A lesson plan is used to provide guidance through a course. It lays everything out along a time line so that progress can be made. It also highlights if any adjustments need to be made throughout the lesson as well. Sometimes the teacher may be ahead of where they originally placed themselves in the lesson plan so they can take a little extra time on a particular area. Other times the teacher may
. be behind where they hoped to be so it may be time to get caught up. Either way planning always makes things easier and helps the lesson run more smoothly. After the lesson plan is created a rationale for its creation is necessary.A rationale for a lesson plan is basically the explanation on why the teacher chose a lesson or activity and how it will benefit the children. Depending on the field of teaching, this rationale would have to be research based while citing prior studies that state this lesson plan works. In a general teaching environment, a detailed explanation of how the plan will be carried out and why it was chosen should suffice. The rationale proves to the reader that the teacher didn't just make up the plan for fun, but made the plan for an educational purpose. The rationale portion will make this intended purpose clear. Therefore, if anyone reviews the lesson plan or wants to use it in the future, it will clearly define what to do and why they are using it.A website that offers examples and tips on things to avoid in writing a lesson plan can be found at http://www.forlessonplans.com/lesson_teacher/index.php. This resource is vital for a new teacher with limited writing experience. Another useful website is http://www.gaofgeorgia.org/resources/browsecategory.php?c=4. It provides examples of activities with their accompanying rationales. This will inform the teacher as the proper length of a rationale and what is expected. More reference links: http://www.forlessonplans.com/lesson_teacher/index.php http://www.gaofgeorgia.org/resources/browsecategory.php?c=4