A lesson plan is the basic means of organizing, planning and communicating a treatment session. You will also find that your lesson plans helpful in documenting your work each session.

A lesson plan is a series of behavioral objectives that systematically address the goals for your client, based on his or her level of performance. The lesson plan details the activities and materials to be used in the session.

Planning begins with the goals established for the client. From these goals, behavioral objectives are written, designed to in an instructional format and supported by a pedagogical rationale, that systematically work the client through exercises designed to promote his or her development of desired skills.

Initially, baseline data is collected to establish the client's current level of functioning. From the baseline, reasonable performance criteria are established, that will challenge the client enough to learn and progress.

Data based upon the client's actual performance level is reported in the progress notes. The lesson plan is merely a tool used to design the session. Lesson plans are not required to be filed in the patient's file.

Lesson plans are reviewed at the weekly supervisory conference. They need to be submitted electronically, no later the 48 hours before the meeting. At the meeting we will discuss your plans and make any modifications felt necessary.

The Goals are generally established for the semester; they may be revised during the course of the semester should new information be revealed, or significant progress be achieved. A client usually has about three general goals they are working toward.

The Behavioral Objective describes specifically what is expected of the client in a particular activity. Behavioral objectives often change from week to week, based upon the client's performance level.

Briefly describe the Activity you wish the client to engage in for each behavioral objective. Provide just enough information so the reader can get a feel of what you plan to do.

List the Materials you intend to use in each activity.

Your Clinical Instructor may wish to make Comments or suggestions as part of the lesson plan; there is a section on the form for he or she to do so. The lesson plan may be returned to you before the weekly meeting or discussed with you at the meeting.

It is highly recommended that you save a copy of your lesson plan on a disk; it will facilitate your work and save you time throughout the semester. Remember to use only the client's initials when sending information electronically.

Click to View a Sample Lesson Plan

© Rentschler, 2001