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Parents’ Guide – Prompt Playbook

File: parents-guide/03-prompt-playbook.md

◆ Introduction

This playbook provides ready-to-use example prompts for parents. Each prompt is designed to:
▸ Be simple and easy to execute.
▸ Encourage back-and-forth engagement with your child.
▸ Help break down concepts into manageable steps.
▸ Keep the child active in the learning process.

Remember: AI is a compass, not a shortcut. Use these prompts to guide understanding, not to replace your child’s thinking.

◆ How to Use This Playbook

  1. Choose the subject area relevant to your child’s homework.
  2. Copy or adapt the prompt into your chosen AI tool.
  3. Pause after each response and discuss it with your child.
  4. Encourage your child to explain back what they have learned.
  5. Adjust the prompt if needed (simplify, add examples, or ask for practice questions).

◆ Subject Examples

✦ Language & Reading

▸ “Explain the meaning of this word [insert word] in simple terms for a Grade 4 student. Give one example sentence we can read together.”
▸ “Ask my child three comprehension questions about this short passage [paste passage]. Wait for their answers before giving feedback.”
▸ “Help us create a list of five synonyms and antonyms for the word [insert word].”

✦ Mathematics

▸ “Explain how to add fractions with the same denominator, using a simple step-by-step method for a Grade 5 student.”
▸ “Give us three practice problems on multiplication tables (up to 12). Wait for my child’s answers before checking them.”
▸ “Show us how to solve a word problem about division. Break it into steps, and stop after each step so we can try.”

✦ Science

▸ “Explain the water cycle to a Grade 4 student using a simple diagram description and one real-life example.”
▸ “Ask my child three quiz questions about the parts of a plant cell. Wait for their answers before giving feedback.”
▸ “Give us a simple experiment idea to demonstrate gravity at home, using safe household items.”

✦ History

▸ “Explain why the Romans built roads, in simple terms for a Grade 6 student. Give two examples of how roads helped their empire.”
▸ “Ask my child three questions about the causes of World War I. Wait for their answers before giving feedback.”
▸ “Help us create a timeline of five key events in the history of South Africa, suitable for a Grade 7 student.”

✦ Geography

▸ “Explain what a continent is, using simple examples for a Grade 3 student.”
▸ “Ask my child three questions about the differences between weather and climate.”
▸ “Help us compare two countries: South Africa and Japan. Provide three similarities and three differences.”

✦ Art & Creative Subjects

▸ “Explain what perspective means in drawing, using simple examples for a Grade 6 student.”
▸ “Ask my child to describe their art project idea. Suggest three artists from different movements they could research for inspiration.”
▸ “Give us a fun activity to practise colour mixing with paints at home.”

✦ Additional Subjects (Optional Expansion)

  • Biology: “Explain how the human heart works, in simple steps for a Grade 8 student. Then ask two quiz questions.”
  • Technology/ICT: “Explain what an algorithm is, using a simple everyday example (like a recipe).”
  • Economics/Business Studies: “Explain what supply and demand means, using a simple example of a school tuck shop.”

◆ Tips for Parents

◆ Engage actively: Don’t just read the AI’s response—pause, ask your child to explain, and discuss.
◆ Adapt prompts: Change grade level, simplify language, or add examples to suit your child.
◆ Encourage reflection: After each session, ask your child: “What did you learn? Can you explain it without the AI?”
◆ Keep it short: Use prompts for small chunks of homework, not entire assignments.

◆ Final Note

This playbook is not about giving children the answers. It is about helping parents learn how to ask AI tools the right questions, so that children practise, reflect, and grow.

AI guides. Your child decides.