Tech Ed 4 Kids Partners with Parents, Students, and Teachers to Measurably Propel Student Achievement in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math
Exploring AI Turoing Tools for Elementary Students
(A Journey from Clunky Computers to Friendly Virtual Helpers)
Once upon a time, computers were the size of refrigerators and only understood cryptic commands like RUN *.*. If you told anyone in 1985 that someday, a 3rd grader could ask a computer to “help me write a poem about kittens,” and the computer would happily oblige, they would’ve laughed you right out of the library.
But here we are.
Artificial intelligence (AI) tutoring tools have gone from science fiction to everyday reality. They’re now powerful, accessible, and (when used wisely) fantastic additions to a child’s learning toolkit.
In this post, we’ll look at how AI tutoring tools have evolved, which ones can help elementary school students today, and how you can get started.
A Quick History of AI Tutoring
- 1960s–1970s: Early Computer-Assisted Instruction
Programs like PLATO and Logo introduced the first computer learning environments, mostly for math and programming. - 1980s–1990s: Intelligent Tutoring Systems
Systems such as SCHOLAR and ANDES tried to “model” student knowledge and adapt lessons accordingly—but needed big research budgets and specialized equipment. - 2000s–2010s: Online Learning and Adaptive Platforms
With broadband internet, tools like Khan Academy and DreamBox began using adaptive algorithms to personalize lessons. - 2020s–Today: Conversational AI
Generative AI (like ChatGPT) and chat-based tutoring bots now offer natural language help across subjects, 24/7.
How AI Tutors Can Help Elementary Students
Modern AI tools can:
- Explain concepts in simple terms.
- Offer practice problems and immediate feedback.
- Adapt to a student’s pace.
- Inspire creativity (think writing stories, creating artwork, or solving puzzles).
However, they don’t replace teachers or parents—they work best as supplementary helpers.
Great AI Tutoring Sites for Elementary Students
Below is a list of popular and kid-friendly AI-powered tools:
- Free, award-winning app with adaptive lessons in reading, math, and more.
✅ Duolingo
- Fun language learning with smart AI coaching. Great for building vocabulary and grammar skills.
- Snap a picture of a problem, and Socratic explains how to solve it step by step.
✅ Quill
- Helps students improve grammar and writing with AI-guided exercises.
- Versatile conversational AI that can tutor across subjects.
- Uses AI to solve math problems visually, showing each step.
✅ Scratch
- While not strictly AI, it introduces coding with smart tutorials and guided projects—perfect for creative thinking.
✅ DreamBox
- Adaptive math lessons that adjust to each student’s level.
Example Prompts Kids Can Use with AI Tutors
To help kids get started, here are some sample prompts they can copy (or tweak) when chatting with an AI tutor:
Math
- “Can you explain what a fraction is, using pizza slices as an example?”
Description: Great for visualizing parts of a whole. - “Give me 5 practice problems adding and subtracting two-digit numbers.”
Description: Builds computation skills.
Reading and Writing
- “Help me write a short story about a robot that learns to dance.”
Description: Encourages creative writing. - “What does the word ‘curious’ mean? Can you use it in a sentence?”
Description: Grows vocabulary.
Science
- “Explain how plants make their food in a simple way.”
Description: Introduces photosynthesis without the jargon. - “Give me 3 fun facts about the solar system.”
Description: Sparks curiosity in science.
General Homework Help
- “Can you quiz me on spelling words for 3rd grade?”
Description: Prepares for tests. - “Make a list of the days of the week and help me spell them.”
Description: Reinforces basics.
Important Tips for Parents and Teachers
- Supervise younger children.
AI can be a powerful learning tool, but kids may need help navigating content responsibly. - Set clear goals.
Use AI tutoring to practice specific skills rather than endless browsing. - Discuss what the AI says.
Not every answer is perfect. Encourage kids to ask questions and think critically. - Keep learning fun.
Celebrate progress and explore creative uses—like writing poems or making quizzes.
Ready to Explore?
