Having a classroom pet is a great way to increase student buy-in in the classroom. It fosters curiosity and responsibility while bringing a richness to many learning experiences in the classroom. 

As a middle school science teacher I have always wanted a classroom pet and so I have set out to research what needs to be thought of on the journey to choosing the perfect pet. 

So grab a coffee, find a comfy seat, and relax while we explore reasons to have a classroom pet, things to consider when choosing a classroom pet, and 30 classroom pet ideas!

5 Reasons to have a classroom pet

Having a classroom pet in a science classroom offers numerous educational benefits and enriching experiences for students. The decision to introduce a living organism into the learning environment can enhance various aspects of scientific education and foster a deeper connection between students and the natural world.

Introducing a classroom pet is a great way to increase student engagement and buy-in into the learning environment. It can increase students responsibility, revitalise the classroom environment, link learning to real examples, foster a love and care for animals and provide opportunities for reward.

Having a classroom pet can promote: 

• Scientific learning: Having a classroom pet serves as a tangible and living example for students to observe biological concepts in action. Students can witness firsthand the life cycle, growth, and behavior of the chosen pet, providing a practical context to theoretical lessons. This direct exposure to biological phenomena helps to demystify scientific concepts and makes learning more engaging and memorable. For instance, observing the metamorphosis of tadpoles into frogs or tracking the development of chicks from eggs can vividly illustrate concepts such as life cycles and developmental biology.

• Interdisciplinary learning (STEAM): A classroom pet can also be a catalyst for interdisciplinary learning. Students can explore various scientific topics, such as animal behavior, anatomy, and physiology, while also incorporating elements of mathematics, language arts, and even art. For instance, they may measure and record the growth of the pet, research its natural habitat, or create artistic representations of the pet in its environment. This interdisciplinary approach not only enhances scientific understanding but also cultivates a holistic perspective on the interconnectedness of different academic disciplines.

• Teamwork: A classroom pet can instil a sense of responsibility and nurture empathy among students. Caring for a living creature requires commitment, teamwork, and attention to detail. Students can take turns feeding, cleaning, and monitoring the well-being of the pet, fostering a sense of ownership and accountability. This experience teaches valuable life skills and emphasizes the importance of empathy and compassion, qualities that extend beyond the realm of science into broader aspects of character development.

• Motivation: Furthermore, a classroom pet can serve as a motivational tool, sparking curiosity and inquiry among students. The presence of a living organism provides a constant source of fascination, prompting students to ask questions, conduct research, and seek answers independently. Teachers can leverage this natural curiosity to introduce inquiry-based learning, encouraging students to formulate hypotheses, design experiments, and draw conclusions based on their observations of the pet. This active engagement in the scientific process enhances critical thinking skills and nurtures a lifelong love for learning. 
• Teachers could further capitalise on student motivation by providing rewards in the form of being able to hold the classroom pet, or look after it for the holidays etc. 

• A supportive learning environment: Beyond academic benefits, a classroom pet contributes to a positive and supportive learning environment. The presence of a living, non-judgmental companion can reduce stress and anxiety among students, creating a more relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere for learning. Additionally, caring for a pet promotes a sense of community within the classroom as students collaborate and share responsibilities.

Things to consider when choosing a classroom pet

Selecting a classroom pet is a decision that involves careful consideration of various factors to ensure the well-being of the pet, the safety of students, and the overall success of the educational experience. Here are some important things to consider when choosing a classroom pet:

1. Allergies:

• • Consider the prevalence of allergies among students and staff. Some individuals may be allergic to certain animals or their dander. Ensure that the chosen pet does not pose a significant allergy risk.

2. School Policies:

• • Check with the school administration and policies to confirm whether keeping a pet in the classroom is allowed. Some schools may have specific guidelines or restrictions regarding classroom pets.
    

3. Budget

• • It is important to consider your budget when choosing a classroom pet. It isn’t just the purchase of the pet that needs to be thought of. It is the enclosure, food, and ongoing costs associated with your pet – and some cost a lot more than others in the long run.

