- The Classroom Newsletter
- Posts
- Sunday's Cool Edition
Sunday's Cool Edition
Explore Integer Operations, Scavenger Hunts, Dinosaur Designs & More in This Week’s Sunday’s Cool Edition!
Happy Sunday Y’all,
Just a heads-up… in case you didn’t know… at the end of the day, y’all are AMAZING! You are the dedicated, "boots on the ground" heroes who give your time, energy, resources, and heart to ensure today’s students have every opportunity to learn, grow, and shine. Your impact goes beyond the classroom—you’re shaping the future and inspiring the next generation to be the light of the world. You Rock!
Welcome to this week’s Sunday’s Cool Edition, where we’re diving into creative and practical strategies for crafting impactful lessons using ChatGPT. This week’s prompts are designed to inspire and streamline your lesson planning, whether you’re teaching integer operations in math, exploring American symbols through a scavenger hunt in social studies, or choreographing a dance sequence inspired by music or themes. ChatGPT takes the guesswork out of preparation, providing you with dynamic, ready-to-use ideas tailored to your students’ needs.
What makes these prompts particularly powerful is their versatility and adaptability. For example, the science scavenger hunt encourages hands-on exploration, helping elementary students connect with foundational scientific concepts in a fun and engaging way. Meanwhile, the high school hospitality and tourism prompt introduces students to sustainable practices through real-world case studies, fostering critical thinking and collaboration. Even if these prompts don’t directly align with the subject you teach, they offer inspiration for crafting your own ChatGPT prompts that can elevate your classroom experience.
As always, if you find value within this content, feel free to share it with your Teacher Bestie!
NOW…Let’s Dive In To This Week’s Spotlight Prompts
This Week's Math Prompt
ChatGPT Prompt: I am a 6th-grade math teacher. Suggest three ways to teach integer operations using visual aids, such as number lines or counters.
How It Brings Value to Your Classroom:
Builds Concrete Understanding of Abstract Concepts Using visual aids like number lines or counters allows students to physically see how integers interact. Instead of memorizing “rules” for adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing integers, students develop conceptual understanding by observing patterns and practicing with hands-on tools. • Example: Watching students “walk the number line” or pair red and yellow counters for positive and negative values helps them connect mathematical rules to real-life actions.
Promotes Active Learning and Engagement No more glazed-over stares! Activities using hot and cold cubes or color-coded counters turn math lessons into interactive problem-solving sessions. • Why it matters: Middle schoolers crave movement and interaction, and these tools give them the chance to explore math in a fun, hands-on way. They’ll stay focused longer and feel a sense of accomplishment as they master integer operations.
Fosters Long-Term Retention Visual aids and manipulatives aren’t just for the moment—they help students retain knowledge for the long haul. By repeatedly using number lines, counters, and creative tools, students gain a clear mental image of how integers work. • Bonus: This method bridges the gap for struggling learners and boosts the confidence of students who might otherwise find integers intimidating. When we make math visual, interactive, and accessible, we empower our students to thrive. You’re not just teaching them integers—you’re building their confidence and shaping the way they approach problem-solving in math and beyond.
This Week's Science Prompt
ChatGPT Prompt: I am an elementary school science teacher. Develop a science scavenger hunt for students, focusing on basic scientific concepts like weather, plants, and simple machines. Ensure it can be done within a 45-minute class.
How It Brings Value to Your Classroom:
Hands-On Learning = Better Retention By getting students physically involved, whether they’re identifying plant parts or spotting examples of simple machines, this activity connects knowledge to real-world applications. Studies show that hands-on experiences improve memory and understanding, so your students won’t just learn—they’ll remember.
Encourages Teamwork & Communication Working in small groups fosters collaboration and communication. Students learn to share observations, listen to each other, and build teamwork skills—all while having fun! These are critical life skills they’ll carry far beyond the classroom.
Customizable & Stress-Free for Teachers Whether you’re indoors, outdoors, or somewhere in between, this scavenger hunt is easy to adapt to your space and resources. You don’t need to spend hours prepping—just tweak it to fit your needs, and you’re ready to go. Plus, it’s perfect for engaging students with different learning styles!
ChatGPT Prompt: I am a 4th-grade social studies teacher. Develop a social studies scavenger hunt for elementary students focused on American symbols and landmarks, ensuring it can be completed in a single class period.
