Free language-class lesson-plan templates (JLPT, HSK & CEFR)

The universal three-part frame

Every InputDojo lesson-plan template uses the same skeleton — swap the content per level, keep the shape:

• Warm-up (5 min). One question in the target language that reactivates the last class's vocabulary. Whole-class chorus, then pair-share.
• Input block (15–25 min). A real text, audio, or video at the right level. Learners meet the target language in context before you name any rule.
• Focus on form (5–10 min). Short, targeted grammar or vocabulary noticing task drawn from the input. No isolated drills.
• Output block (10–15 min). Learners produce something you can hear or read: a paired dialogue, a 3-sentence summary, an audio message.
• Homework hand-off (2 min). Assign a real piece of content in InputDojo (article, YouTube clip, podcast segment) that continues the topic.

JLPT-aligned template (N5 → N1)

For Japanese classes preparing for the JLPT, calibrate each section by level:

• N5. Can-do like "Introduce myself and ask someone's name." Input: 100–200 characters of graded reader text. Form focus: one particle (は/が/を). Output: 4-line self-intro dialogue.
• N4. Can-do like "Explain my weekend plans." Input: a 1-minute NHK Easy news clip. Form focus: て-form for sequencing. Output: 5-sentence weekend plan spoken aloud.
• N3. Can-do like "Give my opinion on a familiar topic." Input: a graded blog post (~500 characters). Form focus: と思う / と言う reporting. Output: paired discussion, 3 minutes.
• N2. Can-do like "Summarize a news article in Japanese." Input: NHK News Web Easy article. Form focus: passive/causative distinction. Output: 100-character written summary.
• N1. Can-do like "Discuss the argument of an opinion piece." Input: full-length op-ed. Form focus: nuance particles (からこそ, にしても). Output: 3-minute spoken response with agree/disagree structure.

HSK-aligned template (1 → 6)

For Chinese classes on HSK:

• HSK 1–2. Focus on high-frequency 150-word core. Input: dialogue transcripts. Output: greetings and daily-life questions.
• HSK 3–4. Can-do like "Describe a place I've visited." Input: short travel blog. Form focus: 了 vs 过. Output: 6-sentence spoken description with a partner.
• HSK 5. Can-do like "Explain a cultural custom." Input: 500-character cultural article. Form focus: 把 sentences and result complements. Output: 150-character written explanation.
• HSK 6. Can-do like "Compare two perspectives on a current issue." Input: news op-ed. Form focus: written-register connectives (然而, 尽管). Output: 300-character opinion paragraph.

CEFR-aligned template (A1 → C2)

Use for English, Spanish, French, German, Korean, and any other CEFR-aligned language:

• A1. Concrete personal information. Input: short dialogues. Output: 3–4 sentence self-intro.
• A2. Routine familiar topics. Input: simple articles or A2 news. Output: paired role-play.
• B1. Familiar work/school/leisure. Input: opinion blog. Output: 1-minute spoken opinion.
• B2. Abstract topics with clear position. Input: newspaper article or podcast segment. Output: structured 3-minute discussion.
• C1. Nuanced argument on complex topics. Input: long-form journalism or academic excerpt. Output: 200-word written argument.
• C2. Near-native precision. Input: literary or specialist text. Output: analytical essay or debate response.

How to fill each template in ten minutes

The bottleneck for most teachers isn't the plan — it's finding a suitable text or video. That's what InputDojo automates:

• Pick your can-do goal for the class.
• Search YouTube, a news site, or a podcast for something on-topic. Paste the URL into InputDojo.
• InputDojo returns a level estimate, an auto-generated vocabulary list, and — for JLPT/HSK classes — the exam levels every word maps to.
• Copy the vocabulary into the "Focus on form" section of the template. Done.

You can also assign the content directly to the class as the homework hand-off, and see who actually completed it before the next lesson.