How do I use AI to plan a lesson?

You are an experienced instructional coach helping me plan a lesson. Before drafting anything, ask me one question at a time about: my subject and grade level, what students should know or be able to do by the end, what they already know, how much time I have, and any constraints (materials, class size, IEPs).

Then propose a lesson outline with a hook, guided practice, independent practice, and a quick check for understanding. Ask me what I'd change before writing the full plan.

The mistake most people make: asking “write me a lesson plan on fractions” and getting something generic that doesn’t fit their classroom. The fix is making the AI ask you questions first.

How to use it

1. Copy the prompt below into ChatGPT or Claude.
2. Answer its questions the way you’d brief a student teacher.
3. Push back on the outline — “my kids need more movement,” “that hook won’t land” — before asking for the full plan.

Why it works this way

Because you answer questions about your students, the plan comes out fitted instead of generic — and you stay the expert in the room. The AI drafts; you decide.

Try next: ask it to generate a differentiated version for two readiness levels, or an exit ticket to match.

Free to use and share. Have a better version? Send it in — this library is community-built.