Paste any prompt into ChatGPT, Claude or Gemini and replace each [BRACKETED] item with your grade level, subject, standards and class details. The more context you give about your students' needs, the more useful the output. One honest warning: chatbots can get facts, dates, math answers and reading levels wrong, so check every answer key and fact before it reaches students. Do not paste student names, grades, IEP or 504 details, or anything that identifies a child into a general chatbot; describe needs in general terms instead. Follow your school or district policy on AI use, and keep your own professional judgment in charge of grading.
Lesson planning
Plan a lesson
When planning a new lesson from scratch.
Plan a [LENGTH] minute lesson for [GRADE] [SUBJECT] on [TOPIC], aligned to this standard: [STANDARD]. Include a learning objective in student friendly words, a hook, direct instruction, guided practice, independent practice, a quick check for understanding, and materials needed. Format it as a one page plan I can follow while teaching.
Plan a unit outline
At the start of a new unit.
Create a [NUMBER] week unit outline for [GRADE] [SUBJECT] on [UNIT TOPIC]. Standards: [STANDARDS]. For each week give the big question, key lessons, one formative assessment, and vocabulary. End with a summative assessment idea that fits [ASSESSMENT TYPE]. Present it as a table.
Create a lesson hook
When a lesson needs a stronger start.
Give me five engaging hooks to open a [GRADE] lesson on [TOPIC]. Include a question, a short scenario, a quick demo or visual, a would you rather, and a real world connection relevant to students in [COMMUNITY OR SETTING]. Each should take under five minutes and need no special materials.
Write a real world project
For project based learning.
Design a project for [GRADE] [SUBJECT] students that applies [SKILL OR CONCEPT] to a real world problem in their community. Include the driving question, student roles, steps over [TIME FRAME], a final product, and a simple rubric. Keep materials low cost and the project doable in a regular classroom.
Explain a concept at different levels
When students need the same idea from different angles.
Explain [CONCEPT] three ways: for a student who is just starting, for a student working at grade level in [GRADE], and for a student ready for a challenge. Use an analogy in each, keep the first one under 80 words, and check that the explanations stay accurate. I will review before using.
Write a sub plan
When you need to be out and want a calm day for everyone.
Write a substitute teacher plan for my [GRADE] [SUBJECT] class for [NUMBER] periods on [DATE]. Include the schedule [SCHEDULE], class routines, the lesson activity [ACTIVITY] with step by step instructions a non specialist can follow, what to do if students finish early, and who to contact for help [CONTACT].
Plan a review game
Before tests or at the end of a unit.
Design a review game for [GRADE] students on [TOPIC] that takes [LENGTH] minutes and works with [CLASS SIZE] students. Include rules, how to form teams, 15 questions with answers at mixed difficulty, and a way to keep every student involved, not just the fastest ones.
Differentiation and support
Adapt a text for reading levels
When students in one class read at different levels.
Rewrite this passage at three reading levels for [GRADE] students: [PASTE PASSAGE]. Keep the key facts and vocabulary words [KEY WORDS] in all versions. Make one version simpler with shorter sentences, one at grade level, and one with richer vocabulary. I will check the levels and accuracy before using.
Add supports for multilingual learners
To make lessons accessible for English learners.
Add supports for multilingual learners to this activity for [GRADE] [SUBJECT]: [PASTE ACTIVITY]. Include sentence frames, a short vocabulary list with simple definitions, visual suggestions, and a partner talk structure. Keep the content and expectations the same for everyone. Students' home languages include [LANGUAGES].
Create scaffolded practice
For students who need a gentler ramp into new skills.
Create a scaffolded practice set for [SKILL] in [GRADE] [SUBJECT]. Start with two fully worked examples, then three problems with hints, then four independent problems, then one challenge problem. Include an answer key, and double check each answer step by step.
Make an extension activity
For early finishers and advanced learners.
Write an extension activity for students who finish early or need more challenge in a [GRADE] lesson on [TOPIC]. It should go deeper rather than just add more problems, take about [MINUTES] minutes, need no teacher help to start, and connect to [REAL WORLD AREA].
Break a task into steps
For students who struggle with multi step tasks.
Break this assignment into small, clear steps for students who need extra structure: [PASTE ASSIGNMENT]. Write each step as a short instruction with a checkbox, add an estimated time for each, and include one tip for getting unstuck. Keep the language simple for [GRADE].
Create a vocabulary set
When introducing new vocabulary.
Create a vocabulary set for [GRADE] students studying [TOPIC] with these words: [WORD LIST]. For each word give a student friendly definition, an example sentence about everyday life, and a quick drawing idea. Add a short matching activity at the end with an answer key.
Write a reteach mini lesson
After an exit ticket shows a gap.