How It Brings Value to Your Classroom:
Makes Learning Interactive and Fun Gone are the days of silent worksheets! This scavenger hunt encourages movement and exploration, turning your classroom into a treasure trove of knowledge. Your students will actively engage with American symbols and landmarks, making the material memorable and exciting. Plus, a little movement during class keeps their energy focused in the right direction!
Reinforces Critical Thinking and Teamwork By identifying symbols, recalling facts, and discussing their significance, students sharpen their critical thinking skills. Working in pairs or small groups fosters collaboration and communication, which are essential life skills. It’s a win-win: they’re learning history and how to work well with others.
Encourages Creativity and Curiosity This activity doesn’t stop at identification—it inspires curiosity! Students will ask questions, discover new facts, and share their favorite symbols. When they choose to draw or write about their favorite landmark, they deepen their understanding while expressing their creativity. It’s a great way to make history personal and meaningful.
This Week's ELA Prompt
ChatGPT Prompt: I am a high school English teacher. Create a lesson plan focused on character development in fiction, using excerpts from classic and contemporary literature to illustrate growth and change.
How It Brings Value to Your Classroom:
Deepens Understanding of Literature Using excerpts from classics like To Kill a Mockingbird and contemporary gems like The Hate U Give helps students see how authors portray growth and change. • Students analyze how characters evolve, why they change, and what events drive their growth. • It bridges the gap between generations of literature, making timeless themes accessible and relatable to modern teens. 👉 Result: Your students won’t just read—they’ll connect with the story on a deeper level.
Enhances Critical Thinking Skills This lesson empowers students to dissect characters’ motivations, actions, and relationships. • They’ll learn to ask: What drives this character? How does their growth reflect the story’s themes? • By comparing dynamic characters, your students develop skills that go beyond English class—like evaluating perspectives and forming evidence-based arguments. 👉 Result: Your students become thoughtful, independent readers who think critically about the world around them.
Fosters Emotional Connection and Engagement When students see characters face challenges, grow, and change, they often reflect on their own lives. • Relating to characters like Starr Carter can inspire them to think about social justice and personal growth. • Engaging with a lesson that combines classic and contemporary stories keeps them excited about reading.
👉 Result: Your classroom buzzes with discussion, engagement, and authentic connection.
This Week's Fine Arts Prompt
ChatGPT Prompt: I am a high school dance instructor. Generate a choreography project where students create a short dance sequence inspired by a piece of music or a theme. The project should be completed in two 50-minute class periods and include a peer review session.
How It Brings Value to Your Classroom:
Sparks Creativity Through Student Choice Allowing students to select their music or theme inspires ownership and deep engagement. Whether they choose to interpret “Overcoming Challenges” or bring a favorite song to life, the freedom to personalize their project fosters authentic artistic expression. Students aren’t just dancing—they’re storytelling through movement.
Encourages Collaboration and Teamwork In small groups, students learn to combine ideas, compromise, and communicate effectively. These are real-world skills that transcend the dance studio. Watching your students work together to refine movements and transitions is as rewarding for you as it is educational for them.
Builds Confidence with Peer Feedback Incorporating a structured peer review session teaches students how to give and receive constructive criticism. This not only strengthens their choreography but also empowers them to approach future challenges with confidence. Plus, seeing their classmates appreciate their work is a huge self-esteem boost!
This Week's CTE Prompt
ChatGPT Prompt: I am a high school hospitality and tourism teacher. Create a lesson on the importance of sustainable practices in the hospitality industry and how they can be implemented. Include case studies and a group activity where students design a sustainable hotel.
How It Brings Value to Your Classroom:
Real-World Application This lesson bridges the gap between classroom concepts and real-world practices. Students learn how sustainability is reshaping the hospitality industry and why it’s critical for the future of tourism. By analyzing actual case studies, they see real examples of success—like Hilton’s recycling initiatives and Marriott’s energy-saving strategies. Your students will understand how these practices can reduce costs, improve guest satisfaction, and protect our planet.
Boosts Creativity and Critical Thinking The group activity, where students design their own sustainable hotel, is a game-changer. It’s not just fun—it’s an exercise in creative problem-solving, teamwork, and innovation. Your students will brainstorm ways to incorporate renewable energy, minimize waste, and respect local cultures. It’s the kind of hands-on learning that inspires and sticks with them far beyond your classroom walls.
