Transforming Worlds Into Words: Using ChatGPT to Bring Student Visions to Life

This action research study evaluated an original lesson using the AI language model ChatGPT to generate tailored play scripts for individual students based on their interests, reading levels, and creative visions. Implemented with 13 third and fourth graders in an after-school program, the “Journeying between Worlds and Words” lesson aimed to empower students to translate their imaginative worlds into written scenes they could perform. The ChatGPT-generated scripts promoted high engagement, with students excited to see their ideas brought to life. The scripts provided authentic opportunities to build reading fluency through repeated readings and comprehension by dissecting characters, settings, and events. Students demonstrated creativity in elaborating on storylines and props. Using ChatGPT proved feasible and efficient for obtaining appropriately leveled, high-interest scripts compared to pre-existing scene collections. The lesson showed promise for differentiating instruction and empowering student voice and serves as a model for other projects. Rather than struggling to find the right book/script, teachers could harness AI to generate relevant stories matching each student’s needs and passions. Overall, this lesson highlights AI’s potential for transforming students from consumers of learning experiences to creators of their own.