How to write lesson plans without meeting your students?

You're not being very specific. Pre-schools vary in age and ability. And lesson plan formats vary as well. If you could share a little about what you're used to, and what you're expected to do, I may be able to help you out. I've been teaching preschoolers in a smaller arena--the homeschool co-op--for about 3 years. I've planned all day "lessons" shortended days, specific topic days(much like a unit lesson type) and a lot more. So answer a few questions, and I'll see what I can do...K? What is the age range of your class? What format are you used to using? What format are you expected to use? What topics/content/concepts are you supposed to cover? How much time are you supposed to plan out? Thanks:)

If you have any information on the students then you can take parts of it and incorporate where they need help and where they can be challenged. I write lesson plans for my kids who are home schooled, yes I do know them but I also write to see what's in them too. Don't worry, you will do great.

I've been there. Take it from an experienced teacher...... you are over thinking this!!! Think globally, stay focussed on the elements that are being taught. State things in a way that will allow the teacher to meet all needs. Keep it simple. Best wishes to you. Teaching is a very rewarding job.

Hi Highflyxangel, Makingpots said it all! Focus on grade and what is being taught to the students. My format for lesson plans is as simple as they come, check it... Center: Lesson Plan Right edge: Topic: (spac/line) Date: (space)/line) Grade (space/line) Goal: space/lines, about 3 to 4 materials: space/lines, about 2 to 3 Procedure: space/lines 2 to 3 Signature: space/line Date: space/line Hope this helped. Good luck! *G*

Something a mentor told me during my first years of teaching was "Don't re-invent the wheel". I agree, I think you are over-thinking things just a bit. You can find pre-done lesson plans for ideas on ERIC, which is a must bookmark for teachers. There are other sites, but I like ERIC the best. In terms of lesson plans, it sounds like you are dealing with students in a special education setting. Most lesson plans for general education teachers do not have to have goals for each student. (I cannot copy and paste because I'm not at 500 posts or I would gladly copy a lesson plan for you, so I'll just summarize). If you have let's say 5 special education students in your class of pre-schoolers, you simply need to identify them in your lesson plan under your strategies. You'll provide something along the lines of "Johnny will need guided assistance and hand over hand" or "Margie needs help with oral computation". (These are generic mind you). Just a note on templates, you are going to find out very quickly that each school district has their own preferred lesson plan template. It's just the nature of education. I would suggest that you spell check and proof-read your lesson plans before submission to your host teacher. In terms of knowing students or not knowing students, this is the nature of education. Each year you teach you will have a fresh group of faces that you won't know until after you have taught them, yet you will be expected to formulate lesson plans to meet the needs on the first day of class. This is something that becomes easier the longer you teach. And a small suggestion, don't procrastinate on lesson plans or assignments for your class. You'll find yourself scrambling at the end to get something done and it won't be your best work. Good luck to you in college-Anora