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This is such a lovely, age appropriate way to introduce AI. I love how simple and interactive it is, and the focus on speaking clearly and taking turns is perfect for Junior Infants. Using something familiar like Alexa makes it really relatable, and the reflection questions are a great touch. I can imagine the kids getting so excited when the robot talks back.
Part 1: Reflection:
After completing this course, I feel much more confident and excited about introducing AI into my teaching. I plan to start small, integrating tools like Diffit, MagicSchool, and Microsoft Reading Coach into my planning and day-to-day classroom practice. These tools will help me personalise learning, support pupils with additional needs, and save time on creating resources and assessments. In the future, I also would like to work on Scratch programming as a hands-on, visual way to explore the basic ideas behind AI and coding. Over time, I hope to create a more AI aware classroom in which students not only use technology but also learn how it works and how to use it responsibly.
Lesson Plan: How Setanta Became Cú Chulainn
Class Level: 4th Class
Subject: History (Myths and Legends)
Duration: 1 Hour
Strand: Story
Strand Unit: Myths and Legends
Theme: Irish Mythology – The Story of Cú Chulainn
Curriculum Objective:
To learn about legends and stories from the past and how they were used to explain the world
To explore Irish culture through myths, with a focus on the story of SetantaLearning Objectives
By the end of this lesson, pupils will be able to:
Retell the key events in the story of how Setanta became Cú Chulainn
Identify key traits of the hero character
Reflect on myth and legend as storytelling traditions
Use AI tools to explore or present the story creativelyLesson Steps
1. Introduction (10 min)
Brief discussion: What is a myth? Do you know any Irish legends?
Introduce Setanta and give some background.2. Story Time (15 min)
Read aloud a version of the story (use a Diffit-modified version if needed).
Pause for questions and predictions.3. Group Discussion (10 min)
What kind of person was Setanta?
Why do you think this story was told?
Introduce the idea of “hero traits.”4. Digital Activity (15 min)
Pupils work in pairs:
a) Create a short comic strip using Canva (with AI image suggestions), or
b) Use Flip to record a re-telling of the story
Teacher circulates to assist and guide.5. Wrap-up (10 min)
Share a few projects with the class.
Discuss: How did using technology help you tell the story?Assessment
Informal observation during group discussion and digital activity
Review digital projects (comic or video) for comprehension and creativity
Optional: Use MagicSchool-generated quiz for comprehension checkDifferentiation
Use of Diffit for tailored reading materials
Choice of written, visual, or spoken output
Pairing stronger readers with those who need supportResources Needed
Internet-connected devices (tablets or Chromebooks)
Access to Diffit, Canva, Flip, MagicSchool.ai
Printed or digital copy of the storyIntegration with AI Tools
Diffit – Generate a simplified version of the myth and vocabulary lists for pupils of differing reading levels.
MagicSchool.ai – Create tailored comprehension questions or a creative writing prompt: “Imagine you are Setanta arriving at the feast…”
Microsoft Reading Coach – Pupils can read a portion of the story aloud; the AI gives gentle corrections and feedback on fluency.
Canva with AI or Flip – Pupils create a digital comic strip or video retelling the story using text prompts or voice.I completely agree, Scratch is such a fun and easy way to introduce students to coding. I like how visual it is, especially for younger children, and how Scratch provides step-by-step instructions. Definitely something I’ll be trying too.
From the tools highlighted in this module, I would like to introduce Scratch programming to my pupils. I think it’s a brilliant way to introduce AI and computer thinking concepts in an age-appropriate and engaging way. The visual and sectioned coding blocks make it accessible even for younger pupils, while still encouraging creativity and logic.
I’d start by following the tutorials provided on Scratch, which are very teacher-friendly and provide a clear path through simple projects. Pupils could work in pairs to build simple animations or games, which would support peer learning and help them stay motivated. The built-in challenges allow for easy differentiation, meaning all pupils can progress at their own pace.
Sharing their finished projects with the class or even other classes in their school would give the activity a real purpose and the pupil with a sense of pride. Overall, Scratch is a great foundation for building problem-solving, creativity, and digital confidence.
I’ve used Diffit to adapt reading material to suit different ability levels in my class. I also found it very useful and helpful for both SEN and EAL pupils in my classroom.
I’m planning to try MagicSchool next to help with lesson planning and might try to create some powerpoints and or worksheets. It looks like a great tool to save time in planning. Again, i think it might be especially useful when differentiating in the classroom.
Part 2: In the future I will also try Twee. I have tried something along the same lines as twee to generate questions from YouTube videos but TWEE seems much better. Looking ahead, I think AI can transform assessment in a very positive way. As we have been shown, AI tools that give instant feedback or track pupil progress in real time would help identify learning needs earlier and more accurately. I also feel that many of these tools could really enhance how I personalise teaching while saving valuable time.
I agree as I’m also very excited to try Reading Coach, which hopefully will be a brilliant way to motivate and support fluency. Speaker Coach is also an interesting one, not sure if I will use myself but great to be aware of these. All very useful resources to be ready to use for September. Totally agree , AI will save us time.
I totally agree with your points. Minecraft Education is fantastic for involving students in innovative ways, and Immersive Reader is a fantastic tool for diverse classrooms. It would undoubtedly be simpler to use these tools effectively with a whole-school strategy and the right training. GDPR and balance are also crucial, the main goal is to use technology in ways that actually enhance learning.
One specific challenge I face in my classroom is meeting the wide range of learning needs within a single lesson. Some students understand things quickly and require extra work, but others require additional support or a completely different approach. It can be challenging to meet everyone’s needs while keeping the entire class engaged. After learning more in this module, I can see how AI tools could really help with differentiation. For example, adaptive learning platforms could adjust tasks in real time based on how each pupil is doing, helping to keep them working at their own level without feeling left behind or unchallenged. AI could also support pupils with additional needs—for example, offering simplified explanations or reading support using voice tools. One potential challenge is making sure these tools are used fairly and don’t widen the digital divide. We’d need proper access to devices, training, and ongoing support to make it work well. But overall, I think AI could help create a more inclusive and responsive classroom environments.
Totally agree—AI has great potential to support both pupils and teachers, especially with things like feedback and planning. I like your point about rethinking assessment too. As AI becomes more common, we’ll need to make sure students are still developing real understanding, not just relying on tech to do the thinking for them.
I agree with you Justine, (AI) has a lot of promise, particularly in terms of time savings and individualised learning. You make a good point about using it as a tool, not a substitute. Tools like Merlin linking with AI could be a real game-changer for spotting gaps early and planning more effectively. And you’re right—nothing can replace the human connection we bring to the classroom!
I’ve just recently begun experimenting with AI tools, and I’m really looking forward to what they can do in the classroom. I’ve so far used AI to help me come up with a fun classroom song and even to make some lesson plans; it’s saved me a lot of time and given me ideas that I wouldn’t have come up with on my own.
I can definitely see how AI could be used to help learning in the future. Students in every class are working at different levels, and AI can make it simpler to target the different types of learners we have in our classrooms. I also think that AI may give us more time in our lives , as I feel that it will help aid our planning and resource creation. I think it will also help with the feedback on how our classes are progressing.
Of course we have to use Ai carefully, particularly when it comes to issues like data protection and preventing the tech from taking over our teacher autonomy. However, I believe AI may truly compliment and improve what we already do as teachers if we use it properly.