4. Maintenance Requirements:

• • Assess the time and effort required for the care of the pet. Consider the pet’s feeding, cleaning, and medical needs. Choose a pet that aligns with the available resources and the level of commitment the class (and you) can provide.

5. Space and Housing:

• • Evaluate the available space in the classroom for the pet’s habitat. Ensure that the housing arrangement meets the specific needs of the chosen animal in terms of size, temperature, and environmental enrichment. Also consider location of power points if you are going to opt for a classroom pet that required uv light. Generally, small animals need smaller spaces.

6. Lifespan and Growth:

• • Consider the lifespan of the pet and how it aligns with the school year or the duration of the class. Some animals have longer lifespans and may require care beyond the academic year. Additionally, consider the potential growth of the pet and whether the classroom setup can accommodate it.

7. Educational Value:

• • Choose a pet that aligns with the educational goals of the class. Consider the opportunities the pet provides for hands-on learning, observation, and the reinforcement of scientific concepts.

8. Safety:

• • Prioritize the safety of students and the pet. Choose a species with a mild temperament and minimal risk of aggression or bites. Ensure that the pet does not pose any health or safety hazards.
  • Social animals, such as small mammals, are great for young children who enjoy cuddling and patting them. 

9. Allure for Students:

• • Select a pet that captures the interest and curiosity of students. The goal is to create an engaging and positive learning experience. Consider the potential for the pet to spark discussions, questions, and research.

10. Nocturnal vs. Diurnal:

• • Consider the activity patterns of the pet. Nocturnal animals may be less active during class hours, limiting the opportunities for observation and interaction. Diurnal animals are active during the day and may be more suitable for a classroom setting.

11. Ethical Considerations:

• • Reflect on the ethical implications of keeping a particular species as a pet. Ensure that the pet trade and captivity do not negatively impact wild populations. Consider adopting from reputable sources and promoting responsible pet ownership.

12. Long-Term Commitment:

• • Recognize that a classroom pet is a long-term commitment. Consider the responsibilities beyond the initial excitement, such as care during weekends, holidays, and breaks.

13. Accessibility:

• • Choose a pet that is readily available and legal to keep as a classroom pet. Check local and state regulations regarding the ownership of certain species. Check whether you need a license. Also check the local pet store as to what is readily available and easy to source the food requirements for it. 

14. Noise Level:

• • Consider the noise level associated with the chosen pet. Some animals, such as birds or rodents, may generate noise that could affect the learning environment.

​30 Best Classroom Pet Ideas (in no particular order)

Choosing the best classroom pets for middle school involves considering factors such as ease of care, educational value, and safety. Here are 30 suggestions:

1. Fish (Betta, Guppies): Low maintenance and visually appealing.
2. Guinea Pigs: Social and gentle pets that are easy to handle.
3. Rabbits: Friendly and can be litter trained.
4. Hamsters: Easy to care for and entertaining to watch.
5. Hermit Crabs: Fascinating creatures with low maintenance needs.
6. Snails: Unique and low-maintenance pets.
7. Turtles: Educational and relatively low-maintenance.
8. Axolotls: Unique aquatic pets with regenerative abilities.
9. Ant Farm: Provides an opportunity to observe a colony at work.
10. Stick Insects: Low maintenance and fascinating to observe.
11. Rats: Intelligent and sociable pets.
12. Chinchillas: Soft and cuddly with specific care requirements.
13. Birds (Budgies, Cockatiels): Interactive and can mimic sounds.
14. Geckos: Easy to care for and visually interesting.
15. Bearded Dragons: Docile and educational reptiles.
16. Hedgehogs: Quirky and interesting pets.
17. African Dwarf Frogs: Aquatic pets that are easy to care for.
18. Tarantulas: Fascinating for students interested in arachnids.
19. Giant African Land Snails: Unique and easy to care for.
20. Millipedes: Low maintenance and interesting to observe.
21. Parakeets: Social birds that can be taught tricks.
22. Sugar Gliders: Unique, social, and somewhat exotic.
23. Stick Insects: Low-maintenance and interesting to observe.
24. Garter Snakes: Educational and relatively low maintenance.
25. Giant Day Geckos: Colorful and visually appealing.
26. Ferrets: Energetic and playful, but require more space.
27. Dwarf Hamsters: Smaller and often more social than other hamsters.
28. African Clawed Frogs: Aquatic pets with interesting behaviors.
29. Blue-tongued Skinks: Docile and educational reptiles.
30. Beta Fish: Colorful and low-maintenance aquatic pets.

