The National Literacy Strategy recommends a four-part lesson structure for most lessons:

In a 60 minute lesson, it is recommended that the time will be allocated as follows:

Starter - 10 minutes

Introduction - 20 minutes

Development - 20 minutes

Plenary - 10 minutes

Not all schools have a 60 minute lesson (although this may be something they wish to consider in due course). Even if they do, there will be occasions when it is not appropriate to divide the lesson up in this way, for example when there is to be a period of sustained reading, writing or drama work.

The recommended timings do, however, give a clear indication of the proportion of time likely to be devoted to each activity in order to maintain a pacey and purposeful lesson.