Chris LaFata's Blog

AI Prompt Cheat Sheet: Lesson Plans

Clear Context

Give the AI enough background so it understands the teaching environment. Include:

Course title and level (English Composition I, college-level)

Delivery mode (in-person, online, hybrid)

Relevant learning outcomes(s)

Examples:

You are designing an online lesson for a college-level Business Communication course for non-native English speakers.

You are an economics professor. Create a lesson plan on supply and demand for an introductory college economics course.

Specific Task

Tell AI exactly what you want it to produce. Include:

The topic (“supply and demand for baseball card collectors”)

Duration of class (An hour and 15-minute class)

Required teaching approaches (two active learning activities)

Any special content to include (a real-world example from the local community)

Examples:

Create a 50-minute lesson plan on effective email communication for job seekers, including a role-play activity and a peer review exercise.

Create a 50-minute lesson plan on photosynthesis. Include a think-pair-share activity and another activity related to local flora found around campus.

Constraints

Set limits or formatting requirements to ensure the result is usable and specific. Possible constraints:

Time breakdown for each segment of the class

Materials needed (if AI suggests a worksheet, have it generate one)

Adaptations for different learning levels

Alignment with a stated learning outcome

Example:

Include a breakdown of activities by minute, specify materials, align all activities with this learning outcome: “Students will be able to compose clear, professional emails tailored to different audiences.” Use concise bullet points for each step.

Example:

Include a breakdown of activities by minute, specify materials, align all activities with this learning outcome: “Students will be able to compose clear, professional emails tailored to different audiences.” Use concise bullet points for each step.

Full Template Prompt

Copy and paste, then customize:

You are an instructional designer creating a lesson plan for [course title], a [level] course. The delivery mode is [in-person/online/hybrid]. The topic is [topic]. Design a [length]-minute lesson that includes [number] active learning activities, aligns with this learning outcome: ‘[insert outcome],’ and incorporates at least one real-world example from [field/local context]. Provide: 1) a brief content overview, 2) time-stamped activity plan, 3) materials list, and 4) any notes for adapting to different learning levels. Use bullet points and keep it concise.

You’re a [subject] professor. Create a 50-minute lesson plan on [topic] for a [level] [subject course]. Include two active learning activities, a brief lecture outline, a real-world example, and a one-question formative check.

Tips for Best Results

Always check the output for accuracy and relevance (trust but verify!). If the first result is too generic, add more specific examples or student details to the prompt. Keep asking until you get something that works for you. 

Combine constraints to get more tailored results (Ex. use examples from Arkansas’ healthcare industry + limit lecture to 10 minutes).

Hello world!

Welcome to WordPress. This is your first post. Edit or delete it, then start writing!

Weekly Songwriting Catalyst

I’ve been pondering a New Year’s post since mid-December. It was going to be one of those, “Things I Learned Before I Turned 40″ or “Things to do in 2014″ or blah, blah, blah… We’ve all seen enough of those, haven’t we?

When I made the decision to put myself out there as an author, one of the things I had to consider was how to brand myself. Was I mostly a writer? Father? Husband? College professor? Musician? No, don’t put musician in there. Agents and publishers want you to be a writer and highlight the writerly-type stuff you do.

The reality is I’m all those things, and music has always been a priority. That’s why I kept the music links on the page. I didn’t want this to be some façade. I don’t have patience for that. There’s more to all of us than what we put on Facebook, even though Facebook is the ultimate front.

We spent the holidays in Arizona and my good friend (and brother-in-law) told me about an article he’d read about Bon Schneider and his “Song Game.” Each week, members must submit a new song based on the prompt (members of his group include Patty Griffin, Ben Folds and Jason Mraz). I was intrigued and immediately went to Facebook to gauge interest from my musician friends. My writing has taught me that creativity breeds more creativity. The more I write, the easier it is to write, and the more ideas come to me. Why not apply that to songwriting?