Conclusion

Having a classroom pet bring so much educational richness to the classroom. It promotes student involvement, intrigue, responsibility and hands-on learning. 

Please comment with your favorite classroom pet ideas for middle school below!

Note: Always consult your school’s specific safety guidelines and policies, and seek guidance from experienced colleagues or administrators when in doubt about safety protocols.

About the Author

Station activities for middle school

Do you love celebrating Halloween, but hate coming up with Halloween Science Activities?

This was me!

But now I have this awesome bank of Halloween themed science resources I use every year that I absolutely LOVE!

Check out these super engaging halloween science activities for middle and high school – that don’t require mess!

Disclaimer: This blog post, ‘5 No Prep Halloween Science Activities for Middle and High School’, may contain affiliate links or links to resources that I have created. Read full disclaimer here. activ

Halloween is the perfect time to infuse a little eerie excitement into your science curriculum. Engaging activities not only make learning enjoyable but also help reinforce important scientific concepts.

In this blog post, we’ll explore five spine-tingling science activities tailored for middle and high school students.

Best no prep Halloween science activities

1. Digital Escape Rooms

I’m going to start with my absolute favorite Halloween science activities – Digital Escape Rooms.

Digital escape rooms are an immersive and challenging way to integrate Halloween themes with science.

Spooky scenarios where students have to solve scientific puzzles and riddles to “escape” from a mad scientist’s lab or a dragon’s den.

These are great options because they are cheap (you can grab a professional one for less than $5 – which costs a lot less than any lab materials or decorations!) and you can use them year after year.

You can grab an escape room that is specifically on the content you are currently covering with your class, or you can choose from the many scientific method related escape rooms. These are great since it is always relevant to review scientific method or science skills! 

2. Halloween Themed Scientific Method Crossword

The scientific method is a fundamental concept in science education. To add a Halloween twist, use a crossword that has some fun and spooky clipart!

I don’t know what it is about crosswords, but students always love them!

And I love them because they are just print and go!

Get it here! 

3. Halloween Themed Einstein Puzzle

Puzzles stimulate cognitive thinking and enhance problem-solving skills. A Halloween themed Einstein puzzle challenges students to figure out which “monster” lives in which house based on a series of clues. Integrate elements of biology, chemistry, or physics into the puzzle to tie it back to scientific concepts.

Get it here!

4. Halloween Coding with the Periodic Table

In this activity, students use the Periodic Table to decode the guest list for a Halloween Party. This is great if you are currently introducing the Periodic Table, or as a fun activity to do to develop critical thinking skills using the Periodic Table for some decoding.

Get it here!

5. Halloween Themed Variables Worksheet

Understanding variables is crucial in experimental design. This worksheet requires students to identify the dependent, independent and controlled variables in different Halloween-themed contexts. 

Get it here!

To see all my Halloween resources and SAVE $$ by grabbing them in a bundle, head to this link.

Conclusion

Don’t spend heaps of time trying to come up with easy but awesome Halloween Science activities. I’ve done the hard work for you! 

What are your favorite Halloween Science Activities?

About the Author

Spring break guide for teachers

20 best organizational items for teachers

1. Device holder: These are great for keeping your devices organise and easy to grab. Whether they are your own devices or you have some class ipads etc, it also makes it easy to set up a charging station.

2. Rotating pen holder: Apart from being functional, there is also something very satisfying about having all your pens and markers and stationary displayed so beautifully and neatly on your desk.

3. Magnetic shelf for whiteboard: This might be a weird one but hear me out – these magnetic shelves are so versatile! Whether you want to display a couple of books or put some pen holders for your whiteboard markers, or even just a pretty plant, they are a great space saver for a practical location.

