Jason ZookFounder of Teachery 👋. I like dabbling in online business projects 👨💻 and am trying to stay curious and open 🤩 to new ideas!
Table of Contents
- Unlock Your Teaching Potential with Free Lesson Plan Templates
- 1. Planbook.com Lesson Plan Template
- 2. Common Curriculum Template
- 3. Teachers Pay Teachers (TpT) Templates
- 4. Education.com Lesson Plan Templates
- 5. Canva Lesson Plan Templates
- 6. Google Docs Template Gallery
- 7. Microsoft Office Templates
- 7-Template Comparison: Free Lesson Plan Options
- Elevate Your Lesson Planning: Choosing the Right Free Template
Do not index
Do not index
Unlock Your Teaching Potential with Free Lesson Plan Templates
Creating engaging lessons is essential for anyone who teaches - whether you're coaching business owners, leading wellness workshops, or explaining how to use your digital products. While teaching methods have evolved significantly since ancient times, having a clear plan remains crucial for delivering impactful learning experiences. However, creating lesson plans from scratch can be time-consuming and drain your creative energy.
A great lesson plan strikes the right balance between structure and flexibility. It needs clear objectives, organized content, and engaging activities - while being adaptable enough to accommodate different learning styles and subjects. The best plans help students truly understand the material, stay curious, and apply what they've learned in practical ways.
We've gathered seven valuable sources of free lesson plan templates to help streamline your planning process and make your teaching more effective. These ready-to-use templates work for many different teaching scenarios - from intimate online workshops to full-length courses. They'll help you organize your material logically while keeping students engaged and interested. Most importantly, these resources will save you time so you can focus on what matters most: creating compelling content and connecting with your learners.
Let's explore how these free templates can help you create better learning experiences with less effort. You'll discover practical tools that make lesson planning simpler while still delivering excellent results for your students.
1. Planbook.com Lesson Plan Template
Planbook.com started as a K-12 teaching platform but has grown into a helpful tool for online educators and content creators. Whether you create digital courses, run coaching programs, or teach wellness classes, this platform helps organize and deliver your content effectively.
Think of it as your teaching headquarters - a single place to map out long-term plans, schedule sessions, and monitor progress. Course creators can outline their modules, detailing content and activities for each lesson. Business coaches can structure programs and track client progress all in one spot.
Key Features:
- Flexible Templates: Create layouts that match how you teach and organize content
- Learning Standards: Set clear objectives and outcomes for your audience
- Cloud Storage: Access plans from any device and never lose work
- Multi-Subject Support: Manage different programs or courses in one account
What Works Well:
- Simple Interface: Easy to learn and use, even for beginners
- Mobile Access: Plan from your computer, phone, or tablet
- Team Sharing: Collaborate with others and share resources easily
What Could Be Better:
- Basic Free Version: Advanced features need a paid subscription
- Internet Required: No offline access to your plans
- Cost: Full features only available with paid subscription
Tips to Get Started:
- Test the free version first to see if it fits your needs
- Adjust templates to match your teaching style
- Learn the sharing tools to work with others
While it began as a K-12 tool, Planbook.com works well for any educator or content creator who wants to plan and deliver material in an organized way. The user-friendly design and cloud access make it a practical choice for managing teaching projects.
2. Common Curriculum Template
Common Curriculum is a free online lesson planning tool that, while made for teachers, works exceptionally well for course creators and coaches too. It helps organize and structure your educational content, whether you're building an online course, workshop series, or content calendar.
The real power of this platform shows when mapping out complex, multi-stage projects. Online coaches can use it to plan 6-month programs, schedule live sessions, and attach resources. Course creators can break down their material into modules, set clear learning goals, and link downloadable content. Even Etsy sellers running workshops can benefit by creating detailed lesson outlines.