I’m happy to say we’ve completed our first week (Our group is the Weekly Songwriting Catalyst) and we’ve got some amazing songs so far. I’ve always been one of those songwriters who waited for inspiration to write, and it netted me 2-3 songs per year—maybe. This will force me to write at least 50 songs this year. Most will probably be crap, but I might find a few gems, and I’d bet anything that inspiration will strike more often.

I’m going to post my weekly song, whether it’s good, bad or completely embarrassing. Why not? It will help remove the façade.

Here’s my first submission based on the prompt, “Truth in Advertising.”

Book Launching 101

A few weeks ago, I made the decision to publish Washington’s Providence on my own. I had toyed with the idea from the beginning because I wanted creative control over editing and marketing (translation: control freak). I did try to go the traditional route for a few months and had some  favorable responses from agents, but the common message was, “Send me your book and I’ll get back to you in 4-5 months.” (translation: I don’t have time for this right now)

Knowing how the publishing industry works, that meant waiting for an agent to believe in the book enough to represent it, and then waiting for the agent to sell the book to a publisher—and then waiting for the publisher to release the book. In a best-case scenario, I was looking at almost two years for the book to see the light of day. I wasn’t willing to wait that long (translation: impatient). I was confident enough in my marketing skills to release the book on my own (translation: naive).

Over the past few weeks, I created a book trailer. It was a lesson in patience while learning to use Final Cut Pro and Photoshop, but totally worth it. (Insert shout-out to all the 12-year old boys who posted how-to videos for FCP on YouTube while demonstrating their video game proficiency) If you haven’t already seen it, you can view the trailer here. I’ve got to say the positive responses have been humbling and overwhelming. Thank you for all the support!

The book is coming out officially tomorrow (it’s quite possible you can already order it Amazon.com—hint, hint). I’m so excited, but still a little nervous. A simple idea of mine has manifested into a physical object—a book no less. It’s still hard for me to wrap my head around that. I look forward to hearing from everyone after they’ve read it to see what they think (translation: go buy my book and read it—NOW).

 

State of the Union

I thought I would give a quick update on everything that’s going on. First off, welcome to the new-look website. I upgraded to a wordpress.org account that allows more flexibility and options. I added my Near-Miss History articles as well and hope to add more soon.

I’ve also added the first chapter of my book for you to read. Please check it out and comment on it. I’d love to hear what you think.

The novel is currently being professionally edited by Lorin Oberweger at Free Expressions. I first met Lorin while attending the Writing the Breakout Novel Workshop taught by Donald Maass in Orlando last year. I’m excited to see what suggestions she has for making my work better. My thinking is that professional editing will help me put my best foot forward and add credibility when an agent or editor finally reads the finished product.

After the changes are made, I’ll be ready to shop for representation and a publisher.

I entered my unedited (pre-edited?) manuscript into Amazon’s Breakthrough Novel Contest. I’m happy to announce that I made it though the first round! Out of 10,000 entries, my novel was selected to be part of the top 400 entries in the General Fiction category. In mid-March, I’ll find out if I advance to round two.

If you haven’t already “liked” my author page on Facebook, please do so. I launched it last week and am already over 300 likes. Please help spread the word. You can also download and read the first chapter from there and comment.

Finally, I’ve started the sequel! For those select few who beta-read Washington’s Providence, you won’t be disappointed. I’ve got a great critique group who have already made some excellent suggestions. I wish I would have had them for the first book.

Thanks for reading. Keep in touch!

Chris

Washington’s Providence Part 2

In part 1, we talked about George Washington’s near miss with a point-blank shot fired at him by an Indian guide.

In 1754, Virginia Governor Dinwiddie again sent Washington to confront the French and tell them to leave, this time with orders to “restrain all such Offenders, & in Case of resistance to make Prisoners of or kill & destroy them.” Washington led his men through the wilderness toward present-day Pittsburgh where the French had begun construction of Fort Duquesne. Washington’s scouts reported locating a French advance party and Washington decided to attack. Washington’s men surprised the French camp and slaughtered the French––inadvertently sparking the French and Indian War.

