Planning for a CBC lesson can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re handling a full teaching load. Between unpacking curriculum designs, preparing teaching aids, and completing TPAD requirements, it’s easy to fall behind if you don’t have a solid plan in place.
That’s why we created this hub — a central place where you can find free, well-organised CBC lesson plans for every grade level, from PP1 to Grade 10.
Table of Contents
Term 1, 2 & 3 Lesson Plans 2026 Quick Access Grid
Whether you are searching for free cbc lesson plans pdf, editable Microsoft Word files for term preparation, or sample lesson structures for TPAD appraisal, select your designated teaching grade below for instant access across all rationalised learning areas:
| Education Level | Available Terms | Quick Download Links |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-Primary (EYE) | Term 1, 2 & 3 | PP1 Lesson Plans | PP2 Lesson Plans |
| Lower Primary | Term 1, 2 & 3 | Grade 1 | Grade 2 | Grade 3 |
| Upper Primary | Term 1, 2 & 3 | Grade 4 | Grade 5 | Grade 6 |
| Junior School (JSS) | Term 1, 2 & 3 | Grade 7 | Grade 8 | Grade 9 |
| Senior School | Term 1, 2 & 3 | Grade 10 Lesson Plans |
What You’ll Find On This Page
This resource is built with you—the Kenyan teacher—in mind. You’ll find:
- Editable Word and PDF CBC lesson plans for PP1 to Grade 10
- Plans structured according to KICD-approved curriculum designs
- Organised by grade, learning area/subject, and pathway
- Rationalised CBC lesson plans, updated to reflect the 2023 MoE subject rationalisation
- Downloadable templates and structural guides to help you write your own plans for TPAD
No logins. No sign-ups. Just free, quality lesson planning tools.
Download Pre-Primary (PP1 & PP2) Lesson Plans
PP1 CBE Lesson Plans
At PP1, learning is centred around play, exploration, and early social development. Each lesson plan is designed to promote foundational skills through interactive and hands-on activities.
Subjects covered (Rationalised):
- Language Activities
- Psychomotor and Creative Activities
- Environmental Activities (includes Hygiene & Nutrition)
- Religious Education
PP2 CBC Lesson Plans
PP2 builds on PP1 by adding structure to routines and reinforcing language and self-expression. Activities are still theme-based but encourage more verbal participation and responsibility.
Subjects covered (Rationalised):
- Language Activities
- Psychomotor and Creative Activities
- Environmental Activities (includes Hygiene & Nutrition)
- Religious Education
Download Free Lower Primary (Grade 1–3) Lesson Plans
Following the Ministry’s rationalised structure, Grades 1 to 3 now have 7 core learning areas focused on literacy, numeracy, and foundational values.
Grade 1 CBC Lesson Plans
These lesson plans focus on literacy, numeracy, and values, with activities tailored to learner’s level.
Subjects covered:
- English
- Kiswahili
- Indigenous Language
- Mathematics
- Environmental Activities (includes Hygiene & Nutrition)
- Creative Activities
- Religious Education
Grade 2 CBC Lesson Plans
More emphasis is placed on reading, counting, exploring the environment, and expressing creativity.
Grade 3 CBC Lesson Plans
These plans prepare learners for Junior School by introducing higher-order thinking through engaging and real-world themes.
Download Free Upper Primary (Grade 4–6) Plans
Upper Primary has also been rationalised to reduce subject overload. The lesson plans reflect this streamlined approach.
Subjects covered (Rationalised):
- English
- Kiswahili
- Mathematics
- Indigenous Language
- Science & Technology
- Agriculture
- Social Studies
- CRE / IRE / HRE
- Physical and Health Education (PHE)
- Creative Arts
Grade 4 Lesson Plans
Grade 5 Lesson Plans
Grade 6 Lesson Plans
Download Free Junior School (Grade 7–9) Plans
Junior Secondary is structured into learning areas based on rationalised clusters and learner pathways. Our lesson plans integrate performance-based tasks, collaboration, and inquiry.
Subjects covered (Rationalised):
- Integrated Science
- Mathematics
- English
- Kiswahili / KSL
- Social Studies
- Religious Education (CRE/IRE/HRE)
- Business Studies
- Agriculture
- Pre-Technical Studies
- Computer Science / ICT
- Life Skills Education
- Health Education
- Physical Education & Sports
- Performing Arts / Visual Arts
- Foreign / Indigenous Languages
Grade 7 CBC Lesson Plans
Grade 8 CBC Lesson Plans
Grade 9 CBC Lesson Plans
Download Senior School (Grade 10–12) Lesson Plans
Senior School is organised around the three official CBC pathways:
- STEM (e.g. Mathematics, Physics, Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science)
- Social Sciences (e.g. History, Business, Home Science, Religious Education)
- Arts & Sports Science (e.g. Performing Arts, Visual Arts, PE & Sports)
Each lesson plan here is designed to support specialisation, project-based learning, and career-readiness.