4. Magnetic anchor chart / date holder: This is a great way to display the day’s date, anchor chart, key words or important information on the whiteboard where all students can see it.

5. Teacher planner: Of all the organizational items for teachers, this is probably a non-negotiable. I love a pretty teacher planner and there are so many out there! Make sure you check the inside of them to check it has all the features you like and that it works with how your school is run (e.g. 5 period day or 6 period day etc).

6. Slide clicker: This is a game changer for classroom management. It allows you to wander around the room and ensure students are engaged while still maintaining control of your screen. Gone are the days you need to be pinned to the front of the room so you can press ‘next slide’!

7. Doorbell: This has two functions in my classroom. The first is to gain students’ attention back after an activity. It is great because I don’t need to raise my voice and students know what it means. The second function is to actually have one at my classroom door. Since my classroom is often a bit noisy with the types of activities I run, if someone knocks on the door I can’t hear it. The second doorbell lets me know when someone is there. I have a different tone for each doorbell so I know which is which.

best organizational items for teachers

8. Magnetic ruler for whiteboard: There are so many times I go to draw a straight line and it turns out wonky… until I got one of these! Definitely a worthwhile investment.

9. Classroom Drawers: To be honest I don’t really have a use for these as a highschool teacher, however my primary school teaching friends can’t live without them!

10. Trolley moveable: This is such a practical purchase that can be changed and updated to suit whatever you need. I actually have one of these at my house for organising my kids art things.

11. Bulletin Pegs: These bulletin board pegs are so so cute! Pin them up and then just clip in relevant anchor charts or displays without having to constantly push the pins in and out of the board. This makes changing displays so much quicker.

12. Storage bags: While plastic storage tubs seem to be all the rage, I actually find these better for saving space. Perfect for storing task cards, student work or activities.

13. Label maker: A device to create neat and consistent labels for files, bins, and classroom items, this blutooth label maker is a must-have. 

best organizational items for teachers

14. Desk calendar: I find it really handy to have a full month in front of me so I can see upcoming events, disturbances to our lessons and plans. 

15. Name cards: When starting with a new class it can take some time to learn all their names. These cute name plates are perfect for helping students know where to sit and helping you learn their names, while also bringing some cute style to your classroom.

16. Hanging folders: Use hanging folders in to keep things organised without taking up space in the classroom.

17. Teacher toolbox: These hardware type boxes are so great for organising any bits and bobs that you have lying around. Pair this with your label maker and you are ready to go!

18. Document scanner: A device to quickly digitize important papers and reduce paper clutter. This portable one is small and easy to use.

19. Cable management solutions: Use cable clips or zip ties to keep computer and electronic cords organized and untangled. This pack is cheap and versatile to keep all your cables safely tucked away.

20. Teacher bag: When thinking about organizational items for teachers, don’t forget about your teacher bag! I love the external pockets on this bag which make it easy to grab things from but also to check if you’ve forgotten to pack anything.

best organizational items for teachers

Conclusion

In the fast-paced world of teaching, organization is the key to maintaining sanity and maximizing our impact as educators. The 30 must-have organizational items for teachers presented in this blog post offer practical solutions to the challenges we face in the classroom. From the essential teacher planner to the versatile storage bins, these tools empower us to create an environment that is conducive to effective teaching and learning.

Remember, organization goes beyond just the physical space. It extends to our digital world as well. Embrace the use of technology such as document scanners and online platforms for seamless organization and quick access to resources. By harnessing the power of these tools, you can reduce clutter, improve workflow, and create a more efficient teaching environment.

What’s are your favourite organizational items for teachers?

Please share your thoughts in the comments!

best organizational items for teachers

Spring break is the perfect time for teachers to recharge, relax, and prepare for the busy days ahead. However, instead of just lounging around and letting the break slip away, why not utilize this time to make your life easier when school resumes?

Because, let’s face it, we spend more of our life not on spring break. If we can decrease the stress for our term time it will impact our overall health and wellness more dramatically than any spring break can!

