Writing is a journey, and like any journey, it becomes easier with the right tools and guidance. Artificial intelligence (AI), in particular Generative AI, is one such tool that can transform how we support students during the writing process. By integrating AI thoughtfully, teachers can save time, develop creativity and enhance learning outcomes.
Let’s take a walk through a full unit designed for 5th class, using persuasive writing as the genre and the topic of the piece is “no homework”. Here’s how generative AI can support each step.
Step 1: Generate Vocabulary
Use generative AI tools such as ChatGPT to develop subject-specific vocabulary tailored to the genre you’re teaching. Since the quality of the Generative AI responses depends heavily on the prompts we provide, I like to use a mnemonic to guide me in writing effective prompts.
Sample Prompt:
“You are a Grade 5 teacher, teaching persuasive writing to your students. The focus is a persuasive piece on the benefits of no homework. Can you write a list of 10 pieces of vocabulary and the definition for students to use in their pieces?”
Top Tip: Review the AI’s response carefully. Sometimes, I request 15 words and select the 10 most appropriate ones. If needed, you can ask AI to simplify or adjust the vocabulary further to suit your class.
Step 2: Suggested Activities for Teaching Vocabulary
Once you have the vocabulary list, the next step is to engage students in learning and using it effectively. AI can act as your brainstorming buddy, generating creative and interactive activities.
Sample Prompt:
“Can you suggest some engaging activities to teach these words to Grade 5 students, focusing on vocabulary for persuasive writing about no homework?”
Possible Activities:
Step 3: Create Sample Pieces
One of the biggest challenges teachers face is finding exemplary pieces that highlight structure, content, and language. Generative AI can now fill this gap.
Sample Prompt:
“You are a Grade 5 teacher, teaching persuasive writing to your students. The focus is a persuasive piece on the benefits of no homework. Can you write 3 sample pieces that are age-appropriate and demonstrate strong persuasive structure and vocabulary?”
Top Tip: If you’ve previously asked AI to generate vocabulary, continue the conversation, and it will incorporate the vocabulary into the sample pieces.
Step 4: Redrafting
One of the key insights from the IDEAL Future project held in Rennes in November was the importance of sharing assessment/evaluation criteria with students before they submit their work. This transparency empowers students to understand expectations, self-assess and improve their writing.
How AI Helps:
Use AI to create a student-friendly rubric, and then extend its use to generate examples of work at different levels.
Sample Prompts:
“Can you create a student-friendly rubric for a persuasive essay about the benefits of no homework? Include criteria such as organisation, arguments, evidence, vocabulary, and grammar.”
Classroom Activity:
Ask students to use the rubric to evaluate both pieces. This leads to rich discussion about what makes writing effective and how to improve weaker examples.
Bonus Activity:
MagicSchool AI have a built in AI tutor that you can use with students, students can interact with their piece under the guidance of the AI tutor to improve their work. Check out the certification courses to learn how at MagicSchool Professional Development
Step 5: Publishing
Publishing is the final step where students share their polished work with an audience. Before publishing, students should critically examine their writing using the rubric.
Conclusion
Generative AI offers teachers an efficient, creative and versatile tool for supporting students throughout the writing process. Whether it’s generating vocabulary, creating sample pieces or refining final drafts, AI enhances teaching while empowering students to grow as writers.
Give it a try, and watch how it transforms your writing lessons—and your students’ learning journeys!.