Early Childhood Lesson Plan Examples for Toddlers and Preschoolers - post

Good lesson plans help teachers and families feel calm and keep children learning. This article gives simple examples you can use today. Read each part for clear steps, sample plans, and tips to save time. Use short goals, playful activities, and one main idea each day. Remember: state requirements vary - check your state licensing agency.

How can I make a simple, developmentally appropriate lesson plan?

Start with one goal. Example: "Today we will practice taking turns and counting to five." Keep goals clear and short.

Pick 1 6 activities that match the goal. Use play as the main teaching tool. For ideas on developmentally appropriate practice, see What Is Developmentally Appropriate Practice.

Use this 4-part template each week:

1. 📘 Goal: one sentence (skill or behavior).
2. 🧰 Materials: list the items and where they live.
3. 🧩 Steps: 2–4 short steps (start, do, close).
4. 📸 Assessment: two quick questions to ask and one thing to observe.

Tips to keep it simple:

• 🗂️ Use the Preschool Weekly Lesson Plan Template or the Sample Weekly Lesson Plan Infant/Toddler.
• Prep materials on one day and store them in a basket.
• Repeat favorite activities midweek to build skills.

Keep the room set for choice: book corner, art area, block area, and a sensory spot to encourage #play using #DAP ideas.

What are quick lesson plan examples I can use this week?

📖 Story & Talk (toddlers): Read a short book, ask 2 open questions, then do a related song. See story ideas in How Can I Make Simple Lesson Plans.

🎨 Process Art (preschoolers): Offer paint, glue, and loose parts. Focus on creating, not the product. Use the preschool template from ChildCareEd.

🌳 Nature Walk (mixed ages): Collect leaves or listen for birds. Count finds for a quick math moment. For more math activities, see Math Lesson Plan samples and ideas at Scholastic.

🧺 Sensory Bin (infant/toddler): Rice or water with scoops. For more sensory ideas see PlayLearn sensory play.

🧸 Social Skills (preschool): Use a feelings chart and role play to teach sharing. See sample social plans at Social Skills Lesson Plan.

How to write one fast:

1. Write the goal sentence.
2. List 3 materials.
3. Write 3 steps (start, main, close).

How do I adapt plans for mixed ages, inclusion, and save time?

Observe first. Watch what each child chooses and write one quick note per child this week. Layer the activity so each child can join at their level.

Simple adaptation steps:

🔍 Break tasks: give smaller steps or extra time.

🔧 Offer tools: bigger crayons, adaptive scissors, or tray for seating.

🤝 Give roles: snack helper or book passer to build social skills.

📚 Use visuals: pictures for routines and songs for transitions.

For inclusion tips see Inclusive Care Strategies and research from the Florida Center for Inclusive Communities.

Time-savers:

• 🗂️ Use a template each week (link to ChildCareEd template).
• 🧺 Prep a materials basket on one day.
• 🔁 Repeat favorites; kids learn from repetition.

Common mistakes and fixes:

• ❌ Too many goals. ✅ Pick one goal.
• ❌ Not observing. ✅ Spend 5 minutes each day watching play.
• ❌ Forgetting transitions. ✅ Plan two songs or a visual cue.

Conclusion

Use short, flexible #lessonplans that put play first. Pick one goal, choose 1-6 activities, prepare materials ahead, and adapt for each child. Try the sample templates and lesson ideas on ChildCareEd, and mix in resources from Pre-K Printable Fun and Preschool Plan-It when you need extra ideas.

You are the biggest strength in the room—your care and small choices make big learning happen. Keep it simple, joyful, and predictable for your #toddlers and #preschoolers. For assessment and deeper planning, explore the ChildCareEd courses like Lesson Planning for Preschoolers and Playing with a Purpose.