Key Features & Benefits:
- Drag-and-drop interface: Move content blocks around to find the perfect flow
- Unit planning tools: Split larger projects into smaller, digestible sections
- Standards integration: Align your content with industry frameworks and best practices
- Team collaboration: Work smoothly with assistants and co-creators on shared projects
Pros:
- Easy to learn: Jump right in with minimal learning curve
- Free basic version: Test it out without spending a dime
- Great for teams: Keep everyone in sync with shared planning tools
Cons:
- Storage limits on free plan: Bigger projects may need a paid upgrade
- Premium features cost extra: Advanced tools require a subscription
Pricing & Technical Requirements:
The basic plan is free to use. Paid options offer more storage and advanced features. Access the platform through any web browser.
Implementation Tips:
- Create a free account to explore the basics
- Break your content into clear, focused modules
- Test different content arrangements with drag-and-drop
- Add team members and assign their roles if working together
Why it deserves its place in the list:
Common Curriculum stands out as a solid free option for organizing online education content. While originally for teachers, it works wonderfully for digital creators and coaches who need to structure their materials. The easy interface and team features make it a useful tool for content planning and delivery.
3. Teachers Pay Teachers (TpT) Templates
Teachers Pay Teachers (TpT) is a popular online marketplace where educators share teaching resources, including an extensive collection of lesson plan templates. While originally designed for classroom teachers, TpT offers practical tools for anyone creating educational content - from digital product creators to online coaches.
The platform excels in providing diverse, ready-to-use templates for almost any subject and grade level. Templates come in common formats like Word and Google Docs, making them easy to customize. A science lesson template could be adapted for an online nature workshop, or a history template could structure an in-depth online course module.
Features:
- Multiple format options: Simple outlines to detailed multi-day plans
- Subject-focused templates: Math, science, language arts, history, and more
- Easy editing capability: Compatible with standard document formats
- Age-appropriate versions: Templates for different grade levels
Pros:
- Free options: Test templates without spending money
- Classroom-tested: Templates proven effective by real teachers
- Diverse selection: Find formats matching your specific needs
Cons:
- Inconsistent quality: Review carefully before using
- Cost for some templates: Prices vary by complexity
- Adaptation needed: May require changes for non-classroom use
Implementation Tips:
- Start with free templates: Sample different styles without cost
- Check user reviews: Learn from others' experiences
- Match your needs: Choose templates suited to your audience
- Customize freely: Modify templates to fit your specific goals
Pricing: Mix of free and paid options. Paid templates typically cost between $2-20 based on scope and complexity.
Technical Requirements: Computer, internet access, and basic document editing software (Microsoft Word or Google Docs).
TpT stands out because it offers practical, accessible lesson planning tools for educators and content creators alike. Though quality varies between creators, the wide selection of resources and focus on real-world application make it valuable for anyone creating structured learning experiences. Visit TpT to explore how these templates can improve your educational content.
4. Education.com Lesson Plan Templates
Education.com provides free, professionally formatted lesson plan templates for teachers and content creators. What makes this platform stand out is its combination of free access, diverse subject coverage, and grade-specific options. While customization options are somewhat basic, the templates serve as excellent starting points, especially for those new to lesson planning.
Online course creators, business coaches, and workshop facilitators will find these templates particularly useful. For example, if you're building an online course, you can use these templates to structure individual lessons in a clear, pedagogically sound way. The templates also work well for wellness professionals creating workshops or Etsy sellers developing instructional materials.
Features and Benefits:
- Basic and Advanced Templates: Choose simple templates for straightforward lessons or advanced ones for more detailed planning
- Printable PDF Formats: Download and print templates for offline use
- Multiple Subject Areas: Templates covering various subjects for versatile applications
- Grade-Specific Options: Templates designed for different grade levels
Pros:
- Free Access: Core templates available at no cost
- Simple to Use: Clear interface and easy PDF downloads
- Professional Layout: Well-structured formats that save time on design
Cons:
- Limited Customization: Templates offer basic formatting options only
- Account Required: Must create a free account to download templates
- Premium Features: Some advanced resources need paid membership
Implementation Tips:
- Select a template that matches your subject and teaching goals
- Download your chosen template as a PDF
- Complete each section with your lesson content and objectives
- Add supplementary materials from Education.com's resource library
Education.com's free lesson plan templates help educators and content creators build organized, effective learning materials. Though customization options are basic, the platform's free access and professional templates make it a practical choice for anyone developing educational content.