Grade 10 Lesson Plans
Grade 11 Lesson Plans
Grade 11 lesson plans will become available as this cohort transitions under the national CBC implementation timeline.
Grade 12 Lesson Plans
Grade 12 lesson plans will follow upon the implementation of the final Senior School year.
11 Essential Components of a KICD CBC Lesson Plan
Under the Competency-Based Assessment framework, quality assurance officers (QASO), curriculum support officers (CSO), and TSC appraisers expect a lesson plan to follow the standard 11-part anatomy approved by KICD:
- Administrative Details: School Name, Date, Time/Duration (35 min for primary, 40 min for JSS), Class, Roll (Boys, Girls, Total), and Learning Area.
- Strand (Theme / Broad Topic): The main curriculum cluster extracted directly from the rationalised design.
- Sub-Strand: The specific sub-topic or competency focus to be delivered in that lesson period.
- Specific Learning Outcomes (SLOs): Action-oriented outcomes written as: “By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to…” balancing cognitive, psychomotor, and affective domains.
- Key Inquiry Question(s) (KIQ): Open-ended questions that provoke inquiry, investigation, and curiosity rather than mere recall.
- Core Competencies: Identifying 1 to 2 focal competencies (e.g. Communication & Collaboration, Critical Thinking, Self-Efficacy, Digital Literacy) developed through the lesson tasks.
- Values: Organic promotion of Love, Responsibility, Respect, Unity, Peace, Patriotism, or Integrity.
- Pertinent & Contemporary Issues (PCIs): Real-world linkages such as health education, environmental sustainability, financial literacy, or safety.
- Learning Resources / Realia: Locally available physical objects, specimens, models, charts, teacher guides, and digital reference devices.
- Lesson Development (The 3 Active Phases):
- Introduction (5 min): Prior knowledge activation, hook, and introducing the Key Inquiry Question.
- Lesson Development (25 min): Progressive steps (Step 1, Step 2, Step 3) emphasizing active learner tasks in pairs or groups.
- Conclusion (5 min): Learner summary, reflection, cleanup, and formative assessment wrap-up.
- Assessment & Teacher’s Reflection (Remarks): Formative assessment strategies used, and an immediate post-lesson evaluation of learner mastery and remedial interventions.
Why these CBE Lesson Plans Matter
Under the CBE system, teaching has shifted from simply delivering content to nurturing competencies. That means each lesson plan must be learner-centred, aligned with curriculum designs, and able to show clear progress over time. No more random notes scribbled in diaries—every lesson should have:
- A clear learning outcome (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound)
- Key competency focus (e.g. Critical Thinking, Communication, Collaboration)
- Well-selected learning experiences where learners actively engage
- Appropriate formative assessment strategies aligned with KICD assessment rubrics
- Relevant community linkages and Pertinent and Contemporary Issues (PCIs)
And most importantly, it should be grade-appropriate, subject-specific, and flexible enough to adapt to your classroom context.
Download Free CBC Lesson Plan Template (Word & PDF)
If you prefer drafting customized lesson plans tailored to your specific stream size, local materials, or lesson schedule, use our standard, KICD-compliant template. It includes all required TPAD sections in editable Microsoft Word (.docx) and printable PDF formats:
Official Blank CBC Lesson Plan Templates (100% Free Download)
Select your preferred format below. Completely blank, unbranded for any school, and formatted across an exact 2-page spread:
| Template Version | Description & Use Case | Word Format (.docx) | PDF Format (.pdf) |
|---|---|---|---|
| CBC Lesson Plan Template (Editable Digital) | Blank 2-page template for typing in Microsoft Word or Google Docs on computer or mobile | 📥 Download Word | 📄 Download PDF |
| CBC Lesson Plan Template (Printable Lined) | Blank 2-page template with subtle dotted writing guides for handwriting in TPAD lesson binders | 📥 Download Word | 📄 Download PDF |
Both templates feature the standard 6-column administrative grid (School, Date, Lesson, Time, Grade, Roll Boys/Girls/Totals, Teacher’s Details), Strand, Sub-Strand, SLOs, KIQ, Learning Resources, 3-Step Lesson Development, Extended Activities, Conclusion, and TPAD Lesson Reflection remarks.