If you’d like to dive deeper, here are a few more links to explore:
- Khan Academy
- National PTA Guide to AI in Education (helpful for parents)
- Common Sense Media – AI Tools (reviews and guides)
Remember—today’s AI tutors are only as good as the questions we ask them. So encourage kids to be curious, creative, and confident explorers.
Have questions or suggestions? Share them with us at teched4kids.com/contact—we’d love to hear about your experiences!
The Overlooked Importance of 2e and Gifted Education in Our Schools
I had never considered the full implications until I engaged in a discussion about the challenges of addressing twice-exceptional (2e) education in schools. As someone who works in a College of Education, specifically under Special Education, I realized that gifted education is indeed a form of special education. Yet, many local schools are phasing out gifted education from their curriculum.
The reality is that most schools don’t collect statistics on 2e or gifted education, nor do they have effective methods for doing so. Securing an Individualized Education Program (IEP) for a 2e student is nearly impossible. For example, my child had an IEP for speech, but once they started kindergarten, the IEP was removed because they met their speech goals and were performing well academically.
I believe every student has a unique gift. They just need a teacher and an environment that can help them break out of their shell, discover their strengths, and allow them to shine. This should happen without the constant harassment from classmates who might prefer everyone to conform to the norm.
The federal government doesn’t provide direct funding to districts specifically for gifted education; it’s determined at the state and local levels and is not mandated. There haven’t been lawsuits to push for gifted education based on special education funding. Schools are already struggling with students who have fallen behind, so addressing the needs of students who are bored with work below their ability isn’t even on their radar as they strive to meet minimum state requirements.
Compounding the issue are parents and students advocating for the removal of algebra and advanced math in favor of survival skills like balancing a checkbook. This scenario feels more like the dystopian future depicted in the movie “Idiocracy” rather than a future that could see a cure for cancer.
I’ve often heard teachers tell students that “math is tough” but they have to take it because it’s part of the curriculum, without making any effort to link math to real-world applications. My son’s 5th-grade math teacher failed the math portion of the teacher’s exam four times before barely passing. His high school biology teacher managed to get by with just one semester of statistics and no other math.
When did a love for learning fall out of fashion? My grandmother was the only one of her ten siblings to attend high school, supported by her family who saved diligently for her education. She borrowed old books to study and eventually taught kindergarten until she had to stop because married women were not allowed to be teachers.
We need more debates about improving academics and less about whether students should be allowed to play sports despite failing grades. More focus should be on enhancing attendance and participation in classes rather than controversies over history or Critical Race Theory. Additionally, why should we be concerned about which bathrooms students use? It’s not our business how students relieve themselves unless it’s disruptive, like choosing the gym floor during an assembly.
Changing an entire attitude is a timeless challenge that surfaces across many topics. How do we reignite a passion for learning and ensure all students, including those who are gifted or 2e, receive the education they deserve?
3 Pieces of Advice for Teenage Entrepreneurs
Image via Pexels
Article written by: Jason Kenner from onparparent.com
3 Pieces of Advice for Teenage Entrepreneurs
If you thought entrepreneurship was just for adults, think again. Mark Zuckerberg was only 19 when he and a group of college friends came up with the idea for Facebook, while Fred DeLuca was just 17 when he launched Pete’s Super Submarines — which later became Subway. Additionally, Michael Dell (of Dell Inc.), Matt Mullenweg (of WordPress), and Mike Kittredge (of Yankee Candle) were all teens when they launched their hugely successful businesses.
Chances are, you’ve already dabbled in entrepreneurship if you’ve ever set up a lemonade stand, tutored other students, or washed your neighbor’s vehicles for cash. But if you’re ready to officially enter the world of business ownership, Tech Ed 4 Kids shares three pieces of advice in the sections below.
1. Develop Entrepreneurial Skills
There are so many benefits of starting a business while you’re young, as teenage entrepreneurship teaches you how to manage your time and money, solve complex problems, network with others, build resilience, and express yourself creatively. However, there are several skills you’ll need to develop in order to reap the many benefits of business ownership.
