As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to reshape education, a growing number of educators are exploring how to introduce AI literacy to even the youngest learners. At ISTELive 2025 in San Antonio, a panel of experts and educators gathered to share actionable strategies, tools, and frameworks for embedding AI concepts in elementary school classrooms, with a strong emphasis on ethics, foundational understanding, and age-appropriate engagement.
AI literacy refers to the ability to understand, evaluate, and responsibly interact with artificial intelligence technologies. While most discussions around AI in education tend to focus on career and college readiness at the high school level, elementary educators are being urged to start earlier, not to train coders, but to build foundational knowledge and curiosity that will prepare students for a rapidly evolving digital world.
“AI literacy at this stage isn’t about jobs,” said Nancye Blair Black, CEO of The Block Uncarved and project lead for the ISTE+ASCD AI Explorations Project. “It’s about helping young students understand the world they already live in.”
According to Black, AI literacy is “having the knowledge, skills, and attitudes needed to understand how AI technologies work and how to use them ethically and effectively.” The aim is to help students recognize that AI is not magic or alive — it is a tool created by humans to perform tasks. Children are already interacting with AI daily, through digital assistants, image filters, or smart toys. Yet most have no awareness of what AI is. That’s where foundational literacy comes in.
One of the first steps in fostering AI literacy in young children is clarifying what AI is — and what it isn’t. Educators should help students understand that AI is not a person or a sentient being. “They’re computer programs that are programmed by humans,” Black emphasized. “AI is not intelligent. It does not understand what it’s doing.” For young learners, this distinction is crucial to prevent misconceptions about the role of technology in their lives.
Michelle Velho, STEAM co-director at Hudson Montessori School, recommended using the AI4K12 framework — a guide created by leading computer science associations. It includes five foundational ideas: perception, representation and reasoning, learning, natural interaction, and societal impact. For instance, perception can be taught by comparing human senses to sensors used in AI systems, helping children visualize complex concepts through familiar experiences.
Karen Griffin, an instructional technology coach, explained that incorporating generative AI can be done naturally within existing lessons. In her classroom, she used a drawing prompt — a mouse with a tall hat — and showed how an AI image generator interpreted it. This comparison highlighted that AI-generated content isn’t superior, just different. It also opened the door for important conversations about how AI doesn’t “know” anything; it simply analyzes patterns.
Beyond function, AI literacy also includes ethics and responsibility. Nneka McGee, founder of Muon Global, urged educators to consider the necessity and impact of using AI tools. “Is it necessary?” she asked, pointing to the environmental costs of AI systems. “What happens to the data?” is another question that must be addressed, especially as schools must comply with data privacy laws and consider potential breaches.
She also warned about the emotional connection students may form with AI. “If a kid can make a connection with a cartoon character, what kind of connections can they make with a system that mimics being human?” This vulnerability requires that children learn about privacy, consent, and the ethical boundaries of digital interaction.
Support for AI integration is growing. Teachers can access free and paid resources — from ISTE toolkits to children’s books — that explain AI concepts in accessible ways. By integrating AI into core subjects like reading and science, educators can make the learning both relevant and engaging.
While AI in high school often ties into future job readiness, in elementary schools, it’s about awareness, critical thinking, and curiosity. Understanding AI’s role in everyday life empowers students to navigate their digital world thoughtfully — and lays the groundwork for deeper learning later.
“Technology will continue to evolve,” said Black. “But when students understand how to think about these tools critically and ethically, they’ll be ready for whatever comes next.”
With ongoing funding from organizations like General Motors and increasing support from educational bodies, AI literacy in elementary schools is poised to expand. More professional development, curriculum integration, and accessible tools are expected in the coming years to support educators of all backgrounds.
“It’s not about teaching AI. It’s about teaching kids how to live with AI,” concluded McGee.
User Intent Answer:
How can educators teach AI to elementary students?
Educators can build AI literacy by focusing on foundational knowledge, ethical use, and real-world connections. Key strategies include demystifying AI as a human-made tool, using the Five Big Ideas framework, incorporating generative AI into creative tasks, discussing data privacy and responsible usage, and embedding AI concepts into various subjects. Numerous free and low-cost resources support this effort, enabling even non-tech-savvy teachers to confidently introduce AI literacy in their classrooms.