In this Spring break guide for teachers, we will explore ten practical ways for teachers to maximize their spring break and set themselves up for a smoother transition back into the classroom.

Spring break guide for teachers

Disclaimer: This blog post, ‘Spring break guide for teachers: 10 productivity tips’, may contain affiliate links. Read full disclaimer here. activ

Spring Break Guide for Teachers

1. Wrap up loose ends

Towards the end of the school year I can become so tired and focussed on the finish line that I can also become a bit lazy with wrapping up loose ends. (I hope I’m not the only one!)

Respond to those emails, upload student results, file away resources and sign off on any outstanding forms. I hate having those things hang over my head!

2. Plan days to work and days you wont 

During spring break we all know that we have work to do before the next term starts. But sometimes our spring break can be ruined by that nagging feeling that you have work to do but haven’t allocated any time to do it. 

Sit down and map out how much work you have to do and which days you will get it done. That way your brain doesn’t have to worry about it on the ‘non-work’ days knowing that you have time set aside to get it done. 

3. Declutter your workspace / classroom

This is actually my favourite tip in the spring break guide for teachers. There is nothing better than working into work and seeing your workspace all neat, tidy and clean!

If you don’t get this done before the school year ends I highly recommend finding the time to do it before the new school year starts. Otherwise it will get pushed to the side as the business of school life comes roaring back.

Spring break guide for teachers

My favorite back to school Amazon buys

4. Prepare materials in advance 

Think ahead and prepare materials for upcoming lessons or units during spring break.

Gather resources, print worksheets, create visual aids, or assemble hands-on materials. This proactive approach will save you time and stress once school starts again.

It is also time-saving as during break you have more uninterrupted time than you do when school starts back. This means you can sit and smash through planning and creating in less time than you would if you were trying to do the same during term.

Revise your plans accordingly, and consider incorporating new activities, assessments, or teaching methods to keep things fresh and engaging  – not just for your students but also for you!

Think about what activities you like to use and take the opportunity to think about where you could include more.

5. Organize your digital files

The digital age has made our lives easier in many ways, but it’s easy for files to become disorganized.

Use spring break to declutter your computer, organize your files into folders, and create a logical system for storing documents, lesson plans, and resources. This will save you valuable time and reduce stress when you need to find something quickly.

6. Make any purchases you want to start the year

Since shipping times can be unreliable, make any purchases you want to during the break so you can start the year with all the materials you need. Particularly regarding your classroom set up and organisation.

Also, its so much fun to shop for the new school year!

  Spring break guide for teachers

7. Engage in professional development

Spring break can be an excellent time to invest in your professional growth. Attend online webinars, workshops, or conferences related to your subject area or teaching methodology. Stay updated with the latest educational trends and gather new strategies to implement in your classroom.

8. Take care of yourself

It’s crucial to prioritize self-care during spring break. Engage in activities that bring you joy and relaxation.

Read a book, go for a walk, spend time with loved ones, or pursue a hobby.

By recharging your own batteries, you’ll return to school refreshed and better equipped to handle the challenges that lie ahead.

9. Set realistic goals and plan ahead

As spring break comes to an end, set realistic goals and plan out your time effectively for the remaining weeks of the school year.

Break down larger tasks into manageable steps, create a schedule or to-do list, and allocate time for grading, lesson planning, and personal activities.

Having a clear plan in place will make your life more organized and less overwhelming.

10. Create a work timetable for the new school year

It’s important to reflect on what did and didn’t work for you this past year in terms of maintaining a work/life balance. 

Create a plan for how you want to start the year by working out your boundaries, and creating a work / play timetable.

Spring break guide for teachers 

Conclusion

Yes spring break is meant to be a break, however I like to keep in mind that I spend more of my life not on break than on one! By using my time during the break well, I  am able to keep my stress levels down and my work / life balance much more manageable during the term. 

What do you like to do during spring break to make your life easy when you return to work? What would you include in your spring break guide for teachers?

Comment below!