5. Canva Lesson Plan Templates
Canva provides an excellent option for creating beautiful lesson plans through its user-friendly platform. The tool is perfect for online course creators, coaches, and entrepreneurs who want to build professional-looking educational materials without needing design skills. The simple drag-and-drop system makes it easy to customize templates and maintain consistent branding across your content.
Key Features:
- Design Elements: Access thousands of photos, graphics, fonts and color schemes to create lesson plans aligned with your brand identity
- Simple Interface: The drag-and-drop editor lets anyone modify text, images and layouts without technical knowledge
- File Formats: Save and share your lesson plans as PDFs, PNGs, or JPGs - ideal for digital products and online courses
- Team Tools: Work together with co-creators using Canva's collaboration features
What We Like:
- Professional Results: Create polished, engaging lesson plans even with the free version
- Easy to Learn: The intuitive platform makes design accessible for beginners
- Free Option: Get started with basic templates and elements at no cost
What Could Be Better:
- Premium Content: Many of the best templates require a paid Pro subscription
- Initial Learning: New users may need some time to master all the features
- Education Focus: Lacks specialized teaching tools like grading or progress tracking
Tips for Success:
- Pick templates that match your teaching style and content type
- Use the brand kit feature to keep colors and fonts consistent
- Browse the element library to add visual interest
- Consider upgrading to Pro for more template options and team features
How It Compares: While basic tools like Google Docs work for simple lesson plans, Canva excels at creating visually appealing materials. It's the top choice for educators who want professional-looking content without graphic design expertise.
What makes Canva special is how it combines ease-of-use with beautiful design capabilities. The platform helps teachers and course creators develop engaging lesson plans that look great and enhance the learning experience.
6. Google Docs Template Gallery
A solid lesson plan template is vital for anyone creating learning content - whether you're teaching online courses or developing educational resources. The Google Docs Template Gallery offers a practical solution, especially if you already use other Google tools. While not built specifically for lesson planning, its flexible templates and team features make it a strong choice.
This free tool uses the power of Google Docs to help you build, edit and share lesson plans easily. You can work with other instructors on a workshop outline in real-time or share course materials directly with students through Google Classroom. The smooth connection between Google tools makes this template gallery perfect for group learning projects.
Key Features:
- Team Editing: Multiple people can work on lesson plans at once, making it ideal for co-teaching and group projects
- Auto-Save: Never lose your work - changes save automatically as you type
- Works with Google Classroom: Share lesson plans directly to your classroom space for easy student access
- Flexible Sharing: Control who can view and edit your lesson plans - from private to fully public
What Works Well:
- No Cost: Access all features completely free
- Simple to Start: Just need a Google account to begin using templates
- Great for Groups: Built-in tools for comments and real-time editing
Limitations:
- Basic Design Tools: Fewer styling options compared to specialized lesson planning software
- Google Account Required: Must have a Google account to use
- Missing Education Tools: No built-in features for assessments or curriculum mapping
Tips for Success:
- Start with basic templates like agendas or project plans and modify them for lessons
- Use tables to organize learning goals, activities and assessments
- Try Google Docs add-ons to include extras like grading rubrics
The Google Docs Template Gallery stands out for being free, easy to use, and working smoothly with other Google tools. While it may lack some specialized teaching features, its straightforward design and collaborative tools make it valuable for creating and sharing lesson plans. For anyone already using Google products, the simple workflow and team features are hard to beat.
7. Microsoft Office Templates
Microsoft Office provides free lesson plan templates that many educators find helpful for their daily planning needs. These templates work within the familiar Office interface and can be used offline, making them particularly useful for teachers who prefer traditional tools or have limited internet access.
The templates stand out for their ease of use, especially for those already comfortable with Microsoft Word and PowerPoint. While they may lack some modern collaboration features, the professional formatting and customization options provide a solid base for creating clear, organized lesson plans.