The following spring, Washington was invited to be a member of British General Edward Braddock’s military “family” as an aide de camp. This meant he was an officer on Braddock’s staff, but had very limited power and no command. Washington accepted the post because he felt it would pave the way for his earning a regular commission in the British army––his dream job. Braddock’s mission was to lead his army back through the same wilderness Washington had navigated the previous year and force the French out of Fort Duquesne. The English underestimated the French and Indian forces and were routed at the Battle of the Monongahela––just a few miles from Fort Duquesne.

During the battle, George Washington had two horses shot out from under him. He had four musket-ball holes tear through his jacket. Another musket-ball hole pierced his hat. Musket-ball fragments were scattered through his hair.

And he never had a scratch.

Out of the 86 officers in the British army, 63 were either killed or wounded during the battle.

Fifteen years later, an Indian chief told Washington he specifically ordered his warriors to target him during the battle, but to no avail. The chief concluded Washington was being protected by a spirit so he could do something important in the future.

Washington as Captain in the French and Indian War by Junius Brutus Stearns

Maybe Indians just weren’t good shots when it came to shooting Washington.

But what about the British?

Over twenty years later, during the American Revolution, a British marksman, Captain Patrick Ferguson, hid in the woods along the Brandywine Creek. The British were making a push toward the American capital of Philadelphia and Ferguson and his men were scouting ahead for American forces. In the clearing, two officers appeared––one wearing the uniform of a European cavalry officer–– the other, the uniform of a senior American officer. Ferguson was about to pull the trigger, but decided it was bad form to shoot unsuspecting victims in the back. He called out to the men in an effort to warn them. The American glanced his way and then casually rode off. Ferguson held his fire feeling it was not “pleasant to fire at the back of an unoffending individual, who was acquitting himself very coolly of his duty…”

The next day, Ferguson learned that the American officer was most likely General George Washington. The European was probably Polish Count Casimir Pulaski. Ferguson lamented he was “sorry that I did not know at the time who it was.”

Interestingly, the seemingly noble Ferguson became infamous to the Americans as the war turned to the southern theater. Ferguson was transferred south and rode with Banastre Tarleton (made famous as the bad guy in the movie The Patriot). You can read more here.

Next time, we will take a look at the possibilities of what might have happened if George Washington was not alive to lead the American Revolution or if he had been killed during the Revolution.

As always, your comments and questions are encouraged.

Will I EVER finish this novel?

I’ve been missing in action for a few weeks. I know. Lot’s of stuff happening.

I went to the Break Out Novel Intensive workshop in Orlando a few weeks ago and it was aptly named. I spent seven days focused on writing along with thirty-five other writers, ranging from newbies like myself, to seasoned vets with book contracts and multiple published novels. The staff was fantastic: Donald Maass, Lorin Oberweger and Brenda Windberg from Free Expressions, Roman White, and Jason Sitzes. The material we covered was exactly what I was looking for, and the individual criticism was spot-on–even if what they told me was not what I wanted to hear. I went to the workshop thinking I had a ready, marketable draft.

Ha! Ha! Ha!

Not so much.

I’m close, but I have a page and a half of notes to go through to get the manuscript where I want it to be.

The workshop staff who read the synopsis like the plot. The primary feedback I received is that my main character needs to internalize the events more. How does he feel when X happens? What is his internal response when Y happens? My protagonist needs to “take charge and drive the bus” rather than simply being along for the ride.

This is particularly difficult for me because I don’t look for that stuff when I read–at least not consciously. My own personality is to “go with the flow” and see where things end up. It’s been difficult to change my character’s reaction and focus to the events as they happen in the story. I have an idea as to where I want to go, but writing some of the internal stuff is definitely out of my comfort zone. My writing approach was to give the reader an experience similar to the one they get when watching a movie. Maybe I’d feed them some internal dialog, but I would rather show what is going on and let the reader make their own conclusion. If one of the staff had suggested more internalization of the events, I would probably just take it with a grain of salt. But ALL FIVE staff members gave me similar suggestions. (It could be a conspiracy)

That tells me that I need to make a few changes. It will be uncomfortable, but worth it in the end. I’m sitting in Starbucks at the moment trying to rewrite parts of Chapter 1 and have made very little progress. I’m going against my own nature and over-thinking. Maybe I should change locations and sit in a bar to loosen up.

