Note [See Templates and Samples]

Creating effective lesson notes is crucial for successful teaching because they serve as a roadmap for educators to deliver their lesson. When a lesson note is prepared well, the teaching will be more organized and engaging. A good lesson note also fosters an environment conducive to improved learning outcomes. In this article, we’ll explore the importance of lesson notes and how to write lesson note for nursery school, primary school and secondary school in such a way that they positively impact the teaching and learning process.

What is a Lesson Note?

A lesson note is a comprehensive outline of the content of a lesson, that helps teachers to remember what they want to teach during a lesson. The lesson note usually contains the main points the teacher hopes to cover, the activities they will do and the necessary materials for the lesson. Actually, a lesson note is like a cheat sheet or roadmap that guides the teacher through a class.

Important Characteristics of a Good Lesson Note

Before we begin to explore how to write lesson note for nursery, primary and secondary school, it is important to acquaint ourselves with the characteristics of a good lesson note.

Here are some of them:

1. Unlike a lesson plan owned by the school, a lesson note is the personal property of the teacher. It contains important information and instructions for both the teacher and students on delivering a specific lesson. The lesson note is the closest reference tool the teacher has while teaching in class. There, they can find the curriculum content and other necessary details needed to effectively impart knowledge to students.

2. A good lesson note contains essential information for effective teaching. For example, it contains learning objectives, instructional materials, assessment questions and so on. It, therefore, acts as a guide for the teacher from the beginning to the end of a lesson, ensuring that the learning objectives are attained.

3. It is possible for schools to modify lesson plans to suit their policies and standards, they cannot make such alterations in lesson notes. The primary focus of the school is on the instructional plan which they endorse by themselves.

4. A teacher’s lesson note does not have to be exhaustive like a lesson plan. The lesson note only needs to be practical enough to enable teachers to implement their lesson plan effectively.

5. The lesson note provides specific instructions for executing the lesson plan. Some of the instructions you may find in lesson notes include: teaching tactics, relevant examples, learning materials and any additional information required by the teacher to enhance learning.

Read Also: Basic Science for Primary 1 (Schéme, Topics &; Quéstions)

How to Write Lesson Note That is Effective

As a teacher, you need to appreciate the fact that writing an effective lesson note on a topic involves several steps. Here is how to write lesson note in simple steps:

1. Establish Learning Objectives

Clearly outline the specific learning objectives you expect from your students by the end of the lesson. With this, you establish the goal of the lesson before anything else.

2. Select a Lesson Topic

For a given term, there are normally several topics in the scheme of work arranged according to weeks and days. Select the topic you need to prepare lesson note on.

3. Gather Necessary Materials

Get all the reference materials you need in order to prepare an effective lesson note. Of course, after preparing the lesson note, you will need to also gather any other tool you need to deliver the lesson, for example textbooks, workbooks, pictures and so on.

4. Outline the Lesson Structure

Give the lesson an executable and logical structure by dividing it into sections. Examples of sections you may have in your lesson note include introduction, main content, activities and conclusion.

5. Write the Introduction

Begin your lesson note with an intriguing introduction to capture the attention of your students. If you do your introduction very well, it should also provide an overview of what they will learn at the end of the day.

6. Present Key Content

Break down the content of your lesson note into manageable parts depending on the nature of the topic. So for the lesson note, there may be direct lectures, then discussions and demonstrations.

7. Plan Activities and Exercises

Towards the end of the lesson note, include a variety of activities to actively engage students and reinforce the concepts they learned. The activities can be done individually or in groups, or as a class-wide exercise.

8. Assessment and Evaluation

This is a very essential part of any lesson note that would be effective. As a teacher, you must plan how to assess your students’ understanding and progress. So, incorporate assessment questions or exercises in your lesson  note.

9. Conclusion and Review

At this point, the lesson note is about coming to an end. So you need to summarize key points and allow for questions or clarification. Thereafter, provide a brief overview of the next lesson and give your students homework assignments.

10. Reflection and Revision

Number 9 above is where your lesson note ends. This number 10 is about what you ought to do after delivering the lesson. After the lesson, you need to sit back and reflect on its effectiveness. In so doing, you will be able to identify strengths and areas that need improvement. Then use the feedback to enhance future lesson plans.

Read Also: Basic Science for Primary 2 (Schémé, Topics & Questions)

How to Write Lesson Note for Nursery School in Nigeria

Teaching nursery school or kindergarten children can be tough yet fulfilling. As a nursery school teacher, you need to have a good lesson plan as well an effective lesson note if you must be able to sustain the interest of your students and help them to learn well. This section, we are going to offer tips on how to write lesson note for nursery school to meet learning objectives. In so doing, we shall discuss setting goals, planning fun activities, and checking how students are doing.

We hope that the tips we are going to share will help you to always make lesson notes that will foster learning in nursery school students, whether you are an experienced teacher or just starting out.

How to Write a Lesson Note For Nursery Schools

When writing a lesson note for nursery school kids, you need to always remember they have unique learning needs and shorter attention spans. So you must always endeavor to keep it all simple, clear and focused.

