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I really like this lesson idea , it’s creative and engaging. Ancient Egypt is on the scheme for my class this year, so I’ll definitely be using some of your ideas.
Lesson Plan: Inputs and Outputs with Scratch
Class: 5th Class
Resources:
• Laptops/tablets with Scratch
• Projector/interactive whiteboard for demo
Learning Objectives:
• Understand that Scratch projects respond to inputs (keys, clicks, words).
• Recognise that AI also works by responding to inputs with outputs.
• Create a simple Scratch project that reacts to different inputs.Introduction:
• Ask: “What happens when you talk to Siri or Alexa?”
• Explain that AI isn’t magic — it waits for an input and gives an output.
• Show a simple Scratch sprite that says “Hello” when the space bar is pressed.Main Activity:
• In pairs, children edit the sprite to react differently to inputs (e.g. arrows move it, typing “hello” makes it reply, clicking changes its costume).
• Encourage creativity: add more sprites or sounds.Reflection:
• Discuss: “What happened when we changed the input?”
• Link back to AI: “AI tools, like Scratch sprites, only work because they’ve been told how to respond to inputs.”
• Quick round: each child says one example of an input/output.I plan to take small steps with AI in my teaching so that I can build confidence gradually. To begin with, I’d like to use Microsoft Reading Coach. I think it will be a really practical way to support literacy, as it adapts to each child’s reading level and helps make practice more engaging. I also want to try out some features from MagicSchool AI, especially the tools for generating questions and adapting texts to different levels. These will save me time on preparation and allow me to spend more time actually working with the children.
As I get more comfortable, I’d like to branch out and use AI in more creative ways, such as supporting project work or pupil-led inquiry. What I’ve taken from this module is that AI has great potential for personalising learning and supporting teachers, but it’s best to start small, reflect, and build gradually. That way both I and my pupils will grow in confidence with it.I really like your idea of introducing Diffit to 6th class in this way. Highlighting how it can adapt texts to suit different levels is such a practical approach, especially since children are very aware of when something feels too easy or too hard.
To introduce the idea of AI to my class, I’d start off with Blockly, just to show the children a very simple example of how input leads to output. Once they got the idea, I’d move on to Scratch, which some of them are already familiar with from the coding class I run in school.
In Scratch, we could set up a project where a sprite responds differently depending on the input, like pressing a key, clicking on something or typing in a word. This makes it really clear that the output always depends on the input, just like with AI. We would talk about how, when we use AI tools, the same rule applies, the system isn’t thinking by itself, it’s just following patterns it has been given or trained on.
I think this approach makes AI feel much less mysterious, while keeping it fun, hands-on, and creative for the kids.I really like the idea of using Diffit for EAL learners. It seems like such a practical way to make sure everyone can access the same content at their own level. I think pairing that with tools like Twee for quick comprehension questions could make lessons more inclusive and more engaging.
One tool that stood out to me in this module was Magicschool. I really like the idea of using it to create social stories. I have a few children in mind who would benefit from having those to help them understand routines and social situations. I also loved the idea of linking a social story from Magicschool with Twee, so that I could generate follow-up questions. That way the children wouldn’t just read or listen to the story, but they’d also get to talk about it and check their understanding.
Another tool I thought was really useful was the Microsoft Reading Coach. I can think of so many potential ways I could implement this with the kids in my class. I feel that it has the potential to make reading activities so focused making it easier for the child to achieve the desired learning outcome. It also has the potential to help reluctant readers find confidence and grow from there.I feel like these AI tools could make learning more engaging and supportive for the kids, and they also open up new ways for me to deliver lessons.
I agree, AI can make differentiation easier by helping create quick, tailored resources for all learning needs. It is not something I have particularly used AI for in the past but after completing this module I see so much potential uses for it in regards to differentiation now.
This module really opened my eyes to the different ways AI could change some aspects of my classroom. The part that struck me most was personalised learning. In a mixed-ability class, it’s always a juggle to keep everyone on task at the right level. I like the idea that an AI tool could adjust reading or maths activities to suit each child, so no one feels left behind or unchallenged.
I was also introduced to Immersive Reader, which I wasn’t familiar with before. I can see how it could be a huge support for children who struggle with literacy, letting them access content more easily and feel included. That kind of tool could make a big difference to their confidence.
Another big benefit I can see is how AI could reduce some of the more mundane teacher tasks. If it can take on things like creating comprehension questions or tracking assessment data, that gives me more time to actually be present with the kids in class, which is where I feel I make the most impact.
One challenge is that not every child will have instant access to a computer, so I’d need to think carefully about how I could organise and facilitate use of the platforms so that all children benefit equally.Hi Aisling,
I really like the point you made about how your own teaching experience actually makes the AI more effective. It’s such a good reminder that the quality of what we get out of it depends on the professional knowledge we bring to the prompts in the first place.
Watching the Khan video really got me thinking about how AI could change the way we work in classrooms. The idea of AI being like a personal tutor for each child is very interesting. Kids learning at their own pace with support that actually fits their needs sounds like the goal we all should have when it comes to educating. I would also have to think carefully about how to organise access, because not every child has the same technology available, either at home or even in school.
From my point of view as a teacher, I can see the big win in saving time on planning in particular, e.g. drafting lesson ideas and suggesting differentiated activities. If AI can take some of that load, it gives me more time for the children and the creative side of teaching.
I also liked the idea in the module about reframing the negative narrative around AI in education. Instead of focusing on fears, we can show how it supports and enhances what we already do.