Builds Entrepreneurial and Leadership Skills Hospitality students need to think like industry leaders, and this lesson gives them that edge. By designing a sustainable hotel and presenting their ideas, they’re developing leadership, public speaking, and entrepreneurial skills. These are tools they’ll carry with them into college and their careers, setting them apart in a competitive industry.
This Week's P.E. Prompt
ChatGPT Prompt: I am a middle school PE teacher. Create a lesson plan that teaches students the basics of lacrosse. Include a brief introduction, basic rules, and a practice activity.
How It Brings Value to Your Classroom:
Introduces Students to a Unique and Inclusive Sport Lacrosse might not be the most common sport in your area, which is precisely why it’s so impactful. It gives students an opportunity to explore something new, leveling the playing field between seasoned athletes and beginners. Everyone starts fresh, which fosters inclusivity, curiosity, and a sense of accomplishment when they learn a new skill.
Builds Foundational Skills That Transfer to Other Sports From hand-eye coordination (passing and catching) to agility (scooping and cradling), the basic skills in lacrosse improve overall athleticism. These transferable skills boost confidence and carry over into other sports and physical activities, making your students more well-rounded athletes.
Encourages Teamwork and Communication In the mini-game portion of this lesson, students learn to work as a team, communicate effectively, and support one another to score goals. These social and teamwork skills are as valuable in life as they are on the field!
This Week's DALL-E Prompt
ChatGPT Prompt: Generate an illustration of different types of dinosaurs roaming a prehistoric landscape.
How It Brings Value to Your Classroom:
Boost Engagement and Imagination Dinosaurs are a perennial favorite among students of all ages! 🦖 From the towering Brachiosaurus to the fierce T-Rex, this prompt creates an immersive visual experience that captures their attention. Use this as a hook to ignite discussions in science, art, and even storytelling. Let students describe the scene, name the dinosaurs, and imagine what life was like millions of years ago. It’s an instant engagement win!
Cross-Curricular Connections This prompt isn’t limited to science lessons. 🌟 Use it to teach: • Geography: Explore the prehistoric landscapes depicted in the image. Discuss ancient ecosystems and compare them to today’s world. • History: Dive into the timeline of the Mesozoic Era, bringing ancient history alive with vibrant visuals. • Creative Writing: Inspire students to write a story from the perspective of a dinosaur or a scientist discovering fossils. The possibilities are endless—and it’s all grounded in one dynamic, captivating image!
Encourage Critical Thinking and Inquiry The visual richness of this illustration invites questions like:
• “Why were some dinosaurs so much larger than others?”
• “What role did their environment play in their survival?”
• “What might have caused their extinction?”
This fosters critical thinking and encourages students to become curious researchers eager to find answers. Plus, it builds their scientific literacy and inquiry skills in a way that feels natural and exciting.
Bottom Line Y’all…
This week’s Sunday’s Cool Edition showcases the transformative power of ChatGPT in creating lessons that are both engaging and meaningful. By using prompts like these, you can save time on planning while generating activities that resonate with students and encourage active participation. Whether it’s teaching the basics of lacrosse, examining character development in literature, or designing a prehistoric scene with DALL-E, these prompts demonstrate how AI can support creativity, efficiency, and student engagement.
ChatGPT’s greatest strength lies in its ability to adapt to your needs. The examples in this edition are just starting points, showcasing how intentional, well-thought-out prompts can yield high-quality, customized lesson materials. Even if you don’t teach these specific subjects, the strategies behind these prompts can inspire you to write detailed prompts that suit your unique classroom environment. With ChatGPT, you’re not just generating content—you’re enhancing the learning experience and empowering your students to explore, think critically, and grow.
As educators, we know that every lesson is an opportunity to inspire curiosity and foster growth. ChatGPT helps you seize that opportunity by simplifying the planning process and freeing you to focus on connecting with your students. Use this week’s edition to spark your creativity and reimagine how AI can support your teaching journey. Here’s to another week of innovative, impactful teaching—keep inspiring your students and making a difference!
Have A Blessed Week,
~ Mitch
Want more tips like this? Don’t forget to check out our daily classroom prompt-building videos on YouTube, LinkedIn, TikTok, and Facebook! We post a new video each day covering a wide range of disciplines—from Math and ELA to Science, Social Studies, and PE/Athletics. These videos are packed with insights and strategies to help you engage your students and streamline your teaching.