AI by Age: Middle School (Point Them and Step Back)

Transcript

When kids are little, you build the magnet tiles with them. Later, you say, "Why don't you build a castle for your animals?" and you let them go.

Middle school is that second stage. You stop sitting next to them and start pointing them at something.

Something specific. "You've got a science test Friday on ecosystems. Use AI to make yourself a study guide." Then step away.

They ask it to explain the parts they don't get. They have it quiz them. They find out what they actually know and what they don't. That's a pretty good habit to build at twelve.

Stepping back doesn't mean disappearing, though. Afterward, ask them about it. What did it quiz you on? What did you get wrong? Did it get anything wrong?

You'll learn more from that conversation than from reading over their shoulder. And they get the message that the thinking is still theirs to do.

So point them somewhere good, then get out of the way.