Here are a few ways to develop these entrepreneurial skills:
- Find a mentor.
- Volunteer in the community.
- Join an entrepreneurship program for youths.
- Take courses in economics, personal finance, psychology, communications, ethics, and leadership.
There are also lots of books young entrepreneurs can read to develop business and leadership skills, as these cover topics such as business strategy, finance, marketing, and more.
2. Choose a Business Idea
In addition to developing entrepreneurial skills in finance, communications, networking, and leadership, it’s important to choose a business idea you’re passionate about — and preferably one that fulfills a desire and/or solves a problem. Some examples of business ideas for teens could include child care services, handmade products, blogging or vlogging, photography, lawn maintenance, or t-shirt design.
3. Follow a Few Best Practices
After choosing a business idea, there are some best practices you should follow when launching your startup. These best practices include:
- Choosing a business structure. How you choose to structure your business plays a role in how you’ll pay taxes and protect yourself from personal liability, so it’s important to choose the right legal entity right off the bat. A limited liability company (LLC), for example, is a safe option for many businesses — as this type of legal structure offers personal liability protection, tax benefits, and a simple filing process. But since minimum age requirements and other LLC regulations tend to vary by state, be sure to review your local laws before proceeding.
- Setting up a business bank account. While you may need an adult to co-sign on your bank account if you’re under 18, you’ll want to separate your business finances from your personal bank account when pursuing entrepreneurship. Jennifer Brozic of Credit Karma shares seven of the best checking accounts for teens.
- Looking for funding. If you’re launching a business that requires startup capital, crowdfunding websites like GoFundMe, FundRazr, and Kickstarter will be your best options for raising money as a teenage entrepreneur. Or if you have one or more trusted adults in your life, you could ask them for a personal loan.
Don’t Let Your Young Age Hold You Back From Entrepreneurship
If you’re passionate about launching a startup, you shouldn’t let your young age hold you back from pursuing your entrepreneurial dreams. You could certainly put business ownership on the back burner until after you’ve graduated from high school or college, but why wait when you already have the drive and passion to succeed as a teenage entrepreneur?
By pursuing your business goals as a teenager, you’ll learn essential skills that’ll look great on your resume and college admissions applications — and you’ll set yourself up for future success in entrepreneurship. Mark Zuckerberg, Fred DeLuca, Michael Dell, and many other teenage entrepreneurs have done it, and so can you!
Tech Ed 4 Kids is a blog offering educational tools, tips, tutorials, and tech-related resources for school-aged learners. Visit teched4kids.com or contact info@teched4kids.com to learn more.
Flocabulary
Flocabulary is a site that has a lot of cute catchy videos for kids to learn – songs, videos, and activities are all included. The site says it’s for grades k-12, but I’m not sure how well a 12th grader would enjoy the songs, or at least I don’t think a high schooler would allow themselves to be seen enjoying the songs. A few years ago while my son was in 4th grade he loved the site and I’m fairly certain it’s the site we used for math and fractions in the 7th grade while I was coteaching. The catchy phrases helped the students learn and remember the concepts.
Facebook Cloning
Government officials, government officials, politicians and business leaders become easy targets of Facebook cloning scams when attackers create a duplicate of the original user’s profile and seek money from users’ friends through Facebook Messenger app. Scammers fake legitimate Facebook accounts using the names of victims and steal photos and personal information from their accounts. If scammers trick some people into being their friends, they can use fake accounts to send scam messages to their new friends.
They copy social media accounts using all of your public photos and information, making a copy of your existing account and then adding your contacts, steal your Facebook name, add your friends, and use your photos to clone your account, they will remain outside of your Facebook, however they can use a fake version of your account to trick your friends into giving them important information.
Usually, they can simply collect information from Facebook users who have accepted a friendship request or use a cloned account to send spam or malicious links to those who have accepted a friendship request. Knowing how the scam works is the best way to protect yourself, because now you know that if you receive a friend request from someone you are already friends with you, it can be a cloned account trying to deceive you.
