Free Madeline Hunter Lesson Plan Template (PDF + Editable Format)
- Gadi Kovler
- 5 days ago
- 4 min read
Are you looking for a simple, effective way to structure your lessons using Madeline Hunter’s time-tested method?
Whether you're a new teacher or a seasoned educator looking for clarity and consistency, this free, editable lesson plan template based on the Madeline Hunter 7-Step Model is your go-to tool. Download the blank template, explore filled-out examples, and see how you can adapt it to any subject or grade level.
The Madeline Hunter 7-Step Lesson Plan Format
Here’s a quick breakdown of the 7 steps and how they guide your instruction:
Step | What it Means | Teacher Prompts |
|---|---|---|
Anticipatory Set | How to capture attention | “How will I spark curiosity?” |
Objective & Purpose | What students will learn and why | “SWBAT…” / “Today we will…” |
Input | Key content and skills | "What do they need to know?" |
Modeling | Demonstrate the concept | "Watch me solve this" |
Guided Practice | Practice with support | "Let's try this together" |
Independent practice | Practice without help | "Now try on your own" |
Closure | Wrap up and check understanding | "What did we learn today" |
Download the Madeline Hunter Lesson Plan Template (PDF + Editable Format)
Use this clean, printable format to build your own 7-step lesson plans in minutes.
Editable docx
Example Lesson Plans (Based on the Template)
Explore how real teachers structure lessons using the Hunter model. These examples include step-by-step planning and are ideal for adapting to your subject:
Example 1: ELA – “Identifying the Main Idea”
Grade: 4th | Standard: CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.4.2
In this example, notice how the anticipatory set immediately hooks students by asking what’s most important in a story, setting the stage for critical thinking. The input phase uses multimedia and clear definitions to introduce the concept of main ideas, while modeling breaks it down step-by-step through a think-aloud. Students then move through guided and independent practice, applying what they’ve learned using task cards and worksheets. The lesson closes with reflective sharing, reinforcing comprehension — a textbook execution of the 7-step Madeline Hunter lesson plan model.
Example 2: Math – “Multiplying Fractions”
Grade: 6th | Standard: CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.6.NS.A.1
This lesson uses a real-world context — pizza and parties — as the anticipatory set, making abstract math instantly relatable. The objective and input clearly outline not only the skill (multiplying fractions) but also why it matters. Through CRA modeling (Concrete-Representational-Abstract), students visually and conceptually grasp the math. Guided practice uses cooperative methods like Think-Pair-Share, while independent work encourages deeper thinking through word problems. The closure prompts students to reflect, hitting the last step of Hunter’s model by ensuring understanding before moving on.
Example 3: Science – “States of Matter”
Grade: 6th | Standard: CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.6.NS.A.1
This science lesson starts strong with an engaging anticipatory set using dry ice to spark curiosity — a memorable way to introduce states of matter. The input and modeling phases combine storytelling, visuals, and real-life examples to help students internalize concepts like condensation and sublimation. A unique guided practice activity has students physically simulate molecular movement, promoting kinesthetic learning. Checking for understanding ensures mastery before they move to the final closure, which reinforces learning through personal reflection. It’s a creative, hands-on implementation of the 7-step Hunter framework.
You can use these examples as-is or modify them in Radius to generate your own variations instantly.
How to Use The Provided Template
Start simple. Pick one subject. Define the objective clearly. Then follow the steps down the list. Think of this as a checklist to keep your lesson flowing smoothly.
Need help? Radius allows you to auto-generate a full 7-step plan by simply entering a topic. You can edit it, download it, or create a matching worksheet. So instead of working on your own Madeline Hunter lesson plan template, let Radius do it for you in secomnds.
🧠 Tip: Once you’re familiar with the structure, you’ll be able to reuse it for different topics and grade levels.
Want to Generate Your Own?
If you’d like to create your own Madeline Hunter lesson plan, worksheet, or differentiated resources with just one click, try Radius for free:
FAQ
What’s an example of a Madeline Hunter lesson plan?
A Madeline Hunter lesson plan example typically follows seven structured steps: anticipatory set, objective, input, modeling, guided practice, independent practice, and closure. For instance, a 4th grade English lesson on identifying the main idea might start with a hook question, followed by explicit teaching, modeling with a passage, paired practice, and a closing reflection. You can download a real example on this page or generate your own using Radius.
What is the Madeline Hunter model of lesson planning?
The Madeline Hunter model is a widely used instructional design framework that breaks a lesson into 7 clear steps. It helps teachers plan effective, goal-oriented instruction by guiding them through everything from engaging students (anticipatory set) to checking understanding (closure). It’s especially useful for direct instruction and is commonly used across subjects and grade levels.
What is guided practice in a lesson plan, and how does it work in the Hunter model?
Guided practice in a lesson plan is the phase where students try a new skill with the teacher’s support. In the Madeline Hunter model, guided practice follows modeling — giving students a chance to apply what they've learned while the teacher provides feedback and correction. This step builds confidence before students move on to independent practice.