Virtual Lesson Plan

Successful Virtual Lesson

Fortunately, an online lesson timeline doesn't look too different from one in a classroom setting.The following lesson would take up about 45 minutes.

If you missed our session, please see this session PDF for the slides, and this link for the recording.

You can also check out the Best Practices for Virtual Teaching FAQ!

Step 1: "Bellwork"

Give students time to log in

Activity for those who get in early *I prefer something fun

  • a search

  • a brainteaser

  • a riddle

  • a joke

  • a funny picture

Step 2: Norms/rules

You may need to do this every class for a while

*Also depends on your students

Make sure to get affirmative from students


Step 3: Connection Time

Share something about you :: Have students share something

  • "Celebration" page

  • Completed work

  • Excellent work

  • Birthdays

  • Etc

Step 4: Learning Target

  • Agenda for the day/week

  • Student-friendly language - "l can" statement

  • "SWBAT"

Step 5: Warm-up

"In chat tell me..."

  • Review from last class

  • Preview of this class

  • Vocabulary

  • Solve a problem

  • Tell me what you know

  • Give me your thoughts

  • Practice a skill

* Give appropriate wait time!

Step 6: Lesson Time!

* Students should have the opportunity to "do" something every few minutes

* Give appropriate wait time

"I do..." (short)

This is your "lecture" time

You know how long your students can pay attention!

A powerpoint is fine here, but make sure students are still interacting with you.

  • Have a student read on the mic

  • Popcorn read

  • Point to something on screen

  • Note-taking instructions

  • Simple "Are you there?"

*Studies show most people tune out of an online lecture after 6 minutes (and that's for adults!)

"We do..." (a little longer)

Practice the skill with guidance

  • Maybe they answer in the chat

  • Maybe they write on the board

  • Maybe they guide you through solving

  • Maybe they work with a partner

  • Maybe they use their mic or camera

* Give appropriate work/think time!

"You do..." (ideally the longest)

Students practice skill on their own

  • You might decide to dismiss them for this

  • Use breakout rooms

  • Have them answer in chat

  • Work on paper and send it to you

  • Work in Google Classrooms

Please see the "Virtual Teacher Guide" shared at the end of the session for tons of resources!

step 7: Exit ticket

Usually some kind of wrap-up from class, students must answer to leave (could be, "What did you learn?" )

  • Could be a fun riddle or joke

* When you send the recording to students who missed, have them answer the Exit Ticket question so you know they watched!