The first step is to set clear learning objectives. Make them specific, measurable, and achievable. For example, instead of just saying “students will learn about colors,” a more specific objective would be “students will be able to identify and name at least six colors by the end of the lesson.”

Next, plan activities and materials that match their age and are fun. You can use hands-on activities, songs, games, and stories to keep them engaged. Don’t forget to vary your teaching methods to suit different learning styles, like visual, auditory, or kinesthetic.

Remember to assess their progress as you go. Use informal observations or assessments to see where they’re struggling and adjust your lesson accordingly.

Overall, writing a nursery school lesson plan requires creativity and flexibility. With clear goals, engaging activities, and progress checks, you can ensure effective learning while having fun.

Lesson Note Format For Nursery School in Nigeria

Date:
Class:
Subject:
Topic:
Sub-topic:
Time:
Duration:
Period:
Content:
Specific Objectives:
Entry Behavior
Set Induction:
INSTRUCTIONAL PROCEDURE

Steps:
Content Development:
Teacher’s Activities:
Students Activities:
Instructional Materials:
Evaluation Guide (Formative Evaluation):
Evaluation (Summative):
Closure/Summary:
Assignment:

How to Write Lesson Note for Primary School

Primary school pupils are a little older than their counterparts in nursery school. This means that they are more mature physically and cognitively. So the approach to preparing a lesson note for primary school in Nigeria would be a bit different than what we explained above for nursery school. But at the end of the day, the goal is to write  comprehensive and effective lesson notes that meet the educational needs of primary school students.

Here’s a guide to help you write effective lesson notes for primary school:

1. Understand the Curriculum: Try to get familiar with the Nigerian primary school curriculum and the subjects in it. Examples of subjects you will find there include: English Language, Mathematics, Basic Science and Technology, Social Studies and and so on.
2. Set Clear Learning Objectives: Define clear and measurable learning objectives for the topic you want to write lesson note about. Ensure that the objectives are in alignment with the requirements of the curriculum.
3. Consider Local Context and Culture: Use examples and stories that border on Nigerian culture, history and local context so that the students can easily relate to the lesson.
4. Use Relevant Teaching Resources: Gather teaching resources and materials that are accessible and relevant to Nigerian primary school students. This may include textbooks, workbooks, visual aids, and educational technology tools that support learning objectives.
5. Assess Student Learning: Include formative assessments and evaluation questions to monitor students’ understanding throughout the lesson. You can use a variety of assessment techniques, such as tests and class discussions to measure learning outcomes.

Sample Lesson Note for a Primary School Class in Nigeria

Now let’s show you a sample lesson note for a primary school class in Nigeria. The focus here is on a Mathematics lesson for Grade 3 students. Our objective is to teach students how to add and subtract three-digit numbers.

Lesson Title: Adding and Subtracting Three-Digit Numbers

Grade: 3

Subject: Mathematics

Time: 45 minutes

Materials Needed:

• Whiteboard and markers
• Number cards (0-9)
• Worksheets for practice

Lesson Objectives:

• Students will be able to add three-digit numbers with regrouping.
• Stµdents will be able to subtract three-digit numbers with borrowing.
• Students will apply addition and subtraction skills to solve real-life problems.

Introduction (10 minutes):

1. Begin by reviewing the concept of addition and subtraction using two-digit numbers.
2. Show examples of adding and subtracting two-digit numbers on the whiteboard. Emphasize the regrouping and borrowing process.
3. Explain that today, we will learn how to apply these concepts to three-digit numbers.

Main Activity (25 minutes):

1. Divide the class into small groups and distribute number cards (0-9) to each group.
2. Present addition problems that involve three-digit numbers on the whiteboard. For example, 234 + 189.
3. Guide students through the process of adding each place value column, starting from the ones, tens and hundreds. Emphasize regrouping when necessary.
4. Allow students to work in their groups to solve more addition problems on their own.
5. Repeat the same process for subtraction problems involving three-digit numbers. Demonstrate borrowing when needed. For example, 456 – 297.
6. Provide opportunities for students to practice subtraction in their groups.

Application (10 minutes):

1. Present real-life word problems that require adding or subtracting three-digit numbers. For example, “If John has 587 marbles and he gives away 238 marbles to his friends, how many marbles does he have left?”
2. Allow students to work independently or in pairs to solve the word problems.
3. Encourage students to explain their problem-solving strategies to the class.

Assessment:

• Move around the classroom to observe students’ understanding and provide feedback as they work on the activities.
• Review students’ completed worksheets to assess their ability to add and subtract three-digit numbers accurately.
• Ask a few students to solve additional problems on the whiteboard to assess their understanding during the closing discussion.

Closure:

• Summarize the key concepts learned in the lesson: adding and subtracting three-digit numbers with regrouping and borrowing.
• Reinforce the importance of practicing these skills to become proficient in Mathematics.

Another Illustration of How to Write Lesson Note for Primary School

The following illustration will show you how to write lesson note for primary school easily:

Sample Lesson Note: Personal Hygiene for Primary School Pupils

Topic: Importance of Personal Hygiene
Grade Level: Primary School (Adaptable for specific grades)
Objectives: Students will

• understand the concept of personal hygiene and its importance.
• learn about different daily hygiene practices.
• identify the benefits of good hygiene in maintaining health and well-being.
• develop positive attitudes and habits towards personal hygiene.