That being said, I had a blast working with all of the great staff and writers. It was a week I’ll never forget, and I feel like I’ve made some lasting friendships.

On a different note, I have a new band. I’ll post more information soon, but we’re called Blame Gravity and we’ll be hitting the Denver music scene very soon. I haven’t been this fired up about music in a long time. For the first time since high school, I will be primarily a guitar player. It’s time to start practicing again to get my chops back. (Translation: Practice so I don’t embarrass myself)

I’ve also decided to start another blog based near misses and what ifs in history–only because I don’t have enough things going on.

I’ll have my first blog post up this week.

Washington’s Providence Part 1

“I can with truth assure you, I heard bullets whistle and believe me there was something charming in the sound.” – George Washington in a letter to his brother, 1754

When we think of George Washington, we think of the stoic, chiseled in marble images on our money and adorning the walls of classrooms and museums. We have heard the stories of how he improbably took an undersupplied collection of volunteers and turned them into a fighting force that defeated the best army in the world. After the war, he presided over the Constitutional Convention and became the first President of the United States. We correctly place him on a pedestal. After all, he is the father of our country.

But what if Washington had not survived to lead the American Revolution or what if he had been killed during the Revolution? What would our world look like and how would American history have been shaped?

Many authors and historians have tackled these questions. They’re fun to think about because the danger has passed. I even attempt to answer some of these questions in my upcoming novel, Washington’s Providence (yes, shameless plug). Being a history geek, I’ve always been fascinated by the numerous near misses that came to shape Washington’s life. I would like to examine three of Washington’s near misses and try to make sense of what could have happened if any of them came true.

Today, let’s look at one.

In 1753, a twenty-one year old George Washington was appointed by Virginia Governor Robert Dinwiddie to deliver a message from King George II of England to the French garrison at Fort Le Boeuf near Lake Erie. The message was simple: The French were building forts on English soil and they had to leave. The area of contention was in present-day Ohio, and both the English and French had laid claims to it. Interestingly enough (and not surprising), Governor Dinwiddie was also a stock holder in the Ohio Company, a Virginia-based land speculation company interested in the profitable fur trade and real estate of Ohio.

Why would a twenty-one year old be sent to negotiate with the French army? There are a few reasons. First, Washington was a trained surveyor and seasoned traveler through the western wilderness of Pennsylvania and Ohio (lands claimed by Virginia in those days). He had already made similar journeys and was young and healthy enough to survive the harsh conditions of an Ohio winter. He was also known for being a mature and model youth. Most likely, he was appointed for the same reason most political appointments happen––he was well-connected. Two of his brothers also happened to be members of the Ohio Company.

Washington led his eight-man party to meet the French and deliver the message. The French garrison commander politely received the message, refused to leave, and sent Washington on his way. During the return trip to Virginia, Washington and one of his guides, Christopher Gist, went ahead of the others to return to Virginia as fast as possible and alert the governor of the French response. After losing their canoe to icy river rapids, Washington and Gist trudged along until they arrived at Murdering Town* (near Evans City, about thirty miles north of Pittsburgh). There, they met an Indian guide who agreed to show them the fastest route to the forks of the Ohio River.

The Indian led the weary travelers for a few miles. Suddenly, the Indian guide scrambled ahead to a small clearing, turned and fired his musket at Washington at point-blank range (about 15 feet)––and Missed. Gist apprehended the Indian and was about to kill him when Washington stopped him. After dark, they released the Indian, but fearing his return with reinforcements, they traveled through the night hoping to find safety.

