Welcome to The Year of AI in Schools, Are you Ready?

Now that kids are back in the classroom, setting up accounts, and reviewing rules (and possibly some new ones) it's probably becoming clear that this will be a year like no other.

As families across the US and many of my friends in other countries settle back into their school routines, there may be signs that things aren't going to be quite the same this year. Three years since ChatGPT's launch, with a dizzying amount of activity earlier this year, including The White House's executive order around kids and AI literacy, it's clear this year will look different.

And lest you think I've been dragging my heels over the summer in keeping you updated, I was actually writing a book! It seemed like a good time to take things up a notch and write a handbook for families that can guide you through the year ahead. Look for more information about the book's launch next week.

In the meantime, there's a lot you can do to prepare for the topsy-turvy digital year before us, so here are a few tips to get you through the early weeks.

Tips for Tackling AI Together

The new school year is already bringing fresh challenges, and now AI is part of the mix. But instead of feeling overwhelmed, it’s a great opportunity to connect with your kids and learn along with them. A few suggestions for where to start:

Have “The AI Conversation” ASAP

Don't wait for your child to come home confused about AI homework policies. Start by asking what they already know about AI tools like ChatGPT, then dig into what your family values when it comes to learning, effort, and academic integrity. Make it clear that AI isn't about finding shortcuts — it's about learning smarter. But recognize that kids need to explore these new features and understand how your family wants to handle digital innovation in the years ahead.

Research Your School's AI Policies (Before You Need Them)

Most schools are still figuring out their AI policies, which means there's genuine uncertainty even among the adults. If your school has developed some guidelines, take them seriously but ask lots of questions. Educators are wrestling with the speed of innovation too, especially when you consider how quickly kids are adopting generative AI.

Set Up Age-Appropriate AI Accounts with Proper Safeguards

If your school allows AI use, setting up accounts together is like teaching them to navigate any new digital space safely. Most AI platforms require users to be 13+ and have specific privacy settings you'll want to configure. For younger children, consider family accounts where you can monitor usage and ensure appropriate settings are in place.

It's also a perfect time for the adults in the household to start getting familiar with generative AI platforms. One of the trickiest things right now is attempting to navigate a technology that you're not up to speed on either. So consider doing this together — you're both learning, so it’s good to be honest about that fact.

Create a “Three-Part” Homework Routine

Instead of resisting AI for homework help, why not figure out a process that everyone feels good about? Taking it in three parts can be effective: first, your child tries the work independently, then uses AI for concept clarification or when genuinely stuck, and finally ends with more independent practice to reinforce learning. This prevents AI from becoming a crutch while maximizing its benefits as a learning accelerator.

Add Custom Guidelines to Chat Platforms

Most generative AI platforms like ChatGPT and Claude give paying users the opportunity to create “projects” with custom instructions. Think of it like setting house rules for a digital tutor. You can tell the AI system how you want it to work with your child, for instance, “don't give the answer right away, have them attempt it at least two times” or “stop engaging if a child goes off topic.” It's quite intuitive to add guidelines that put families in control.

Practice “Smart Prompting” as a Family

Teaching your child to ask good questions of AI is like teaching them to use a library effectively. Practice together: instead of “write my essay,” try “explain the main causes of the Civil War in simple terms” or “help me brainstorm three different approaches to this math problem.” Good prompting is really just good questioning, and working on this skill will serve kids well throughout their education.

Establish “AI-Free Zones” for Skill Building

Some homework should still happen without AI assistance, just like some conversations happen without looking things up on your phone. Math fluency, reading comprehension, and writing skills need regular independent practice. Create clear expectations about when AI is appropriate and when your child needs to work solo to build confidence and competence.

Learn Basic Source Verification Together

AI sometimes gets things wrong, which makes this a perfect opportunity to teach critical thinking. Show your children how to fact-check AI responses using multiple sources, especially for research projects. Make verifying information a normal part of using any digital tool, not just AI.

It’s a good reminder for all of us and we should get in the practice of asking for sources and citations.

Connect with Your Child's Teachers About AI Expectations

Don't assume teachers are anti-AI or pro-AI — many are still figuring it out alongside everyone else. Reach out early in the year to understand their perspective and any specific classroom policies. Offer to share what's working at home and ask how you can support their approach to AI integration. Most importantly, recognize that they're balancing this new variable while needing more training, and they often welcome families' flexibility and support as we all figure it out.

Monitor for Signs of Over-Dependence

Most kids aren't going overboard, but it's possible some have discovered how well an AI tool can boost their confidence and are getting hooked. Signs of early dependence include your child panicking when AI isn't available, inability to start work without AI prompts, or declining confidence in their own capabilities. If you notice these patterns, it's time to rebalance by building in more independent work time and celebrating their own problem-solving successes.

Stay Curious and Model Lifelong Learning

Kids take cues from us regarding the future and what they should do next. Admit when you don't understand something and figure it out together. Show them that learning new technologies (whether it's AI tools or new ways of teaching math) is a normal part of life, not something to fear.

The Bottom Line

Riding the wave of AI in school (and at home) isn't about becoming a technology expert overnight. It's about approaching this new tool with the same intentionality you bring to other aspects of your child's education. Start with these practical steps, stay flexible as you learn what works for your family, and remember that the goal is helping your children become thoughtful, capable learners who can use any tool to enhance rather than replace their own thinking.

I look forward to sharing more about my book in next week's newsletter! Best of luck with this first month of school!