Materials:

• Large chart paper or whiteboard
• Markers or colored pencils
• Pictures or illustrations related to personal hygiene (washing hands, brushing teeth, bathing, etc.)
• Short story or video about personal hygiene (optional)
• Hand-washing demonstration materials (soap, water, towel)

Procedure:

1. Introduction (10 minutes):

• Begin with an interactive activity or question to gauge students’ prior knowledge about personal hygiene. Examples: “What does personal hygiene mean?” “Can anyone think of different ways we take care of our bodies?”
• Briefly explain the concept of personal hygiene as keeping our bodies clean and healthy through daily practices.
• Introduce the lesson objectives and discuss the importance of learning about personal hygiene.

2. Exploring Hygiene Practices (20 minutes):

• Brainstorm together different daily hygiene practices students already know. List them on the chart paper or whiteboard. Examples: washing hands, brushing teeth, taking a bath, showering, combing hair, cleaning ears, etc.
• Use pictures or illustrations to visually represent each practice. You can also share a short story or video about personal hygiene.
• Discuss the benefits of each practice for maintaining health and preventing illness. Explain how germs spread and how good hygiene helps to keep them away.
• Introduce additional hygiene practices relevant to your grade level, such as washing face, cleaning nails, wearing clean clothes, etc.

3. Demonstration and Hands-on Practice (15 minutes):

• Conduct a live demonstration of proper hand-washing technique. Emphasize the importance of using soap, washing all areas of the hands, and drying them thoroughly with a clean towel.
• Divide students into pairs or small groups and provide them with materials for practicing hand-washing. Have them follow the steps demonstrated earlier.
• You can extend this activity to other hygiene practices like brushing teeth or wiping face, adapting the materials and instructions accordingly.

4. Reflection and Review (10 minutes):

• Encourage students to share their experiences with the hands-on activity and discuss how it felt to practice good hygiene.
• Briefly review the key points of the lesson: what is personal hygiene, why is it important, and how do we maintain good hygiene daily?
• Encourage students to ask questions and share their thoughts or suggestions on keeping themselves clean and healthy.

5. Closure and Assessment (5 minutes):

• Challenge students to set a personal hygiene goal for themselves, like remembering to wash their hands regularly or brushing their teeth twice a day.
• Provide assessment opportunities through observations, participation in activities, or short quizzes to gauge understanding.
• Offer positive reinforcement and encourage students to continue developing good hygiene habits.

How to Write Lesson Note for Secondary School in Nigeria

As a secondary school teacher, you need to appreciate the fact that writing an effective lesson note on a topic involves several steps. Here is how to write lesson note in simple steps:

1. Establish Learning Objectives

Clearly outline the specific learning objectives you expect from your students by the end of the lesson. With this, you establish the goal of the lesson before anything else.

2. Select a Lesson Topic

For a given term, there are normally several topics in the scheme of work arranged according to weeks and days. Select the topic you need to prepare lesson note on.

3. Gather Necessary Materials

Get all the reference materials you need in order to prepare an effective lesson note. Of course, after preparing the lesson note, you will need to also gather any other tool you need to deliver the lesson, for example textbooks, workbooks, pictures and so on.

4. Outline the Lesson Structure

Give the lesson an executable and logical structure by dividing it into sections. Examples of sections you may have in your lesson note include introduction, main content, activities and conclusion.

5. Write the Introduction

Begin your lesson note with an intriguing introduction to capture the attention of your students. If you do your introduction very well, it should also provide an overview of what they will learn at the end of the day.

6. Present Key Content

Break down the content of your lesson note into manageable parts depending on the nature of the topic. So for the lesson note, there may be direct lectures, then discussions and demonstrations.

7. Plan Activities and Exercises

Towards the end of the lesson note, include a variety of activities to actively engage students and reinforce the concepts they learned. The activities can be done individually or in groups, or as a class-wide exercise.

8. Assessment and Evaluation

This is a very essential part of any lesson note that would be effective. As a teacher, you must plan how to assess your students’ understanding and progress. So, incorporate assessment questions or exercises in your lesson  note.

9. Conclusion and Review

At this point, the lesson note is about coming to an end. So you need to summarize key points and allow for questions or clarification. Thereafter, provide a brief overview of the next lesson and give your students homework assignments.

10. Reflection and Revision

Number 9 above is where your lesson note ends. This number 10 is about what you ought to do after delivering the lesson. After the lesson, you need to sit back and reflect on its effectiveness. In so doing, you will be able to identify strengths and areas that need improvement. Then use the feedback to enhance future lesson plans.

Conclusion

In this article, we set out to explore how to write lesson note and we did justice to that. Remember, a lesson note is your personal guide. So ensure clarity and organization to effectively deliver lessons and engage students in the learning process.

Kindly help me to reach others with this post. by sharing with friends on Social Media. Just scroll down to see the Facebook and Twitter and WhatsApp buttons. Thank you so much!