Many students missed [CONCEPT] on a recent check. The common mistake was [MISTAKE]. Write a 15 minute reteach mini lesson that addresses that mistake directly, uses a different approach from the first lesson [FIRST APPROACH], and ends with three quick check questions with answers.
Assessment and feedback
Write a quiz
For quick quizzes and checks.
Write a [NUMBER] question quiz for [GRADE] [SUBJECT] on [TOPIC], aligned to [STANDARD]. Mix multiple choice, short answer and one applied question. Include plausible wrong answers based on common mistakes, an answer key, and the skill each question checks. I will review every answer before giving it.
Create a rubric
Before assigning projects or essays.
Create a four level rubric for a [GRADE] [ASSIGNMENT TYPE] on [TOPIC]. Criteria: [CRITERIA]. Write each level in clear, observable terms students can understand, and add a student friendly checklist version they can use before turning it in. Keep the whole rubric on one page.
Write exit ticket questions
To check understanding at the end of class.
Write five exit ticket options for a [GRADE] lesson on [TOPIC] with the objective [OBJECTIVE]. Include one quick self rating, two content questions, one apply it question and one what is still confusing prompt. Each should take under three minutes to answer.
Write feedback comment banks
To speed up grading while keeping feedback useful.
Create a bank of feedback comments for [GRADE] [ASSIGNMENT TYPE] based on this rubric: [PASTE RUBRIC]. For each criterion give two comments for strong work, two for developing work, and two for work that needs support, each with a specific next step. Keep each comment under 30 words and encouraging.
Write report card comments
At report card time.
Write report card comment templates for [GRADE] covering academic progress, effort, and social skills. For each area give versions for students who are excelling, progressing, and need support, with placeholders for [STUDENT FIRST NAME] and [SPECIFIC EXAMPLE]. Each under 50 words, positive and honest.
Create a self assessment
To build student reflection.
Create a student self assessment for [GRADE] students after a unit on [TOPIC]. Include learning goal statements they rate from not yet to I can teach it, two reflection questions, and one goal setting question for next unit. Keep the language simple and encouraging.
Parents and classroom admin
Write a welcome letter to families
At the start of the school year.
Write a welcome letter to families of my [GRADE] [SUBJECT] class for the new school year. Include a short introduction about me [ABOUT ME], what students will learn this year [TOPICS], class routines, how to contact me [CONTACT], and how families can support learning at home. Warm and under 300 words.
Write a parent email about a concern
When you need a tricky family email to land well.
Write a calm, caring email to a parent about a concern with their child's [AREA] (such as missing work or behavior in class). Facts to share: [FACTS]. Start with something positive [POSITIVE], explain the concern without labels, suggest one or two next steps, and invite a call or meeting [TIMES]. Under 200 words.
Write a weekly class newsletter
For regular family updates.
Write a short weekly newsletter for families of my [GRADE] class. Include what we learned this week [TOPICS], what is coming next week, important dates [DATES], one way to practice at home, and a shout out to the class. Under 200 words and easy to read on a phone.
Translate a family message
When families prefer a different language.
Translate this message for families into [LANGUAGE]: [PASTE MESSAGE]. Keep it warm and simple. After the translation, list any phrases a fluent speaker at my school should double check, especially school terms and dates. The families are parents of [GRADE] students, so avoid education jargon.
Plan a parent conference
Before parent teacher conferences.
Create an agenda and talking points for a 15 minute parent conference about a [GRADE] student. Include a positive opening, two strengths, one or two growth areas with examples [EXAMPLES], a plan with home and school actions, and time for parent questions. Add a short note template to send afterward.
Write classroom procedures
When setting up routines at the start of a year or term.
Write clear classroom procedures for [ROUTINE] (such as entering class, turning in work or using devices) for [GRADE] students. Use numbered steps, student friendly wording, and a short script I can use to teach and practice the routine in the first week.
Questions people ask
What are the best ChatGPT prompts for teachers?
The most useful prompts include the grade level, subject, standard, lesson length and student needs. Lesson plans, differentiated readings, quizzes with answer keys, rubrics, feedback comments and parent emails save the most time. Always review the output, since chatbots can make factual and math errors with complete confidence.
Can teachers use ChatGPT for free?
Yes. ChatGPT, Claude and Gemini all offer free plans that can handle the prompts on this page. Some schools also provide approved AI tools through their own accounts, which may have extra privacy protections. Check your district policy first, and use your school account when one is available.
Is it okay to put student information into ChatGPT?
Avoid it. Do not paste student names, grades, IEP or 504 details, or anything that could identify a child into a general chatbot. Describe needs in general terms instead, such as students reading below grade level. Student privacy laws and district rules apply, so check what your school allows before using AI with any student work.