5 copy-paste prompts written for the day-to-day work of instructional designers. Each names a recommended tool and the shape of output to expect, so you can adapt it and get a usable first draft in one go.
Differentiated lesson plan for one topic, three levels
Recommended tool · MagicSchool · Intermediate
You are assisting a instructional designer. Build a 45-minute lesson plan on [topic] for [grade]. Provide three differentiation tiers: support (concrete, visual, scaffolded), on-grade (target standard), and extension (challenge for early-finishers). For each tier: objective in 1 sentence, hook (5 min), guided practice (15 min), independent task (15 min), and exit ticket. Note any materials needed.
Expected output shape
A three-tier lesson plan ready to print or post to your LMS.
Rubric-based feedback on student work
Recommended tool · Claude · Beginner
As a instructional designer, give feedback on the student work below using this rubric: [paste rubric or describe criteria]. For each criterion: rating, one strength quoted from the work, one specific suggestion (action verb + what to change), and one stretch question to push the student further. Feedback should be growth-oriented, not punitive. Student work:
[paste here]
Expected output shape
Rubric-aligned feedback with strengths, specific suggestions, and stretch questions.
Explain a concept three ways for different learners
Recommended tool · Khanmigo · Beginner
Explain [concept] as a instructional designer would, in three different ways: (1) a story or analogy a struggling learner can latch onto, (2) a worked example with concrete numbers/specifics for the on-grade learner, (3) a deeper-question framing for the advanced learner. Each version under 150 words. Use vocabulary appropriate to the grade.
Expected output shape
Three differentiated explanations of the same concept, ready to pull into materials.
Parent email about a concern
Recommended tool · Gemini · Intermediate
Draft an email a instructional designer would send to a parent about [concern: academic, behavioral, attendance, etc.]. Tone: warm, partnership-oriented, specific not vague. Include: what you've observed (specific behaviors/work, no labels), what you've already tried, what you'd like to do next, what you're asking the parent to do, and an invitation to talk. Avoid jargon. Under 250 words.
Expected output shape
A warm, specific parent email ready to review and send.
Quiz or assessment item generator
Recommended tool · MagicSchool · Intermediate
Generate [N] assessment items for a instructional designer on [topic, grade]. Mix: 60%% basic recall and skill-application, 30%% transfer to new context, 10%% extension/synthesis. For each item: question stem, answer, common wrong-answer with the misconception it surfaces, and a 1-line reason teachers might want to use it. Avoid trick questions.
Expected output shape
Assessment items with answers, distractors, and pedagogical rationale.
Getting better results
Replace every bracketed placeholder with specific details before sending.
Tell the tool who the output is for and what format you need.
Ask for assumptions and open questions, then answer them in a follow-up.
Treat the result as a first draft. Verify facts, numbers and citations yourself.
Frequently asked questions
How do I use these prompts as a instructional designer?
Copy a prompt, replace the bracketed placeholders with your own details, and paste it into the recommended tool. Read the output critically, edit it, and never send it on without checking facts, figures and names.
Which AI tool works best with these prompts?
Each prompt names a recommended tool. Across this set we suggest MagicSchool, Claude, Khanmigo and Gemini, but the prompts are written to work with any capable assistant.
Is it safe to paste work information into these tools?
Only if your organization has approved the tool and its data-handling terms. Remove names, identifiers and confidential details from any prompt before using a consumer chat app.
Independent prompt library by the AI by Career editorial team. Last reviewed September 2026. No paid placement or affiliate influence; see our editorial policy.
