How to Use AI to Generate Quality Teaching Content

By Brenda Brooks — June 25th, 2024
Online Educator, Content Creator

As AI technology rapidly advances, it’s opening up new possibilities for English Language Arts (ELA) teachers. I am a teacher and a creator and we all need a hand sometimes. I don’t use AI to create my content but I may use it to edit something I’ve written and generate some homework for a student on the spur of a moment that my prep or curriculum may not have been enough. With the rise of tools like ChatGPT, teachers can leverage AI to enhance lessons, streamline administrative tasks, and better support their students.

AI will never replace us, but it can assist us in providing the best custom materials for our classrooms on or offline. Even if you create these materials, you still need to edit their mistakes. They will help you, not replace you. Cut your prep time down, so you can enjoy more quality time with your loved ones and family.

Embracing AI in ELA Teaching

AI is a powerful tool that can support, but never replace, the essential role of teachers in fostering learning and engagement. Think of AI as a helpful assistant that can aid in creating lesson materials, grading, and more. However, it’s crucial to be mindful of ethical considerations and potential misuse by students and educators alike. Always review AI-generated content for accuracy and suitability before using it in your classroom.

🤖 Popular AI Tools for ELA Teachers

AI Question Generators

Use these tools to create engaging questions for class discussions, quizzes, and exams. They can also export to platforms like Kahoot!

• Quizbot
• Quizlet
• Conker
• QuestionWell
• Parlay Genie

Lesson Plan Creators

• MagicSchool.AI
• EduAI
• PhoenixHomeEd
• Curipod

Teaching Assistants

• Wolfram Alpha — Step-by-step solutions
• Hello History — “Talk” to historical figures
• GoblinTools — To-do list generator
• Gradescope — AI-assisted grading

Writing Assistants

• Quillbot
• Summarize.tech
• Grammarly

Presentation Tools

Genially — my favorite interactive platform for teachers.

• Canva
• DALL-E or Bing Create
• SlidesAI
• SlidesGo

New Teacher-Friendly Tools

• Twee
• Expontum

📝 25 ChatGPT Prompts for ELA Teachers

1. Write a 500-word story for 5th graders. Provide 3 discussion questions.
2. Explain metaphor and simile to 8th graders with examples.
3. Generate 10 comprehension questions for a specific text.
4. Create a vocabulary list for a novel study.
5. Write a creative writing prompt for middle school students.
6. Generate discussion questions for a poem.
7. Create a fill-in-the-blank worksheet on a grammar topic.
8. Provide a list of essay topics on a theme.
9. Generate ideas for a classroom debate.
10. Create a rubric for writing assignments.
11. Write a model essay on a specific topic.
12. Generate synonyms and antonyms for vocabulary lessons.
13. Create a character analysis worksheet.
14. Provide a summary of a classic novel.
15. Write a poem with a chosen rhyme scheme.
16. Generate nonfiction comprehension questions.
17. Plan a week-by-week literature unit.
18. Draft a letter to parents about a project.
19. Provide bulletin board ideas.
20. Create a reading log template.
21. Write a classroom skit script.
22. Generate book club discussion questions.
23. Provide journaling prompts.
24. Create a quiz on literary terms.
25. Suggest leveled book lists.

📌 Tips for Using AI Prompts

• Be specific with your requests.
• Ask ChatGPT clarifying questions to refine results.
• Provide context like grade, subject, and tone.