A gentle introduction to language, creativity, and story-making
Five-year-olds are entering a magical age of curiosity, imagination, and early literacy. This is a great time to begin using AI as a gentle, co-creative tool — not for instruction, but for storytelling, playful conversation, and language exploration.
This guide offers ideas for both parents (working one-on-one at home) and teachers (working with larger groups in a classroom). AI use at this age should always be guided by an adult — it’s not something to hand off, but something to experience together.
For Parents
Use these activities as shared experiences — you ask the questions, or help your child do so, and guide the conversation as it unfolds. Keep sessions short and playful!
Make Up a Story About a Bear
Prompt: Can we make up a story about a bear who is scared of the dark? AI: “Sure! What’s the bear’s name?” Let your child choose names, settings, and events. You or the AI can tell the story in short parts. Ask your child what should happen next. Draw the bear or act out the story afterward.
Draw and Describe
Child draws a picture. Prompt: This is a bear wearing boots. Can you describe where it’s going? AI: “The bear is stomping through puddles on its way to the library.” Let AI add a fun twist. You can turn this into a simple book together.
Sing a Silly Song
Prompt: Can you make a silly song about a bear brushing its teeth? AI: “(To the tune of ‘Twinkle, Twinkle’) — Brushy, brushy, little bear / Bubble toothpaste everywhere…” Encourage singing together. Make up hand motions, or dance a little!
Word and Rhyme Play
Prompt: Can we think of rhyming words for bear? AI: “Chair, hair, pear, stare…” Ask your child to make silly sentences using those words — or draw them!
For Teachers
In a classroom of 20 or more children, AI can still have a role — in short, simple, one-child-at-a-time activities. Here are a few ideas that can be done at a rotation center with adult monitoring or during quiet work periods.
Bear Story Station
Set up a tablet or computer with a safe AI chatbot. Post a prompt next to the station: “Hi! I drew a bear. What could it be doing?” The child speaks or types their idea, and AI responds. They can draw a picture of what the bear does next — or tell a friend the story.
Bear Song of the Day
Prompt card at AI station: “Can you make a silly song about a bear who wears pajamas?” Let AI generate a short rhyme. The child can draw the scene, sing the song to the class, or write a new verse later with a buddy.
Rhyming Prompt Station
Prompt: Can you find words that rhyme with bear? AI offers rhymes. Child draws or acts out one of them — or uses two rhymes in a silly sentence.
Bear Art Extension
After visiting the AI station, the child adds to a class “Bear Adventure Book” with a drawing and one sentence from the story.
Tips for Teachers
- Keep interactions short (3–5 minutes)
- Rotate children through during center time
- Use prewritten prompts to keep it focused
- Always monitor AI use
- Let AI responses inspire art, writing, or discussion