What are the best apps for creating lesson plans?
Free and Simple Options
Google Docs and Microsoft Word are free and familiar. You can create templates, share with colleagues, and access from any device. Google Classroom integrates with Docs for easy distribution. For a dedicated planner, Planboard (by Chalk) offers free lesson planning with standards alignment and a calendar view.
Common Curriculum is another free tool that lets you create and share lesson plans, with options to add standards and resources. It also has a mobile app for on-the-go editing.
- Google Docs – free, collaborative, familiar
- Microsoft Word – free online, robust formatting
- Planboard – free, calendar-based, standards-aligned
- Common Curriculum – free, shareable, mobile app
- Chalk – paid, comprehensive planning and assessment
Paid and Specialized Apps
Chalk (formerly Chalk.com) offers a paid platform that combines lesson planning, assessment, and reporting. It's popular in schools that want a unified system. Other options include Planbook.com (about $12 per year) and OnCourse Lesson Planner, often purchased by districts.
If you need to align with specific standards, look for apps that include your state's standards. Many paid apps offer free trials, so you can test before committing. Check with your school—they may already subscribe to a platform.
- Chalk – paid, all-in-one platform
- Planbook.com – low-cost annual subscription
- OnCourse – district-level solution
- Check for state standards alignment.
- Ask your school about existing subscriptions.
Common mistakes
- Paying for an app before checking if your school already provides one.
- Choosing an app with too many features you'll never use, making it cumbersome.
- Ignoring data privacy policies; some free apps may share student data.