“George Washington and Christopher Gist on the Allegheny River”

Daniel Huntington

Had the Indian not been such a poor shot, the name George Washington might only be a small footnote in our history books––but what would “our” history books look like? Would there even be a United States if it wasn’t for George Washington? How important was he to the American cause?

Next Week: We’ll look into two more of Washington’s near misses. In the meantime, what are your thoughts on Washington? What do you think would have happened if Washington didn’t lead the American Revolution?

* Note to self: If I’m ever traveling and come across a place called, Murdering Town, move on.

Observations from a wannabe

It would be really awesome to be a professional author, right? How does one go about doing that?

I’m still recovering from a whirlwind weekend at the Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers Gold Conference. This is the second conference I have attended since my writing career began a year ago. Now that I’m a conference veteran, my main observation is that writers, editors, and agents are all really, really nice people. Everyone is open to questions and seems genuinely interested in what conference attendees have written.

Another impression is that published authors tend to warm up more after they have read my writing (or they are sauced). I can totally relate, having spent years talking to drunk guitar players who want to come up on stage and jam. Ninety percent of the time, these guys can only play Smoke on the Water or Sweet Home Alabama (but not both). I have learned to be nice, but not get too invested when I’m approached in a music situation. I think authors feel the same way. You see, there are two types of writers who attend writing conferences. There are writers who write (surprise!) and writers who say they write, but never finish anything. I don’t want to come across as a hack wannabe or fanboy so I try to be guarded and not appear too eager around the authors at conferences. It’s part of my plan to trick them all into thinking I’m cool.

I keep coming across a lot of the same people at conferences and online. This is good to know since the publishing industry is just like every other industry. It’s about cultivating relationships and meeting the right people. I don’t know how many times I heard an author say, “I met my agent at a conference.”

I had two requests from editors to see my final manuscript. This is particularly exciting because these people look at writing samples from people all day–every day–for a living. Of course, this really means nothing if my entire book doesn’t deliver. Making fifty pages pop is easier than making 300-400 pages work. As excited as I am, I will not fall into the trap of submitting work that isn’t ready.

I am genuinely excited to have met some cool authors who I hope to grow with over the years. It seems the the authors at conferences tend to hang out with other authors who they cut their teeth with. I’m hoping I’m part of the next generation of successful writers.

I wanted to take a minute to give a shout-out to some awesome writers I had the pleasure to meet and hang out with. Check out their sites and  buy their books! In no particular order: Rebecca Taylor, Mario Acevedo (bartender extraordinaire),Carol Berg, Bree Ervin (one of those parents), Catherine Winters, J.A. Kazimer (author of Curses! A F***ed Up Fairy Tale), Linda Joffe Hull, Susan Spann (who was once attacked by ninjas), Lynda Hilburn, Neale Orinick, T.L. McCallan, Kevin Fury, Betsy Dornbusch, and  Veronica Roland.

I hope I didn’t miss anyone!

I had a dream…

That all my Facebook friends would stop posting political links and rants. Seriously. I’m to the point in my life that I’m not going to dissociate with someone because I disagree with them politically, but come on. Who is reallygoing to change their mind about a candidate based on someone’s Facebook post or a link from an obviously-biased news organization? (Probably a lot of people–dumb people, but people nonetheless)

I digress. I’m not writing to discuss politics. Those days are over because I just don’t care.

I had a dream a few months ago. It was one where you wake up and think, “I should write that down.” In this case, I did. I sat at the kitchen table furiously typing on my laptop at five in the morning trying to get an outline of the dream before it faded. When I finished, I thought it might make a good story, but I didn’t want to take time to write it because I was in the process of editing my book.

I revisited the outline yesterday and was pleasantly surprised to find that it was coherent. Now that the book is off to the editor, I think I’m going to take a break from Book #2 and write the dream story. I have no idea if it will be a short story, novella or a full-blown epic fantasy (it won’t), but I’m going to have fun with it.

For the writers that read this, yes, I know I used two adverbs on this post. I’m completely sorry (three).

For everyone else, I’m still using the same razor I mentioned here. It’s still sharp. Blow it baby!