# Claude Prompt Cheat Sheet — High School Math Teachers
*LIFT LAB Workshop | March 17, 2026 | CSUDH*

**How to use this sheet:** Copy a prompt, fill in the [BRACKETS], paste into claude.ai
**Claude's superpower:** Explaining things in clear, natural language + interactive tools
**Free at:** https://claude.ai

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## WHAT CLAUDE IS BEST FOR

| Task | Why Claude |
|------|-----------|
| Student-friendly explanations | Writes clearly without jargon |
| Abstract reasoning / proofs | Excellent at multi-step mathematical thinking |
| Differentiated explanations | Multiple levels in one response |
| Interactive HTML tools | Creates quizzes and games students can use in browser |
| Long documents | Can read/process entire textbook chapters |
| Parent letters | Natural, warm writing style |

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## 1. STUDENT-FRIENDLY CONCEPT EXPLAINER

> "Explain [MATH CONCEPT] as if you're talking directly to a [GRADE] student who is struggling with [SPECIFIC DIFFICULTY — e.g., 'fractions', 'negative numbers', 'the abstract formula']. Use:
> - Simple, everyday language (no jargon)
> - One memorable analogy or real-world comparison
> - Two worked examples, step-by-step
> - A tip for remembering the key idea
> Avoid intimidating language. Be encouraging."

### Example:
> "Explain how to find the slope of a line using two points as if talking to a 9th grader who is struggling with fractions. Use simple language, one analogy (like stairs or a ramp), and two worked examples with clear steps. Add a memory tip at the end."

### Dual-audience version:
> "Write two versions of an explanation of [CONCEPT]:
> 1. For a struggling 9th grade student — simple language, analogy, encouraging tone
> 2. For a parent who wants to help their child — slightly more technical but still accessible
> Keep each under 200 words."

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## 2. PROOF SCAFFOLDING (Geometry)

> "Create a two-column proof activity for [GRADE] geometry students proving [THEOREM/STATEMENT].
> Create THREE versions:
> - **Fully Scaffolded:** All statements provided; students fill in the reasons only
> - **Partially Scaffolded:** First statement and reason given; every other row left blank
> - **Independent:** Only the given information and diagram description; students write the full proof
> Use the same mathematical situation for all three versions. Include a complete answer key."

### Example:
> "Create a two-column proof activity for 10th grade geometry students proving that vertical angles are congruent. Create three scaffolded versions as described. Include a full answer key."

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## 3. COMMON MISCONCEPTIONS GUIDE

> "I teach [TOPIC] to [GRADE] students. List the 5 most common misconceptions or mistakes students make with this concept. For each misconception:
> - Describe the mistake clearly
> - Explain WHY students make this mistake (what they're thinking)
> - Give an example of a student's incorrect work
> - Show the correct approach
> - Suggest a quick classroom activity to address this misconception"

### Example:
> "I teach solving equations with variables on both sides to 9th graders. List the 5 most common mistakes students make, why they make them, examples of incorrect work, the correct approach, and a quick activity to fix each one."

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## 4. INTERACTIVE QUIZ ARTIFACT

> "Create an interactive HTML quiz with [NUMBER] multiple-choice questions about [TOPIC] for [GRADE] students. Requirements:
> - Show whether each answer is correct or incorrect immediately after selection
> - Display a brief explanation of the correct answer
> - Include a final score at the end
> - Make it visually clean and student-friendly
> - Use encouraging language for wrong answers ('Not quite! Here's why...')
> Questions should cover: [SUBTOPICS — e.g., 'identifying slope, calculating slope, slope from equations']"

**How to use it:** Claude generates an HTML file → click "Preview" in Claude → share the link or open in a browser for students.

### Example:
> "Create an interactive HTML quiz with 6 multiple-choice questions about the properties of quadrilaterals for 8th graders. Show right/wrong feedback with explanation after each selection. Include a final score. Make it colorful and student-friendly."

---

## 5. VOCABULARY / GLOSSARY BUILDER

> "Create a student-friendly math vocabulary guide for a [GRADE] [SUBJECT] unit on [TOPIC]. For each key term:
> - Plain-language definition (what it means in simple English)
> - The formal/textbook definition
> - One visual description or analogy
> - One example and one non-example
> Terms to include: [LIST YOUR TERMS]"

---

## 6. DIFFERENTIATED EXPLANATIONS (Multiple Levels)

> "Explain [MATH CONCEPT] at three different levels:
> 1. **Concrete level** — use physical objects, drawings, or manipulatives (for students who need hands-on)
> 2. **Representational level** — use diagrams, tables, or graphs (for visual learners)
> 3. **Abstract level** — use symbols and formulas (for students ready for the standard notation)
> Each explanation should convey the same core idea but be genuinely different in approach."

---

## 7. PARENT LETTER / NEWSLETTER

> "Write a friendly, one-page parent letter about our current math unit. Details:
> - Subject/Grade: [SUBJECT, GRADE]
> - Topics covered this month: [TOPIC 1], [TOPIC 2]
> - Upcoming test/quiz date: [DATE]
> - One real-world reason these skills matter
> - Three specific ways parents can support their child at home (none require knowing the math)
> - Tone: warm, approachable, not intimidating
> - Length: under 250 words"

---

## 8. DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR CLASS

> "I'm starting a lesson on [TOPIC] with [GRADE] students. Create 8 discussion questions that:
> - Open with 2 accessible questions anyone can answer (no prior knowledge needed)
> - Include 3 questions that connect the math to students' real lives
> - Close with 3 higher-order thinking questions (analyze, evaluate, create)
> Make them genuinely interesting — questions students might actually want to discuss."

---

## 9. RETEACH SCRIPT

> "A significant number of my [GRADE] students did not understand [CONCEPT] after my first lesson. Write a short reteach script (5-7 minutes) for me to use with a small group. Use a completely different approach than typical textbook instruction. Include: a new analogy, a hands-on or visual component, and two simple practice problems with immediate feedback prompts."

---

## 10. STUDY GUIDE BUILDER

> "Create a comprehensive study guide for a [GRADE] [SUBJECT] unit test on [TOPICS]. Include:
> - A summary of each key concept (2-3 sentences each)
> - Important formulas and when to use them
> - Common mistakes to avoid (at least 3)
> - 10 practice problems with answers
> - A self-check checklist ('I can...' statements)
> Format it so students can use it for independent review."

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## 11. USING CLAUDE'S LEARNING MODE (for student use)

If you assign Claude to students for homework help, tell them:
> "I need help understanding [TOPIC]. Don't give me the answer yet. Ask me questions to guide me to figure it out myself."

Claude will use Socratic questioning — ideal for studying, not for cheating.

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## TIPS FOR GETTING THE BEST FROM CLAUDE

**Tip 1 — Upload documents:**
Paste in your textbook section, unit notes, or standards doc and ask Claude questions about it. Claude reads long documents very well.

**Tip 2 — Ask for multiple formats:**
"Give me this explanation as: (1) a paragraph, (2) a numbered list, (3) a table" — Claude will do all three in one response.

**Tip 3 — Request student-facing vs. teacher-facing:**
Always specify which version you need. "Write a student-facing handout" vs. "Write my teacher notes" produce very different outputs.

**Tip 4 — Artifacts = instant tools:**
When Claude creates an HTML artifact, click "Preview" to see it live in your browser. You can save it, share the link, or paste the HTML into any website or Google Site.

**Tip 5 — The revision loop:**
After Claude gives you output, say: "Now make it shorter" / "Make it more encouraging" / "Add two more examples" — Claude maintains context across the whole conversation.