Spring break guide for teachers 

About the Author

Spring break guide for teachers

14 tips for dealing with difficult parents

1. Take control of the first impression

Don’t let the first impression be when you need to call a parent to tell them something concerning about their child. Or for their first impression to be molded by what their child comes home and says about you. 

Start the year by introducing yourself to them and making the impression you want to make. This doesn’t have to be done in person or individually to each parent. My favorite way to do this is to send home a ‘meet the teacher’ page that introduces me, the class and what my expectations are for the class moving forward. 

Grab my FREE meet the teacher template here. 

2. Listen

Often when parents have a concern or complaint they really just want to feel heard and understood. Even if their concern is unwarranted or they are asking for something unrealistic, try to reassure them by saying phrases like ‘I understand why you would be concerned about that’.

3. Keep an open mind

It is important to approach every parent interaction with an open mind. Try to understand the parent’s perspective, and listen to their concerns without becoming defensive. When parents feel heard, they are more likely to be receptive to your suggestions.

4. Communicate regularly

Regular communication with parents can help to avoid misunderstandings and potential conflicts. Make sure to communicate with parents through various channels such as emails, phone calls, or in-person meetings. This helps to establish a strong relationship and ensures that the parent is aware of their child’s progress.

5. Be proactive

Address potential issues before they become bigger problems. If you notice a student struggling in class or exhibiting problematic behavior, reach out to the parents proactively. This can show that you are invested in their child’s success and can help to build trust.

6. Use positive language

When communicating with parents, it is important to use positive language. Instead of saying, “Your child is disruptive in class,” try saying, “Your child has so much potential, and I believe with some guidance, they can excel in class.” Positive language can help to prevent the conversation from becoming confrontational.

7. Be solution-focused

When discussing problems with parents, focus on solutions rather than dwelling on the issues. Brainstorm ways that the student can improve, and make a plan with the parent for how they can support their child’s learning at home.

8. Be empathetic

It is important to understand that parents may be coming from a place of frustration or concern when communicating with teachers. Try to put yourself in their shoes and understand their perspective. This can help to build a stronger relationship and prevent conflicts from escalating.

9. Document interactions

It is important to document any interactions with difficult parents in case there are any disputes in the future. This can help to ensure that there is a clear record of what was discussed and agreed upon. 

When you make note of these interactions make sure you are factual and leave the emotion out of it. Dot points are helpful and easy to refer to later. Include the date, time and location of any meetings or incidents and record down if there were any witnesses – particularly if it was an aggressive interaction.

10. Stay professional

No matter how difficult the parent interaction may be, it is important to remain professional and avoid becoming defensive or emotional. Keep your focus on the student’s academic success, and remember that your role is to support their learning.

11. Involve administration

If a parent is particularly difficult or hostile, it may be necessary to involve administration. They can help to mediate the situation and ensure that everyone is on the same page.

If you are ever concerned about your safety make sure you are not meeting parents alone. Invite administration or a mentor / colleague to be present with you.

12. Seek support

Dealing with difficult parents can be stressful, and it is important to seek support from colleagues or a supervisor. They may have experienced similar situations and can offer advice and guidance on how to handle the situation effectively.

13. Don’t take it personally

You don’t know what sort of background these parents are bringing to the situation. It is very possible that they have felt unheard or were unhappy with previous teachers’ responses or actions and they are bringing that frustration into this situation. 

14. Thank them

Thank them for being an advocate for their child and being proactive about what they want. This can really help to build rapport with the parents and help them to feel seen and heard. It can also bring the tone of the meeting into a positive space.

Conclusion

Dealing with difficult parents can be a challenging aspect of teaching, but it is important to handle these interactions with care and professionalism. By keeping an open mind, communicating regularly, being proactive, using positive language, and focusing on solutions, teachers can help to build strong relationships with parents and ensure the success of their students. 

Remember to document interactions, stay professional, involve administration if necessary, and seek support from colleagues or a supervisor. With these strategies, teachers can effectively deal with difficult parents and ensure that every student has the support they need to succeed.

Have you had to deal with difficult parents?

Please share your tips and ideas for how to deal with difficult parents below.

What is ChatGPT?

