In this study, a simplified method of improving not only transverse shear stress but also shear strain based on the first-order shear deformation theory was developed. Unlike many established methods, such as the higher-order shear deformation and layerwise theories, this method can easily apply to finite elements as only $C^0$ continuity is necessary and the formulation of equations is very simple. The basic concept in this method, however, must be corrected:the distribution of the transverse shear stresses and shear strains through the thickness from the formulation based on the higher-order shear deformation theory. Therefore, the shear correction factors are no longer required, based on the first-order shear deformation theory. Numerical analyses were conducted to verify the validity of the proposed formulations. The solutions based on the simplified method were in very good agreement with the results considering the higher-order shear deformation theory.