From Big Picture to Daily Play: Unit vs Lesson vs Activity Planning

Planning for preschool involves layering different levels—from broad themes to daily play actions. Understanding how unit plans, lesson plans, and activity plans work together helps you create engaging, well-structured preschool days. Plus, it makes planning smoother and more purposeful.

The Three Planning Levels

1. Unit Plans

• Scope: A multi-week/month long study around a theme (e.g., “Pond Life”).
• Purpose: Designed to cover long-term objectives and progression across learning domains.
• Includes: Objectives, lesson sequence (whole group, small group, centers), materials overview, assessments, and pacing across the unit.

Use if you:

• Teach a specific theme over several weeks (e.g., “Pond Life” for 3–4 weeks).
• Want to ensure a cohesive, long-term learning experience.
• Aim to align activities across various developmental domains.

2. Lesson Plans
Weekly Lesson Plans

• Scope: A full week’s worth of instruction.
• Purpose: Useful when your daily routines are consistent and you want a broader view.
• Includes: Breaks down each day into themes or skill focus while sharing materials and routines.

Use if you:

• Have a consistent daily routine and want to organize activities for the week.
• Prefer a broader overview to guide your daily lessons.
• Need to align weekly activities with developmental goals.
  
  

Daily Lesson Plans

• Scope: A single day’s instructional path.
• Purpose: Ideal when your daily schedule and activities vary significantly.
• Includes: Objectives, materials, whole group & small group time, centers, transitions, and assessments.

Use if you:

• Have varied daily activities or schedules.
• Need detailed guidance for each day's lessons.
• Focus on specific objectives or skills each day.
  
  

Tip: Many educators use both formats—creating a weekly overview and detailed daily plans as needed.

3. Activity Plans: These are detailed guides for a single activity, including materials, setup, steps, and assessed outcomes.

• Scope: One focused activity or center.
• Includes: step-by-step instructions, materials, setup, and skill focus.
• Often inserted into lesson plans as the main or supplemental activity.
• Embedded within your lesson plan as a building block.

Activity Plans

• Scope: One focused activity or center.
• Purpose: Detailed guides for a single activity, including materials, setup, steps, and skill focus.
• Includes: Step-by-step instructions, materials, setup, and skill focus.
• Placement: Often inserted into lesson plans as the main or supplemental activity.

Use if you:

• Want to focus on individual activities or centers.
• Need step-by-step guidance for specific lessons.
• Aim to target particular skills or objectives.

Whole Group Time

Whole group sessions bring all learners together in activities like circle time or group games. These sessions are great for building classroom culture, targeting big-picture objectives, and engaging all learners

• Use this time to:
  • Introduce daily themes
  • Read books
  • Teach key concepts to everyone at once

These sessions typically last 10–15 minutes, though structure and timing may vary .

Small Group Time

Small group instruction happens in groups of 2–6 children and is teacher-led.

• Focuses on targeted, skill-based learning such as phonics, counting, or fine motor work.
• Benefits include:
  • Personalized learning
  • Better interaction and assessment
    
  • Richer discussions
    

Small groups (2–6 children) allow focused, targeted learning where you can personalize instruction. Research shows this enhances attention, social skills, and deep learning .

Effective small group lessons:

• Are 10–15 minutes long
• Target one learning goal
• Follow a routine—review, practice, assess

Benefits include:

• Differentiation by ability or interest
• Closer observation and feedback
• Development of social and cooperation skills

Teachers often rotate students during center time so everyone gets guided instruction.

Independent Play: A Vital Component

What Is Independent Play?
Independent play refers to children engaging in activities on their own, without direct adult involvement. This type of play allows children to explore, create, and problem-solve at their own pace, which is essential for developing confidence and resilience.
Why Is Independent Play Important?
Incorporating independent play into your planning offers numerous developmental benefits:

• Fosters Creativity and Imagination: Children use their imagination to create scenarios and solve problems independently.
• Builds Emotional Regulation: Solo play helps children learn to manage their emotions and develop self-soothing techniques.
• Enhances Problem-Solving Skills: Facing challenges alone encourages children to think critically and find solutions independently.
• Develops Self-Confidence: Successfully navigating play on their own boosts children's self-esteem and sense of competence.
• Preparation for Higher Education and Career Success: The skills developed through independent learning—such as research, problem-solving, and adaptability—are highly valued in higher education and the workplace.

How Does Independent Play Fit into My Planning?
Independent play can be integrated into your planning at various levels:

• Unit Plans: Designate time for independent play to reinforce themes and allow children to explore topics at their own pace.
• Weekly Plans: Incorporate daily sessions of independent play to build routine and consistency.
• Daily Lesson Plans: Include independent play periods between structured activities to provide balance and promote self-directed learning.

Additionally, during Whole Group and Small Group times, encourage transitions into independent play to reinforce learning and allow for individual exploration.
Practical Tips for Encouraging Independent Play:

• Provide Open-Ended Materials: Offer toys and materials that can be used in multiple ways, such as building blocks, art supplies, and natural objects.
• Create a Safe and Inviting Space: Set up areas where children can play independently without distractions or hazards.
• Observe Without Intervening: Allow children to engage in play without constant adult guidance, stepping in only when necessary.
• Rotate Materials Regularly: Keep the play environment fresh and engaging by changing out materials periodically.

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Q & A

Do I need all three types of plans in my program?

Not necessarily. The need for each type of plan depends on your program's structure, your teaching style, and the needs of your children. Some educators may find that a combination of these plans works best, while others might prefer to use just one or two.

What’s the difference between whole group and small group time?

Whole Group Time involves all children participating together, often for activities like circle time, storytelling, or group games. It's ideal for introducing new concepts, fostering social skills, and building community.
Small Group Time focuses on a smaller number of children, allowing for more individualized attention and targeted instruction. This setting is beneficial for activities that require focused guidance, such as literacy stations, math games, or sensory exploration.

How do I balance whole group and small group time in my weekly plan?

Balancing both:

• Allocate specific times during the day for each type of group activity.
• Use whole group time for introductions and community-building activities.
• Reserve small group time for focused instruction and individualized support. Rotate children into your small group "center", while other children are participating in independent learning centers.
• Ensure that both group types align with your weekly theme and learning objectives.

What if I don't have time for detailed planning?

A: Start small. Use templates or frameworks to streamline your planning process. Focus on key objectives and be flexible. Even minimal planning can provide structure and enhance the learning environment. Download our free activity plans to save you time or visit our free Theme Planning pages for 50+ popular preschool themes!

Why This Planning System Works

• Big picture clarity: Unit planning keeps your week or unit focused on goals.
• Daily structure: Lesson plans manage pacing, materials, and smooth transitions.
• Staff efficiency: Small groups let you target learning, while others stay engaged.
• Playfulness meets purpose: Activity plans ensure play supports learning intentionally.
  
• Independence nurtured: Independent play fosters confidence, creativity, and resilience.
  

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