If you’re worried that you’ll fall victim to Facebook cloning, check for other versions of your account and report duplicate Facebook profiles ;. If you find another account with your name and photo, it’s time to report it and delete it.
We all know how secure Facebook is today, so when this tool clones Facebook accounts, it will tell you to log in after 24 hours. There are many clones on Facebook but we recommend you make sure that no one else but you own your profile. If you would like to significantly reduce the risk of your Facebook account being cloned in the future, follow the steps below, according to the device that you are using to hide your friends list from the public.
It will however be more difficult for scammers to find your friends who fall into their traps if your friend list is hidden. Anyone who clones your account will use your friend list as a target list, but if your friend list is private, it is much easier for them to find someone to fall for their scam. Scammers will use your friends list to cheat money and perform other manipulative actions.
Fraudsters cannot use your information to defraud as long as you keep your accounts and information protected. Unlike a hack, your account was simply backed up using information on public social media accounts or on the internet.
A cloned account is a copy that uses your profile photo and other public information to trick your friends into providing their information. A cloned account can convince your friends to send money, steal passwords or other information or trick them into committing another scam. Account cloning is not a hack or exploit – it is simply the result of experienced scammers using your public information to trick your friends.
By pretending to be you, the cloned account can send a message to your friend stating that he needs money to deal with some emergencies like a robbery and the need for funds to get home. If you are cloned, you may receive messages from friends asking you to know if there is something strange on your account.
This means that someone has copied your current account and is contacting your friends The most obvious sign that you have been cloned is if a friend contacts you to ask if you’ve created a new account. The first sign is that a friend asks you if you have created a new account.
But you are much more likely to discover that your account has been cloned ex post when your friends notice strange behavior on your part on Facebook, which just triggers a fear of Facebook in the people to whom you are sending messages, which may or may not be the case, but it probably isn’t.
Vulnerability exploits are usually successful because many unsuspecting friends just accept the scammer’s request, which indicates that the actual user created a new account for some reason or forgot that they are already friends of that person. This type of scam involves using cloned accounts to send phishing links or trick your friends into providing information, or even worse, sending money. By creating cloned pages, scammers want to steal money or other valuable information from your friends.
Account cloning isn’t confused with hacking – it is simply the result of public data theft – used to trick your family and friends. Facebook cloning does not involve logging into your account with credentials they may have obtained as the result of a data breach or other phishing attack.
If you are unfamiliar with account cloning, here the scammer creates a completely new Facebook account in your name and fills it with photos and personal information that they copied from your real account. Facebook cloning is a scam in which an attacker copies an authorized user’s profile picture, creates a new account under that person’s name, and sends friend requests to people on the user list.
Advocacy (IEP)
Here in Illinois there are a few places you can turn to find advocates. When making an IEP for school generally the parents and teachers get together to discuss goals and set up supports and services for the year. Parents can also call meetings throughout the year if anything may need to be revised. The school will ask the parents to sign the IEP to agree to the changes. Advocates can attend the meeting at the request of the caregiver. Their place in the meeting is to help the parent advocate for what their student needs.
Resources for find an advocate in Illinois:
- https://www.illinoislifespan.org/special-education-advocacy
- https://www.isbe.net/Pages/IEP-Facilitation-System.aspx
- https://www.isbe.net/Pages/Special-Education-Parent-Advocates.aspx
Additionally an abstract about the benefits of an advocate can be found at https://experts.illinois.edu in publications -The efficacy and impact of a special education legislative advocate
About Me
I am a SAHM/WAHM of three boys ranging in age from 16 to 32. We are working on saving enough for college at the same time as dealing with school and our older independent kids. I author a few blogs, including http://teched4kids.com. I have in the past taught computer information technology classes for the local university and taught workshops for kid's in technology education besides being the Kentucky State FIRST LEGO League Championship Coordinator from 2005 to 2008. I now work as a computer consultant, run a handmade home business, and am available for workshops. Life here is always an adventure!
