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The importance of planning lessons degree varies from one teacher to another, and from one school to another. Some teachers work best with improvising in class, but having a lesson already planned on the side can also come in handy throughout the day. Lesson planning helps summarize what the students should learn from the lesson or the lesson's objective in regards to the amount of teaching time available that day, or even throughout the year. Planning the lesson also acts as a referral during class time, as it should encompass the target of the lesson and what materials were used. This way it is easy to go back to the recorded lesson plans anytime throughout the academic year. Every teacher writes his/her lesson plans according to ones preference. Those plans should be simple, not scripted, structured, flexible, with anticipated activity time, and a balance of different skills. Moreover, every teacher should be organized in class and go through a checklist for the day. In order to ensure the class goes smoothly, teachers should have the lesson plans available with them along with the materials needed for this class, check that the equipment used for the lesson work, have the materials in hand, arranging students seating as applicable, make sure the board and class is clean, and break the ice with students while they enter the class. As a start, teachers may include the following in their lesson plan. First, the objectives of the lesson and what exactly students need to learn from it. Second, it may include the teacher's personal aims and what he/she hopes to achieve. Third, ensure that the language point is synchronized, by stating the theme and position of the lesson. Fourth, the teaching aids that will be used throughout the lesson, whether it is a projector or play-dough. Fifth, the anticipated problems that might be faced during this lesson and how the teacher can overcome it with the students. Sixth, the procedures and activities to be used in order to reach the lesson's objectives. Seventh, the ESA phase in which the lesson will be taught, if it's an Engage, Study, or Activate phase. Eighth, the timing of each activity and how long each one will take to be completed, while keeping in mind the level of the students. Ninth, the type of interaction that will take place between the students and their teacher, if it will be T-S or S-S. Tenth, the level of every student in the English language. Also, the number of students and class size. Nevertheless, the date and time of the lesson, in order to keep record with what was covered with the students. Last but not least, the teacher's and observer's names may be useful if the class is being supervised. Moreover, good teachers strive to make room for improving their skills and to make their class fun for students. They do so by monitoring their lessons and ensuring the quality of them through self-evaluation. After every class, teachers should take notes of what went well, what can be improved, and the effectiveness of each activity. This is one way of teacher development. When it comes to planning a sequence for the lessons, we should consider the flexibility, goals, revision, variety, and balance of every activity. Updating our plans according to what was covered in class, setting attainable goals, going over completed lessons, and including a variety of activities for all the skills needed, is vital for properly sequenced plans.
