Teacher Resources – Lesson Plans
Welcome teachers, educational professionals,
and homeschooling families.
This page provides free access to professionally-developed lesson plans spanning grades Pre-K through 4th grade, based on books by Wall Street Journal Bestselling Author J. W. Zarek.
What You’ll Find Here: 48 Free Lesson Plans
Currently available: 48 complete lesson plans across four books, offering both comprehensive multi-day instruction and focused single-topic lessons.
Books with complete lesson plan support (Pre-K through 4th Grade):
- Bella Brown’s Messier Than Messy Room
- Bella Brown—Grandma’s Missing Butterfly Locket
- Bella Brown Visits a Bee Farm
- The Stomp-Clomp-Clump Monster Above the Bed
Each book includes:
- 6 comprehensive lesson plans (one per grade level: Pre-K, K, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th)
- 6 one-topic focused lesson plans (one per grade level: Pre-K, K, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th)
- Total: 12 lesson plans per book
Lesson plans for the remaining books in the Bella Brown series and other J. W. Zarek titles will be added as they become available.
Two Types of Lesson Plans to Meet Your Needs
Comprehensive Lesson Plans (Multi-Day Instruction)
- Thorough 3-5 day units covering multiple learning objectives
- Integrate reading, writing, math, social-emotional learning, and critical thinking
- Include vocabulary instruction, interactive activities, assessments, and differentiation strategies
- Perfect for in-depth study and cross-curricular connections
One-Topic Focused Lesson Plans (Single-Day Instruction)
- Deep exploration of one specific skill or concept
- 45-60 minute lessons with clear, measurable outcomes
- Ideal for targeted instruction, literacy centers, or library programs
- Created by a lesson planning specialist and practicing high school teacher
You choose which approach—or use both! Select the lesson plan type that best fits your classroom needs, time constraints, and teaching style.
The Value of These Resources
Professional curriculum development typically costs $75-$150 per lesson plan for grade-specific, standards-aligned content.
The 48 lesson plans available here represent approximately $3,600-$7,200 worth of professional curriculum—provided to you completely free.
These aren’t simple activity sheets. Each lesson plan includes:
- Measurable learning objectives aligned to educational standards
- Detailed procedures with specific time allocations
- Vocabulary instruction with definitions, gestures, and story examples
- Specific page references for read-aloud sections
- Assessment criteria to measure student learning
- Differentiation strategies for diverse learners (ELLs, advanced students, students needing support)
- Materials lists and preparation guidance
- Extension activities for continued learning
Professional Development Behind the Lessons
Comprehensive Lesson Plans created by J. W. Zarek, who received professional instructional design training at the FBI’s instructor school—a rigorous federal program that develops skills in creating measurable learning objectives, structuring content delivery, and assessing competency. Each comprehensive plan represents approximately 1-2 weeks of development work to ensure thorough, classroom-ready instruction.
One-Topic Focused Lesson Plans created by a lesson planning specialist and practicing high school teacher with expertise in developing targeted, engaging instruction.
All lesson plans have been externally reviewed by practicing educators and are updated annually based on classroom feedback and educational best practices.
How to Use This Resource
Browse by book, by grade level, or both using the filters below. All relevant lesson plans will display, giving you the flexibility to choose the comprehensive plan, the focused plan, or both based on your classroom needs.
Download, print, and use immediately—no registration required, no hidden fees, completely free.
Share your feedback! Your recommendations and suggestions help us improve these resources to better serve educators and students. Contact information is available on the Contact page.
Beyond the Lesson Plans: Author School Visits
J. W. Zarek offers engaging author presentations that include book readings and interactive sessions designed to help children instantly raise their levels of happiness and self-confidence.
During school visits, students discover the creative process behind the stories while learning valuable life lessons about perspective-taking, problem-solving, and believing in themselves.
Contact information for scheduling a school visit can be found on the Contact page.
About J. W. Zarek
J. W. Zarek is a Wall Street Journal Bestselling Author who has written or co-authored seventeen books, twelve of which are picture books for children ages four to eight. His commitment to supporting educators goes beyond storytelling—he provides the instructional infrastructure to help teachers use his books effectively in classrooms, libraries, and homes.
