Lesson Plan

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Lesson Plan
Grade: Date: 18/01/2026
Subject: Accounting
Lesson Topic: explain the reasons for accounting for depreciation
Learning Objective/s:
  • Describe why depreciation must be recorded in financial statements.
  • Explain how depreciation supports the matching principle and accurate profit measurement.
  • Identify the impact of not recording depreciation on asset values, profit, ratios, and tax.
  • Apply the straight‑line depreciation formula to calculate expense per period.
Materials Needed:
  • Projector and screen
  • Whiteboard and markers
  • Printed handouts of depreciation concepts and tables
  • Calculator or spreadsheet software
  • Sample asset data worksheet
 Introduction:
Begin with a quick poll: “What happens to a machine’s value as it ages?” Connect to prior learning on the matching principle and ask students to consider why we don’t just record the purchase price once. Explain that by the end of the lesson they will be able to list the key reasons for accounting for depreciation and demonstrate the straight‑line calculation.
Lesson Structure:
  1. Do‑now (5') – Students answer the poll question on sticky notes; teacher reviews responses.
  2. Mini‑lecture (10') – Explain the purpose of depreciation, linking to matching principle, financial position, profit, tax, and decision‑making.
  3. Interactive discussion (8') – Examine consequences of omitting depreciation using the provided table; students identify impacts on statements and ratios.
  4. Demonstration (7') – Show the straight‑line formula on the projector and work through a sample asset calculation.
  5. Guided practice (12') – Students complete a worksheet calculating depreciation for given assets while the teacher circulates for feedback.
  6. Quick check (5') – Exit ticket: write one reason why depreciation is required and one consequence of not recording it.
Conclusion:
Summarise that depreciation ensures accurate profit, realistic asset values, and compliance with tax and management needs. Ask a few students to share their exit‑ticket answers to reinforce understanding. Assign homework to find a real‑world asset and compute its annual depreciation using the straight‑line method.