# NotebookLM prompt: lesson plan from teaching materials

Source: https://nlmexporter.com/guides/prompts/lesson-plan-from-sources-prompt  
Section: Prompts  
Last verified: November 2026  
Plan: Free

Use it to turn a chapter or unit document into a timed lesson. Paste the prompt below into the NotebookLM (Gemini Notebook) chat and replace the parts in square brackets. It tells NotebookLM to answer only from your sources, cite them and flag what they do not cover.

## Quick facts

| Item | Detail |
| --- | --- |
| Works in | NotebookLM / Gemini Notebook chat, and the customise box of Studio items |
| Sources needed | The teaching material and, if available, the curriculum standard. |
| Cost | Free to copy. Saving it in the extension is free for up to 10 plain prompts. |

## The prompt

```text
Plan a [LENGTH]-minute lesson on [TOPIC] for [LEARNERS].
Include: 2 to 3 learning goals; a starter that checks prior knowledge; a timed sequence of activities; questions to ask at each stage; a short exit task aligned to the goals.
Use examples from the sources and say which source each comes from.

Use only the sources in this notebook. Cite the source for every claim. If the sources do not cover something, say "not covered in the sources" instead of filling the gap.
```

## How to use it

1. Open the notebook and tick only the sources this question is about.
2. Paste the prompt into the chat and replace every part in [SQUARE BRACKETS].
3. Open two or three citations in the answer to confirm they say what the answer claims.
4. Save the answer as a note, then keep it: [Export the plan to Word](https://nlmexporter.com/guides/export/notes-to-word).

## Adapt it

- Ask for a version with more support and a version with more challenge.
- Generate slides from the plan afterwards.

> NotebookLM can misread or over-generalise a source. A prompt reduces that; it does not remove it. Check cited passages before you rely on an answer.

## Frequently asked questions

### What should be in the notebook before I use the lesson plan from teaching materials prompt?

The teaching material and, if available, the curriculum standard.

### Does this prompt work in Gemini Notebook?

Yes. Gemini Notebook is the new name of NotebookLM since July 16, 2026. The chat works the same way: it answers from the sources you select.

### How do I save this prompt in NotebookLM?

NotebookLM has no prompt library of its own. With NotebookLM Ultra Exporter you can save it to My prompts and insert it in the chat box by typing /. Free saves 10 plain prompts; variable templates, folders and backup need Pro.

## Related guides

- [Export NotebookLM notes to Word](https://nlmexporter.com/guides/export/notes-to-word)
- [NotebookLM prompt: discussion questions tied to the text](https://nlmexporter.com/guides/prompts/classroom-discussion-questions-prompt)
- [NotebookLM prompt: quiz aligned to learning goals](https://nlmexporter.com/guides/prompts/quiz-aligned-to-learning-goals-prompt)
- [NotebookLM prompt: meeting decisions and action items](https://nlmexporter.com/guides/prompts/meeting-decisions-and-actions-prompt)
- [NotebookLM prompt: summary for stakeholders](https://nlmexporter.com/guides/prompts/stakeholder-summary-prompt)
- [NotebookLM prompt: customer feedback themes](https://nlmexporter.com/guides/prompts/customer-feedback-themes-prompt)