The Ultimate Teacher Prompt Cheatsheet: Ready-to-Use AI Prompts for Classroom Success

As teachers, we’re always looking for ways to improve learning while managing our time effectively. AI tools can be invaluable partners in this effort, but communicating with them successfully requires skill. This cheat sheet provides teacher-tested prompts for differentiation, activity design, assessment, and more—all built using the STEP framework to ensure quick, reliable results.

Understanding Effective Prompt Design

Before exploring specific prompts, let’s dive into the STEP framework, the core structure used throughout this guide to craft clear and effective prompts.

The STEP Framework: Simplifying AI Communication

The STEP framework is a straightforward method I’ve developed to help busy educators write prompts that deliver consistent outcomes:

• Specify: Clearly state what you want from the AI.
• Teach: Provide essential context or background information.
• Example: Offer examples to show the desired result.
• Polish: Refine the prompt based on feedback or iteration.

This framework keeps prompt writing simple and focused, ensuring AI understands your needs without unnecessary complexity. It’s tailored for educational settings, emphasizing clarity and practicality.

Source: The STEP framework reflects practical AI use in education, emphasizing specificity and context, as outlined in Edutopia (2023).

Ready-to-Use Classroom Prompts

Each prompt below follows the STEP framework, specifying the task, teaching the AI about your needs, providing examples where useful, and allowing for polishing through adjustments. Adapt these to fit your classroom.

1. Differentiation Prompts

Multi-Level Reading Passages Generator

Specify: Create three versions of a passage about [topic] for [grade] graders:  
1. Below-grade level ([lower] grade reading)  
2. On-grade level ([current] grade reading)  
3. Above-grade level ([higher] grade reading)  
Keep key terms [list terms] consistent across versions.  

Teach: The passage should align with [subject] standards and suit a class of [brief student description].  

Example: Sample Passage: "[Insert your original passage here]"  

Polish: Adjust readability levels if the output doesn’t match grade expectations.

Tiered Question Sets Creator

Specify: Create 3 question sets about [topic] for [grade] graders:  
- Set 1 (Basic): 5 recall questions on [specific aspects]  
- Set 2 (Intermediate): 5 questions on [connections/relationships]  
- Set 3 (Advanced): 5 questions analyzing [perspectives/applications]  
Include answer keys.  

Teach: Questions should reflect [subject] curriculum and suit [class description].  

Polish: Revise if questions don’t align with ability levels.

Scaffolded Activity Designer

Specify: Design a three-tiered activity on [topic] for [grade]-grade [subject]:  
- Tier 1: Step-by-step [activity type] with prompts  
- Tier 2: Guided inquiry with some choice  
- Tier 3: Student-designed investigation  
Include objectives, materials, instructions, and assessment criteria.  

Teach: The activity supports [standard] and fits [class context].  

Polish: Tweak scaffolding if tiers don’t match student readiness.

Interest-Based Application Generator

Specify: For [grade] graders learning [concept], create practice problems tied to:  
1. Sports  
2. Gaming  
3. Cooking  
4. Music  
5. Art  
Provide 3 problems per interest area in real-world contexts.  

Teach: Problems should engage [class description] and reinforce [standard].  

Polish: Adjust if contexts don’t resonate with students.

2. Lesson Planning Prompts

Comprehensive Lesson Plan Generator

Specify: Create a [length] lesson plan for teaching [topic] to [grade] graders, including:  
1. Anticipatory set (5-7 min)  
2. Direct instruction with modeling (10-12 min)  
3. Guided practice with scaffolding (15-20 min)  
4. Independent practice (10-15 min)  
5. Exit ticket (5 min)  
Add modifications for advanced, struggling, and ESL learners.  

Teach: Standard: [insert standard], prior knowledge: [list], resources: [list], class: [description]. Objectives: [list 2-3].  

Polish: Refine if timing or modifications need adjustment.

Engaging Warmup Activity Creator

Specify: Create three warmup options for my class:  
- Physical/movement-based  
- Discussion/thinking-based  
- Subject-related review  
For the chosen option, provide setup, timing, success indicators, and transition strategy.  

Teach: Ask me one question at a time about subject, grade, time, energy level, objectives, and materials.  

Polish: Offer variations after feedback on options.

Unit Planning Framework

Specify: Develop a [length]-week unit plan for [topic] in [subject] for [grade] grade, including:  
1. Essential questions  
2. Objectives ([standard system])  
3. Vocabulary  
4. 5-8 lesson sequence  
5. Formative assessments  
6. Summative options  
7. Resources  
8. Differentiation.  