TPAD Lesson Observation Checklist (TSC Standard 2)
During Teacher Performance Appraisal and Development (TPAD) assessments, Headteachers, Deputy Principals, and CSOs evaluate Standard 2: Lesson Planning and Preparation. Keep these practical tips in mind to achieve maximum appraisal scores:
| Appraisal Area | What the Appraiser Inspects | How to Score Maximum Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Curriculum Alignment | Does the lesson plan stem directly from an approved, rationalised scheme of work? | Ensure Strand, Sub-strand, and Lesson numbers match your current scheme of work exactly. |
| Measurable Outcomes | Are outcomes phrased with action verbs focused on learner performance? | Avoid vague teacher-centred phrases. Use action verbs: “Identify,” “Categorize,” “Demonstrate.” |
| Resource Integration | Are learning resources actually utilized by learners during the period? | Incorporate realia, specimen items, or digital aids directly into Step 2 and Step 3 learner tasks. |
| Learner-Centred Delivery | Is the teacher dominating or facilitating learner engagement? | Ensure learner activities occupy at least 60% of class time (group discussions, tasks, presentations). |
| Self-Reflection (Remarks) | Has the teacher filled in honest, specific remarks after the lesson? | Never leave the Remarks column blank! State exact mastery: “30/36 learners achieved the outcome; 6 will receive peer guidance during remedial time.” |
How Lesson Plans Relate to Schemes of Work and Records of Work
In the Competency-Based Education framework, professional documentation operates as an unbroken instructional sequence:
- KICD Curriculum Design: The national syllabus benchmark defining the core competencies, strands, sub-strands, and learning outcomes for each grade.
- Scheme of Work: The termly strategic roadmap breaking down the curriculum design into weekly chronological lesson periods.
- CBC Lesson Plan: The operational daily flight plan guiding the facilitation of an individual 35 or 40-minute lesson.
- Record of Work Covered: The retrospective accountability audit recording what was actually achieved versus what was scheduled.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I get free CBC lesson plans PDF download in Kenya?
Teachers Kenya Hub provides free, downloadable CBC lesson plans in both printable PDF and editable Microsoft Word formats for PP1 through Grade 10. Each grade page contains Term 1, Term 2, and Term 3 files aligned with the latest KICD rationalised curriculum designs. Select your grade from the quick access grid above to download files with no paywalls or subscriptions required.
Are these CBC lesson plans fully editable?
Yes. Every lesson plan package on Teachers Kenya Hub is provided in editable Word (.docx) format. This allows you to customize the school name, learner roll, local realia, specific dates, and assessment tasks to match your classroom timetable and class capabilities before printing or submitting for administrative appraisal.
Can I write weekly lesson plans or must they be daily?
Under current TSC and MoE guidelines, teachers may prepare weekly lesson plans provided every single period within that week has distinct, progressive specific learning outcomes and learner-centred activities. However, during formal TPAD lesson observations, an appraiser will expect an in-depth, dedicated lesson plan for that specific observed period.
What should I write in the Remarks / Self-Reflection section?
The Remarks section must be completed immediately after the lesson concludes. Effective reflections evaluate learner achievement rather than the teacher’s feelings. Note the number or proportion of learners who mastered the concept, identify specific misconceptions observed, and outline what remedial or extended learning will occur in the subsequent lesson.
Why do lesson plans for Pre-Primary (PP1/PP2) differ from Junior School?
Pre-Primary lesson plans focus on 5 foundational activity areas built around psychomotor coordination, play, and sensory exploration. In contrast, Junior Secondary School (Grade 7–9) plans follow a 40-minute subject-specific structure integrating specialized laboratory experiments, pre-technical projects, and career-pathway exploration.
How to Use This Page Efficiently
- Find your grade in the sections above
- Click to download the lesson plans (you’ll get both Word & PDF versions)
- Customise for your learners’ needs—especially timing, resources, and community activities
- Use it with your schemes (lesson plans align with the KICD scheme structure)
Final Thoughts
You don’t need to start from scratch every week. Lesson planning should be efficient, not exhausting. These resources are not meant to replace your creativity—they’re meant to give you structure, time, and confidence. You’ll still adapt them to your classroom, but now you won’t have to do it alone.
Whether you’re in a remote primary school or teaching Form 3s in a town setting, this platform is here to support your teaching journey.
You’re not just teaching for exams—you’re preparing your learners for life. Let’s do it right. Plan with purpose. Teach with impact.
Related Teaching Resources
Enhance your preparation with additional free tools:
- Downloadable Schemes of Work – All Subjects
- Assessment Tools – CBA Support & KNEC Guidelines
- CBE Exams & Marking Schemes (2026)
- KICD Curriculum designs
Wow this site meets my expectations
We are grateful catherine.
Need to download lesson plans
How can I download lesson plans?
I need grade 4 to 6 lesson plans
We are doing our best to make all these available. Thanks for the patience.
please help with the lesson plans
Which grade?
Well done thanks
When are lesson plans for grade 4-7 be uploaded?
Within the week to early next week. Sorry for inconveniences.
Kindly open for us lesson plan On grade 10 for downloading
Thanks for the resources,I need grade 5 science and technology lesson plans longhorn publisher
Thanks for the review. Place the request here to make it easier for our team to follow up.