AI Prompts for Lesson Plans That Actually Work

"Write a [X]-minute lesson plan for [grade level] [subject] on [specific topic]. Standard addressed: [paste standard]. Prior knowledge students have: [brief description]. Learning objective: Students will be able to [specific skill/knowledge]. Include: hook/opening (5 min), direct instruction (10 min), guided practice (15 min), independent practice (10 min), exit check (5 min). Format as a teacher-facing document I can use directly. Note any materials needed."

"Take this lesson plan [paste your plan or describe it briefly] and create three tiered versions of the independent practice activity: Tier 1 (on grade level), Tier 2 (approaching — same concept, reduced complexity, more scaffolding), Tier 3 (extended — same concept, higher-order thinking, greater independence). All three should cover the same standard. Format side-by-side so I can distribute the right version to each group."

"Write an inquiry-based opening for a lesson on [topic] for [grade level]. The opening should: present a provocative question or scenario that students can't immediately answer, require them to make a prediction or form a hypothesis, connect to something they already know or care about, and create genuine curiosity about what comes next in the lesson. Include teacher facilitation notes. Under 10 minutes of class time."

"Create 3 different exit tickets for a lesson on [topic] at the [grade level] level. Each should check whether students understood [the specific learning objective]. Options: (1) A multiple choice question with plausible wrong answers that reveal specific misconceptions, (2) A short written response prompt, (3) A quick application task. I want to use whichever matches my remaining class time. Include a brief scoring key or what to look for in responses."

"Review this lesson activity [describe or paste the activity] and suggest specific modifications for a student with [specific IEP goal or disability category — e.g., 'processing speed challenges,' 'written expression IEP goal,' 'significant reading deficit']. Modifications should: maintain access to the same core concept, reduce barriers without reducing rigor, be implementable by a classroom teacher without a paraprofessional present, and fit within the existing class structure. Avoid generic suggestions like 'extra time' — be specific to this activity."

"I'm teaching [topic] in [subject] to [grade level]. Find 3 meaningful cross-curricular connections — one to ELA/literacy skills, one to math or science, one to social studies, history, or art. For each connection: explain the conceptual link (not just 'students can read about this'), suggest a specific activity that leverages both subjects simultaneously, and estimate how much class time it would add. I'm looking for connections that strengthen both subjects, not just add reading."

"Review this lesson plan [paste plan] and evaluate whether it genuinely addresses this standard: [paste standard]. Be direct — if the plan only superficially touches the standard, say so. Tell me: (1) which parts of the plan align with which parts of the standard, (2) which parts of the standard are not addressed, (3) what specific activity changes would close those gaps. Don't tell me the plan is good if it isn't."

"Generate a bank of 10 discussion questions for a lesson on [topic] at the [grade level] level. Include: 3 questions that check for basic understanding (accessible to all students), 4 questions that require analysis or application, 3 questions that challenge students to evaluate, synthesize, or connect to the bigger picture. Label each question by level. Include a one-sentence note on what a good student response would include."

"Create a 5-minute warm-up activity to review [specific concept from previous lesson] before moving to [today's topic]. Students should be able to start immediately when they walk in with no verbal instructions from me. Format: clear written directions on the board, the task itself, and what students write or do to show they did it. Level: [grade]. Not a worksheet — something engaging."

"Convert this lesson plan [paste plan] into a sub plan that a substitute with no subject matter expertise can run successfully. Requirements: no subject knowledge required, activities must be self-explanatory to students, include clear timing for each section, anticipate 2-3 common management situations and tell the sub what to do, and maintain meaningful learning — not just busywork. Format it so a sub could pick it up and start without talking to me first."