Online TEFL Lesson Planning Guide
Online TEFL Lesson Planning Guide
Online ESL lessons need extra planning around technology, engagement, and interaction. A good online lesson plan includes a tech check, chat-based activities, and clear transitions.
What online lessons need
- A quick hook or check-in to start on time
- Screen-share-friendly slides and visuals
- Chat and breakout room activities
- Backup plans for connectivity issues
- A clear wrap-up and homework hand-off
Blank online ESL template
| Stage | Time | Purpose | Activity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tech Check / Hook | 3–5 min | Settle students and engage attention | Poll in chat, emoji check-in, short clip |
| Input | 10 min | Present language with slides | Shared slide deck, annotation, chat answers |
| Practice | 10 min | Interactive controlled practice | Breakout pairs, chat gap-fill, whiteboard drag-and-drop |
| Freer Practice / Wrap | 10 min | Communicative task and next steps | Role-play in breakout, set homework, recap in chat |
Example lesson: making plans for the weekend
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Level | A2 |
| Objective | Students will make and respond to invitations in a short online conversation |
- Students post weekend plans in the chat.
- Share slides with invitation phrases and responses.
- Complete a dialogue in breakout rooms and paste one line in the chat.
- Role-play inviting a classmate to an event.
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