Features:
- Clean formatting: Ready-to-use layouts help organize lesson content effectively
- Format variety: Templates available for different subjects and teaching approaches in Word and PowerPoint
- Works without internet: Access and edit plans anywhere, even without connectivity
- Easy customization: Adapt templates with your own branding, colors, and layout preferences
Pros:
- Professional appearance: Create polished lesson plans quickly
- Offline capability: Work on plans without needing internet access
- User-friendly: Leverage existing Microsoft Office knowledge
Cons:
- Requires Office software: Must have Microsoft Word or PowerPoint installed
- Limited collaboration: Lacks real-time group editing features common in online tools
- May need adjustments: Basic templates often require customization for specific subjects
Implementation Tips:
- Search the template library to find a design matching your needs
- Download your chosen template locally
- Open in Word/PowerPoint and add your lesson content and objectives
- Include any school branding or personal style elements
- Save customized versions to reuse for future lessons
Microsoft Office Templates provide a practical solution for educators who want reliable, professional-looking lesson plans without a steep learning curve. The offline access and integration with familiar Office tools make them especially valuable for teachers who prefer desktop software or need to work without constant internet connectivity.
7-Template Comparison: Free Lesson Plan Options
Template | ✨ Core Features | ★ User Experience | 💰 Price/Value | 👥 Target Audience |
Planbook.com Lesson Plan Template | Customizable templates, Standards integration, Cloud auto-save | User-friendly ★★★★, Accessible, Great sharing | Freemium (Subscription for premium) | K-12 Teachers |
Common Curriculum Template | Drag–n–drop interface, Unit planning, Common Core integration | Simple ★★★★, Team-friendly | Free basic (Upgrade available) | Team & K-12 Teachers |
Teachers Pay Teachers (TpT) Templates | Varied formats, Subject-specific, Editable | Tested by teachers ★★★, Mixed quality | Free & Paid options | Diverse Teachers |
Education.com Lesson Plan Templates | Printable PDFs, Grade-specific, Multi-subject | Professional ★★★★, Easy downloads | Free (Some premium add-ons) | K-12 Educators |
Canva Lesson Plan Templates | Modern design, Easy customization, Multi-export | Sleek ★★★★, Intuitive design | Free with Pro option | Creative Teachers |
Google Docs Template Gallery | Real-time collaboration, Auto-save, Google integration | Easy ★★★★, Collaborative | Completely free | Google-savvy Teachers |
Microsoft Office Templates | Professional layouts, Offline access, Customizable | Familiar ★★★, Reliable | Free (Microsoft Office required) | Office Users & Teachers |
Elevate Your Lesson Planning: Choosing the Right Free Template
Finding the perfect lesson plan template can be challenging with so many free options available from popular sites and platforms. Here's what to think about when selecting one that works for you:
- Match Your Teaching Context: Look for templates designed specifically for your subject area and student grade level. A high school English template won't work well for elementary math lessons.
- Easy to Modify: Some templates are more flexible than others. If you need to make significant changes, choose one that's simple to adapt.
- Works with Your Tools: Consider how the template fits with platforms you already use. For example, if you rely heavily on Google Classroom, a Google Docs template may be your best choice.
- Comfort with Technology: If you prefer simple printable options, downloadable templates from educational resource sites work well. For those comfortable with digital tools, online design platforms offer more features.
- Cost Considerations: While these templates start free, some platforms charge for premium features. Factor in any potential future costs when choosing.
Most free templates are straightforward to use - just download and fill in your lesson details. Online platforms typically provide helpful tutorials to get you started.
Important Points to Remember:
- Free templates give teachers a solid foundation for planning lessons
- Your choice should align with your teaching style, technical ability, and customization needs
- Think about long-term use, including integration with other tools and possible costs
While free templates work great for individual lessons, creating full online courses needs a more complete solution. If you're ready to develop professional online courses, check out Teachery. This platform lets you build custom courses without typical platform restrictions. With no transaction fees, unlimited courses, and lifetime pricing options, you can grow your online teaching business your way. Ready to move beyond basic lesson planning? Start building your course with Teachery today: https://teachery.co
Written by
Jason Zook
Founder of Teachery 👋. I like dabbling in online business projects 👨💻 and am trying to stay curious and open 🤩 to new ideas!