Hello, are you excited to create interactive games that can support learning?
Of all the generative language models, Claude.AI has proven superior in coming up with online activities with minimal coding knowledge. It can design games for teaching chemical formulae, drawing trigonometric graphs and understanding tenses.
Unlike certain models, Claude.AI does require more careful prompting to create useful products.
Here are some key principles and prompt templates that I have found useful:
Key Principles for Effective Claude.AI Prompts
- Be Specific About Learning Objectives
Clearly state what students should learn or practice through the game
Example: “I need a game that helps 4th graders practice multiplying fractions” rather than “I need a math game” - Provide Context About Your Students
Include grade level, number of students, and relevant background
Mention any special considerations (diverse abilities, ESL learners, etc.)
Example: “This is for my 7th grade science class of 28 students, including several ELL students” - Specify Time and Resource Constraints
Mention how long the game should take (5 min warm-up vs. 30 min activity)
Note available resources (tech access, physical materials, space limitations)
Example: “I need a 15-minute game using only paper and pencils that students can play at their desks” - Request Adaptability Options
Ask for ways to make the game easier or more challenging
Request modifications for different learning styles or abilities
Example: “Please include variations to make this accessible for students with reading difficulties” - Ask for Clear Instructions
Request step-by-step instructions you can easily follow or share with students
Ask for examples of gameplay to ensure understanding
Example: “Please format the instructions so I can print them directly for student reference”
Prompt Templates
Template 1: Vocabulary/Concept Reinforcement Game
I need a game to help my [GRADE LEVEL] students practice [SPECIFIC VOCABULARY/CONCEPTS].
- Time available: [TIME FRAME]
- Materials available: [LIST MATERIALS]
- Number of students: [NUMBER]
- Special considerations: [ANY SPECIFIC NEEDS]
- I’d like the game to be [COMPETITIVE/COLLABORATIVE] and [HIGH ENERGY/QUIET/REFLECTIVE].
- Please include clear instructions and at least one variation for different ability levels.
Template 2: Problem-Solving Scenario Game
Create a problem-solving scenario game for [SUBJECT] that challenges students to apply [SPECIFIC SKILLS/KNOWLEDGE].
Target age/grade: [AGE/GRADE]
Learning objectives: [LIST 1-3 OBJECTIVES]
Available time: [TIME FRAME]
Setup requirements: [PHYSICAL SPACE/MATERIALS NEEDED]
Please design this to work in [PAIRS/SMALL GROUPS/WHOLE CLASS]
Include assessment suggestions so I can evaluate student understanding.
Template 3: Discussion-Based Activity
I’m looking for an interactive discussion activity for my [GRADE/AGE] [SUBJECT] class focused on [TOPIC/THEME].
Class size: [NUMBER OF STUDENTS]
Key concepts to explore: [LIST CONCEPTS]
Duration: [TIME AVAILABLE]
The activity should encourage [CRITICAL THINKING/EMPATHY/PERSPECTIVE TAKING/ETC]
Please include discussion prompts, facilitation tips, and a method for ensuring all students participate.
Template 4: Subject-Specific Game
Design a [SUBJECT] game that helps students practice [SPECIFIC SKILLS] while making learning fun.
Students: [GRADE LEVEL, NUMBER, RELEVANT DETAILS]
Specific content to cover: [DETAILED CONTENT DESCRIPTION]
Gameplay length: [TIME]
Available resources: [MATERIALS/TECHNOLOGY]
Please include rules, setup instructions, and suggestions for debriefing the learning after play.
If possible, suggest ways to track student progress through the game.
Template 5: Quick Review/Assessment Game
I need a quick, engaging game to [REVIEW CONTENT/ASSESS UNDERSTANDING] of [TOPIC] for my [GRADE] class.
Should take no more than [TIME] minutes.
Works well for [NUMBER] students.
Requires minimal preparation.
Should generate evidence of student understanding that I can use for assessment.
Ideally incorporates [MOVEMENT/TECHNOLOGY/COLLABORATION/ETC.]
Do give these prompts a try and share with us your Claude.AI artifacts in the comments box below!