The following is a list of recommendations for how to design effective lesson plans in physical education classes:

• In each written lesson, include information such as name of school, date, class name, grade level, instructor name, special equipment needed, and the topic.

• Keep in mind that lesson plans and unit plans may be helpful in legal matters, so sufficient detail is needed regarding progressions in skill development, instructions, and class management.

• Write clear, observable, and measurable objectives (a.k.a goals, outcomes).

• Include 2-4 instructional cues when teaching a skill: Make statements concise and easy for students to remember. For example, “hand in the cookie jar” or “follow through high” are good cues for the basketball shot because they describe how the skill should be performed. Avoid information overload: 4 cues max.

• Ensure instruction and activities are appropriate for the learner.

• Build logically on previous skills learned by students.

• Be specific when describing activities and drills. Go further than merely providing the name of the drill.

• Lesson plans are best written in outline format, chronologically listing the activities for the day. However, lesson plan should include enough information that a substitute teacher could teach from the information provided. Write the plan for an audience other than yourself.

• Retain lesson plans for 3+ years.

• The format of the document should be organized and presentable.