ChatGPT is a large language model developed by OpenAI that is capable of generating human-like responses to a wide range of questions and prompts. It is based on the GPT-3.5 architecture, which is an advanced version of the GPT-3 model, with a significantly larger number of parameters and improved training techniques.

How does ChatGPT work?

At its core, ChatGPT works by leveraging a deep learning algorithm that is trained on massive amounts of text data from the internet. This includes everything from news articles and books to social media posts and online forums. By analyzing this vast corpus of text, the model learns to recognize patterns and relationships between words and phrases, and it is able to generate coherent and contextually relevant responses to a variety of queries.

When a user inputs a prompt or question into ChatGPT, the model uses its knowledge of language and context to generate a response that is most likely to be relevant and informative. This process involves several steps, including parsing the input text, identifying key concepts and themes, and generating a response that is both grammatically correct and semantically meaningful.

Ways teachers can use ChatGPT

1. Generating lesson plans

As an experienced teacher I don’t really have a use for generating lesson plans. However, one thing I HATE doing is generating lesson plans for a cover lesson when I am sick or absent from school. ChatGPT has made this sooooo much easier. 

By providing a few prompts or questions, ChatGPT can quickly generate a detailed lesson plan that is tailored to the teacher’s needs. If I am wanting a lesson for a casual/sub teacher to teach then I tell ChatGPT this. It will provide the learning intentions, activities, assessment opportunities and even options for early finishers and differentiation options if you ask it to!

This is the sort of phrase I would type into ChatGPT:

“Create a lesson plan for grade 7 classification of living things in science suitable for a substitute teacher to teach. Students do not have technology. Lesson runs for 60 minutes. Include at least one activity with group work.”

2. Differentiating content

I often have a class of very mixed ability. In particular I find it hard to source materials that are available in multiple reading levels. ChatGPT can generate multiple passages on a topic and then regenerate the same material in a different reading level.

For example, some things I have typed in to ChatGPT for this are:

• Write 500 words on what allotropes are in chemistry suitable for a grade 11 student reading level
• Regenerate the above material but suitable for a grade 9 student reading level

This has made it so much quicker to find exactly what I want for my classes. While I still find I like to tweak the output, it still saves so much time. 

It is also helpful to be as specific as possible. ChatGPT will try and meet all the criteria you put in. 

3. Drafting Emails to Parents

Want to contact parents via email regarding students not completing homework? Or misbehaving in class? Teachers can use ChatGPT to draft a professionally appropriate email! 

Just type in the details of the incident and ask ChatGPT to write an email to that parent for you!

Definitely make sure you proofread and edit these ones – you want to make sure the tone of the email is right for the situation. But I find it really helpful to not be starting with a blank page.

4. Report comment writing

Writing report comments can be a monotonous and time-consuming process. By inputting student data into ChatGPT you can ask it to generate an appropriate comment for reports using that data!

While I don’t like to put student names into ChatGPT alongside the data for privacy reasons, it is easy to use the data to generate the comment and put in the student name later on.

It can even be used to generate a bank of helpful report-type comments or statements that you can pick and choose from for some inspiration.

5. Generating questions WITH full working out or marking criteria

If you’re a maths or science teacher then this is going to be a win.

Teachers can use ChatGPT to generate questions for a topic, and provide full working out or full answers. This is awesome for creating worksheets, tests or assignments.

I used this the other day to generate worded problems for gravimetric analysis in Chemistry. I first asked it to “generate worded problems for gravimetric analysis in Chemistry suitable for grade 11 in which students were to calculate the percentage composition of a sample”. Next I asked it to generate the full working for each of the questions it had previously generated.

Even if I didn’t have to generate the questions and I just found some on the internet, for me to then do the full working out for each problem would have taken a lot of time.

6. Providing Feedback 

Teachers can use ChatGPT to provide feedback on an assessment task or lesson plan you have designed yourself using data from what has worked well for previous educators. You can also ask it to offer ideas for assessments or lessons as well.

7. Answering student questions

Sometimes students ask questions that are well above their level of understanding (or at least this happens to me a lot in science). It has been helpful to ask ChatGPT how it would answer that question for the age of the student as it is able to simplify or pull out only the key information needed for them at their age.

