CBC Lesson Plan Sample: A Practical Guide for Kenyan Teachers
Are you a teacher looking for a clear and effective CBC lesson plan sample? Whether you’re new to the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) or simply want to enhance your teaching, having a well-structured lesson plan is essential for delivering quality education.
In this blog, we’ll break down:
- What a CBC lesson plan is
- Key components of a CBC lesson plan
- A real-life CBC lesson plan sample
- Tips for creating your own effective CBC lesson plans
- Frequently asked questions by Kenyan teachers
Let’s dive in.
Contents
What Is a CBC Lesson Plan?
A CBC lesson plan is a structured guide used by teachers to deliver a competency-based lesson. Unlike traditional plans focused on content delivery, the CBC lesson plan emphasizes:
- Learner engagement
- Skills development
- Real-life application
- Competency attainment
The goal is to make learning learner-centered, practical, and focused on the core competencies outlined in the CBC system.
Key Components of a CBC Lesson Plan
Every effective CBC lesson plan includes the following sections:
- Grade Level – e.g., Grade 3
- Subject – e.g., Environmental Activities
- Sub-Strand/Topic – Specific area of focus
- Lesson Objectives – What the learner should achieve by the end
- Learning Resources – Materials or tools required
- Key Competency – The core skill targeted (e.g., Communication, Critical Thinking)
- Values and Life Skills – E.g., responsibility, cooperation, empathy
- Introduction – Engage learners with a warm-up or creative activity
- Lesson Development – Step-by-step learning activities
- Conclusion/Reflection – Summary and learner feedback
- Assessment – Methods to check understanding (oral questions, group work, etc.)
CBC Lesson Plan Sample – Grade 3 (Environmental Activities)
Grade: 3
Subject: Environmental Activities
Strand: Soil and Water
Sub-strand: Types of Soil
Lesson Duration: 40 Minutes
1. General Learning Outcome
Learners should be able to identify and describe different types of soil.
2. Specific Lesson Objectives
By the end of the lesson, learners should be able to:
- Name three types of soil
- Describe one characteristic of each type
- Classify soil samples provided in the activity
3. Key Competency
- Critical thinking and problem-solving
- Communication and collaboration
4. Values and Life Skills
- Responsibility
- Observation
- Teamwork
5. Learning Resources
- Soil samples (clay, sand, loam)
- Clear containers
- Water
- Chart papers and markers
6. Lesson Introduction (5 minutes)
- Teacher asks learners what they know about soil
- Learners observe different samples passed around the class
- Teacher briefly explains the importance of soil
7. Lesson Development (25 minutes)
Activity 1: Group Observation
- In groups, learners observe and touch each soil sample
- They discuss texture, color, and moisture retention
Activity 2: Sorting
- Learners classify the soil samples into clay, sand, and loam
- Each group presents their observations
8. Conclusion/Reflection (5 minutes)
- Class recap on types of soil
- Teacher asks quick oral questions
- Learners share what they learned and how they’ll apply it
9. Assessment
- Oral Q&A
- Group presentation assessment
- Teacher observation checklist
Tips for Writing an Effective CBC Lesson Plan
✅ Start with clear, measurable objectives
✅ Focus on learner activities rather than teacher instructions
✅ Include real-life applications of the lesson
✅ Use locally available resources to make learning relatable
✅ Incorporate all three domains: cognitive, psychomotor, and affective
✅ Don’t forget core competencies, values, and life skills
Why CBC Lesson Plans Are Important
- They align with the CBC’s learner-centered philosophy
- They ensure every lesson builds practical competencies
- They promote active learning and creativity
- They help teachers remain organized and consistent
Conclusion
Creating a CBC lesson plan doesn’t have to be complicated. With a clear structure, engaging activities, and a focus on learner outcomes, you can deliver meaningful lessons that prepare your students for real-life challenges. Use the CBC lesson plan sample above as a template and adjust it based on your subject, grade, and learner needs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is the difference between CBC and 8-4-4 lesson plans?
A: CBC lesson plans focus on competencies, active participation, and skills development, while 8-4-4 plans focused more on content delivery.
Q: Can I download CBC lesson plan templates?
A: Yes, many educational sites offer free CBC lesson plan templates for various subjects and grades.
Q: Are CBC lesson plans the same across all subjects?
A: The structure is similar, but the content, resources, and activities differ by subject and learning level.
- CBC lesson plan sample
- How to write a CBC lesson plan
- Competency based curriculum lesson plan Kenya
- CBC lesson plan for Grade 3
- Sample CBC lesson plan format
- CBC education Kenya
- CBC teaching methods

Steve George is Blogger, a marketer and content writer. He has B.A. in Economics from the University of Washington. Read more about Mzuri Mag.