Structuring Into Clusters and Lessons

From Readings to Structure

You have your domain definition and a list of foundational readings. Now comes the creative work: transforming that list into a curriculum learners can actually follow.

The Curriculum Structure Prompt

Use this prompt to generate your curriculum structure. It's also at /prompts/03-curriculum-structure.md:

I have a reading list for my curriculum on [YOUR DOMAIN].

Here are the readings I've selected:
[PASTE YOUR READING LIST FROM LESSON 2]

Please help me structure these into a curriculum by:

1. **Grouping into clusters**: Identify 3-7 thematic groupings. For each cluster, provide:
   - Title
   - Description (1-2 sentences)
   - Which readings belong to it
   - Suggested order of readings within the cluster

2. **Sequencing clusters**: What order should clusters appear in? Why?

3. **Identifying dependencies**: Which readings require prior readings? Are there any prerequisite relationships?

4. **Suggesting additions or cuts**: Based on the structure, are there:
   - Gaps that need filling?
   - Redundancies that could be cut?
   - Readings that don't fit?

5. **For each reading, draft**:
   - Description (1-2 sentences on why it matters)
   - 3-5 key concepts to focus on
   - 2-3 knowledge check questions

Make the curriculum progressively complex: foundations first, specialized applications later.

Cluster Design Principles

As you review the AI's suggested structure:

Unity

Each cluster should have a clear, articulable theme. If you can't explain what unifies the lessons in a sentence, the cluster needs rework.

Progression

Lessons within a cluster should build on each other. The first lesson establishes concepts; later lessons deepen them.

Independence

While clusters build on each other, each should deliver standalone value. Someone reading just one cluster should learn something complete.

Size

Aim for 2-5 lessons per cluster. Fewer than 2 suggests the theme isn't substantial enough. More than 5 suggests it should be split.

Lesson Structure Deep Dive

Each lesson needs:

Introduction (body field)

Context for why this reading matters. Connect it to the curriculum's central question. Explain what the reader will gain.

Key Concepts (key_concepts field)

3-5 ideas the reader should focus on. These aren't summaries—they're signposts that help readers know what to pay attention to.

Assignment (assignment field)

The primary reading with:

• Clear instructions
• Link to access the text
• Expected time investment (if known)

Knowledge Check (knowledge_check field)

2-4 reflection questions. Good questions:

• Can't be answered without doing the reading
• Encourage synthesis, not recall
• Connect to broader curriculum themes

Additional Resources (additional_resources field)

Optional further reading for those who want to go deeper. Not required for completion.

Example: Structuring a Cluster

Here's how the "Reality Construction" cluster was structured:

Cluster: Reality Construction & Media Devices Theme: How media shapes our perception of what's real

Order	Reading	Why This Sequence
1	Berger & Luckmann	Establishes basic framework of social construction
2	Searle	Adds institutional facts and collective intentionality
3	Lippmann	Applies construction theory to media/public opinion

Each reading builds on vocabulary and concepts from the previous one. By the end, learners can analyze how media constructs social reality—a synthesis of all three texts.

Final Review

Before finalizing your structure:

1. Read it as a learner: Does the progression make sense?
2. Check prerequisites: Can every lesson be understood with what came before?
3. Verify access: Can learners actually get each reading?
4. Test the time: Is the overall scope achievable?

Now you're ready to create your content files and deploy.