8. Creating Assignments and Tests

Teachers can use ChatGPT to generate test questions and assignments customised to the teacher’s needs. You can even ask it to include the marking criteria! For some tests, you can even have ChatGPT mark it for you (particularly if it is short answer or multiple choice).

9. Writing articles for the school newsletter

When I was Head of Science this was something I dreaded doing. I hated trying to work out the wording and what to include in our school’s yearbook or for more regular parent updates. Teachers can use ChatGPT to do this! Just give it a few class names, teacher names and a brief summary and it will write it in an appropriate format for you.

10. Providing Ideas

Sometimes you just need a spark to get your creative juices flowing. ChatGPT is a great resource to ask for ideas. Whether it be ideas for differentiating for a student with dyslexia, or hands-on activities to show a particular phenomena, or ideas for promoting more collaboration in class. 

Give it a go next time you’re feeling stuck or with ‘teacher-block’!

General ChatGPT tips

1. Be as specific as you can to get better results
2. Proofread – make sure your end results actually sound like you 
3. Check the tone (particularly for emails)
4. Ask ChatGPT to try again if you’re not happy with it or want to tweak it
5. Use multiple inputs to get to the result you want
6. Train it – you can input data, other texts, assignments etc to help train ChatGPT in what you are hoping for.

What ChatGPT itself thinks teachers can use ChatGPT for

For good measure I asked ChatGPT to provide 10 ways to use it as a teacher and this is what it came up with:

1. Generating lesson plans: Teachers can use ChatGPT to generate lesson plans for various subjects and grade levels. By providing a few prompts or questions, ChatGPT can quickly generate a detailed lesson plan that is tailored to the teacher’s needs.

2. Answering student questions: Teachers can use ChatGPT to answer frequently asked questions from students. By training ChatGPT on common questions or providing specific prompts, teachers can save time by having ChatGPT handle some of the more routine questions that students may have.

3. Providing feedback on assignments: Teachers can use ChatGPT to provide feedback on student assignments. By providing specific prompts or questions related to the assignment, ChatGPT can generate detailed feedback that is customized to the student’s work.

4. Creating assessments: Teachers can use ChatGPT to generate assessments for their students. By providing specific prompts or questions related to the subject matter, ChatGPT can quickly generate a quiz or test that is customized to the teacher’s needs.

5. Checking for plagiarism: Teachers can use ChatGPT to check student work for plagiarism. By training ChatGPT on a set of original texts, teachers can quickly check student work for instances of plagiarism.

6. Automating grading: Teachers can use ChatGPT to automate grading of assignments and assessments. By training ChatGPT on a set of rubrics or criteria for grading, teachers can save time by having ChatGPT handle some of the grading process.

7. Providing personalized learning: Teachers can use ChatGPT to provide personalized learning experiences for their students. By analyzing student data and providing specific prompts or questions, ChatGPT can generate personalized learning plans that are tailored to each student’s needs.

8. Creating content for online courses: Teachers can use ChatGPT to create content for online courses. By providing specific prompts or questions related to the course material, ChatGPT can generate detailed content that is customized to the teacher’s needs.

9. Analyzing student data: Teachers can use ChatGPT to analyze student data and generate reports. By providing specific prompts or questions related to the data, ChatGPT can quickly generate reports that help teachers make informed decisions about their teaching.

10. Communicating with parents: Teachers can use ChatGPT to communicate with parents about student progress. By providing specific prompts or questions related to the student’s performance, ChatGPT can generate detailed reports that are easy for parents to understand.

Conclusion

I don’t believe that AI can ever replace teachers. There is nothing that can compare to a teacher’s knowledge of their students as individuals beyond what’s on paper. There is nothing that can compare to a teacher’s ability to ‘go with the flow’ of a lesson and engage students in a meaningful way. However, I do believe that this type of technology can and should be utilised by teachers to save time and energy wherever possible.

Have you found other ways teachers can use ChatGPT?

Please share your thoughts in the comments!