Lesson Plan

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Lesson Plan
Grade: Date: 17/01/2026
Subject: Accounting
Lesson Topic: explain the advantages and disadvantages of operating as a sole trader
Learning Objective/s:
  • Describe the definition and key characteristics of a sole trader.
  • Explain at least three advantages and three disadvantages of operating as a sole trader.
  • Compare the sole trader form with partnerships and limited companies regarding liability, tax and decision‑making.
  • Evaluate situations where a sole trader is the most appropriate business structure.
Materials Needed:
  • Projector or interactive whiteboard
  • Slide deck summarising advantages/disadvantages
  • Printed worksheet with case scenarios
  • Whiteboard and markers
  • Exit‑ticket slips
 Introduction:
Begin with a quick poll: “If you started a small bakery today, how would you run it?” Use the responses to recall prior learning about business forms and set the success criteria – students will list the pros and cons of sole traders and justify when this structure is suitable.
Lesson Structure:
  1. Do‑now (5’) – Students write any business types they know on sticky notes and place them on the board.
  2. Mini‑lecture (10’) – Definition, key characteristics, and the main advantages of sole traders (slides).
  3. Group activity (15’) – Analyse a provided case study, identify advantages and disadvantages, and complete the worksheet.
  4. Whole‑class comparison (10’) – Use the comparison table to contrast sole traders with partnerships and limited companies; teacher facilitates discussion.
  5. Think‑pair‑share (5’) – Decide if a sole trader is the best choice for a new scenario and justify the decision.
  6. Exit ticket (5’) – Write one advantage, one disadvantage, and a brief justification on a slip.
Conclusion:
Recap the key trade‑offs of the sole trader model and check the success criteria. Collect exit tickets as a retrieval check, then assign homework: research a real‑world sole trader business and prepare a short report outlining its advantages and challenges.