Teach: Students: [description], tech: [list].  

Polish: Adjust sequence if pacing feels off.

3. Activity Design Prompts

Custom Educational Activity Designer

Specify: Create three activity options after asking me one question at a time about subject, grade, ability, objectives, time, prior knowledge, and assessment. For the chosen option, provide instructions, materials, steps, differentiation, and assessment.  

Teach: Summarize responses to confirm understanding.  

Polish: Adjust based on my feedback on options.

Project-Based Learning Designer

Specify: Design a [timeframe] PBL for [subject] on [topic] with:  
1. Student choice  
2. Individual/collaborative components  
3. Shareable product  
4. Real-world connection  
Include questions, objectives, milestones, resources, criteria, and extensions.  

Teach: Standards: [list], class: [description].  

Polish: Refine milestones if timing needs tweaking.

Review Game Generator

Specify: Create a [time]-minute review game for [topic] in [subject] for [grade] graders with [number] students, reviewing [concepts], using minimal materials, high engagement, competition, and quick assessment. Provide instructions, materials, setup, and variations.  

Teach: Class: [description].  

Polish: Adjust if engagement or timing falls short.

4. Assessment & Feedback Prompts

Alternative Assessment Designer

Specify: Suggest 5 non-test ways for [grade] graders to show [topic] understanding, each with format, concepts, rubric criteria, modifications, and time needed.  

Teach: Class: [description], standards: [list].  

Polish: Revise if options don’t suit diverse learners.

Source: John Spencer (2023) highlights AI’s potential in transforming assessment practices, supporting innovative approaches like this prompt.

Formative Assessment Generator

Specify: Create three 5-minute formative assessments for [grade]-grade [subject] on [topic]:  
- Basic (struggling learners)  
- Intermediate (on-level)  
- Advanced (accelerated)  
Check [concept].  

Teach: Class: [description].  

Polish: Adjust if difficulty doesn’t match levels.

Student Feedback Template Creator

Specify: Create 3 feedback templates for [assignment type]:  
- Emerging (encouragement)  
- Developing (structure/content)  
- Advanced (depth/extension)  
Include opening, 3 feedback areas, 2-3 questions, and closing with next steps.  

Teach: Class: [description].  

Polish: Tweak tone if feedback feels off.

5. Classroom Management & Organization

Behavior Management Strategy Generator

Specify: Suggest 5 strategies for [behavior] in [grade] class, each with description, steps, scripts, consistency tips, and tracking methods.  

Teach: Class: [description].  

Polish: Adjust if strategies don’t fit dynamics.

Source: Redress Compliance (2024) notes AI’s role in streamlining classroom management, aligning with this prompt’s practical strategies.

Parent Communication Templates

Specify: Create templates for 5 communications:  
1. Progress update  
2. Academic concern  
3. Behavior issue  
4. Project announcement  
5. Event invitation  
Include greeting, details space, positive language, next steps, and response invite.  

Teach: Class: [description].  

Polish: Refine tone if needed.

Time Management System Designer

Specify: Create a system with daily/weekly templates, prioritization methods, batch processing, and [time drain] reduction for teaching [grades/subjects].  

Teach: Prep: [details], challenges: [list].  

Polish: Adjust if system feels impractical.

Making These Prompts Work for You

Applying STEP in Your Daily Practice

• Specify: Detail grade, subject, format, and constraints.
• Teach: Share student info, standards, and resources.
• Example: Provide samples or describe your style.
• Polish: Request adjustments or alternatives.

Customization Tips

• Start Small: Tackle priority needs first.
• Build Success: Save and refine effective prompts.
• Keep It Simple: Begin with clear, basic requests.

Creating Your Prompt Library

**Title:** [Prompt Name]  
**Use:** [Purpose]  
**Category:** [Subject/Purpose]  
**Last Updated:** [Date]  

**Prompt:** [Text]  

**Notes:**  
- [Strengths]  
- [Limits]  
- [Variations]  

Store in a spreadsheet or app to grow your AI toolkit.

Final Thoughts

These prompts are flexible starting points. Experiment to find what suits your style and students, using STEP to streamline the process:

• Specify your needs clearly.
• Teach the AI your context.
• Example your goals.
• Polish for perfection.

Start with one prompt, then expand as you gain confidence. The result? More time for the teaching moments that matter most.

Key Citations

• Edutopia. (2023). Using AI Tools to Lesson Plan.
• Spencer, J. (2023). 5 Ways Artificial Intelligence Might Transform Assessment Practices.
• Redress Compliance. (2024). AI in Classroom Management.