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The Classroom Newsletter
✏️ The More You Learn, The More You’ll Grow: STEM, Seating Charts, Celebration Connections... And Oh So Much More!
Mitch Fairchild
October 17, 2025
In This Issue:
• Lesson Planning: Hands-on STEM Projects
• Classroom Management: Creating Effective Seating Charts
• Parent Communication: Classroom Celebrations
• Teacher Health & Wellness: Discover Hobbies and Activities
• Bonus Prompts: Emergent Bilingual Prompt & New Teacher Prompt
• Homeroom Swag: Color Pencils Bulletin Board Letters and Numbers
• Laughter Lounge: Teacher Math!
• Poll Position: Which Would You Choose As A Superpower?
Happy Friday Y’all,
Dr. Seuss once said, “The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go.” Few quotes capture the spirit of lifelong learning like this one. Every lesson we teach, every skill we cultivate, and every conversation we have with our students helps them discover new “places”… not just on a map, but within their minds and hearts.
This week’s prompts celebrate exploration and curiosity. From hands-on STEM projects that spark wonder to seating charts that strategically support collaboration, each one is designed to help you create a classroom that thrives on engagement and connection.
And as educators, we must remember that learning isn’t just for our students, it’s for us too. Whether we’re discovering new hobbies, trying innovative teaching methods, or simply celebrating milestones with our classroom families, we are continually learning, growing, and evolving right alongside the young minds we inspire.
Now, let’s look at how we can leverage ChatGPT (or your favorite generative AI platform) to help turn your classroom into an optimal learning environment…
Scenario:
Mr. Jenkins teaches 6th-grade science and wants his students to think like engineers. He uses ChatGPT to design a hands-on STEM project where teams build bridges out of simple materials to explore weight distribution, collaboration, and creative problem-solving.
ChatGPT Prompt:
I am a [class subject] teacher and I teach [grade level] students. Develop a lesson plan for [subject/topic] that incorporates hands-on STEM projects to promote inquiry and innovation.
The Benefits of This Prompt:
• Boosts engagement: Students learn by doing, not just listening.
• Encourages critical thinking: Problem-solving leads to deeper understanding.
• Promotes collaboration: Projects build teamwork and communication skills.
Scenario:
Mrs. Kim teaches 5th grade and struggles to balance student personalities, behaviors, and learning needs when arranging seats. She turns to ChatGPT to help her design a seating chart that supports focus, minimizes disruptions, and keeps her classroom flowing smoothly.
ChatGPT Prompt:
I am a [class subject] teacher, and I teach [grade level] students. Help me create an effective seating chart that maximizes student engagement, minimizes distractions, and supports the learning needs of my classroom with students who have [list behavior, learning, or medical considerations/concerns].
The Benefits of This Prompt:
• Increases productivity: Well-planned seating enhances focus and cooperation.
• Supports equity: Accommodates diverse learning and behavioral needs.
• Improves classroom flow: Strategic placement minimizes disruptions.
Scenario:
Ms. Ramirez is planning a cultural celebration at the end of her unit on world traditions. She uses ChatGPT to draft an inviting letter for parents that includes event details, student participation ideas, and ways families can contribute to the festivities.
ChatGPT Prompt:
Draft a letter to [student's name]’s parents, [parent or guardian name(s)], inviting them to upcoming classroom celebrations. Include [list details about the event, such as the date, time, purpose, and any special requirements or contributions needed from parents].
The Benefits of This Prompt:
• Builds community: Parents feel connected and valued.
• Encourages involvement: Families play an active role in student learning.
• Creates joy: Celebrations strengthen relationships and morale.
Scenario:
Coach Rivera realizes he’s been spending every spare minute grading papers. He uses ChatGPT to identify hobbies that fit his personality and schedule, like woodworking on weekends or hiking with friends after school.
ChatGPT Prompt:
I want to make more time for hobbies and activities I enjoy. Help me identify hobbies that align with [list interests, lifestyle, time availability, etc.] and create a plan to engage in them regularly.
The Benefits of This Prompt:
• Supports balance: Encourages a healthy work-life separation.
• Boosts happiness: Enjoyable hobbies reduce stress and recharge energy.
• Models self-care: Teachers show students the importance of rest and passion.
Emergent Bilingual Prompt: Alternative Assessments
Scenario:
Mr. Johnson teaches social studies to middle school Emergent Bilinguals. He uses ChatGPT to create project-based assessments that allow students to express their learning through visuals, oral presentations, or digital storytelling instead of traditional written tests.
ChatGPT Prompt:
I am a [class subject] teacher and I teach [grade level] students. Provide alternative assessment options such as projects or presentations for my Emergent Bilingual students to demonstrate their understanding of [topic/assignment].
The Benefits of This Prompt:
• Supports equity: Students can show mastery in multiple ways.
• Reduces anxiety: Removes barriers tied to language proficiency.
• Highlights creativity: Encourages self-expression and confidence.
New Teacher Prompt: Plan for Group Work
Scenario:
Ms. Daniels, a first-year teacher, wants to run productive group activities without chaos. Using ChatGPT, she plans group work that promotes collaboration, accountability, and critical thinking.
ChatGPT Prompt:
I am a [class subject] teacher and I teach [grade level] students. Help me plan group work activities that promote collaboration and critical thinking, ensuring that all students participate and benefit, especially during [list specific subjects and/or projects].
The Benefits of This Prompt:
• Improves collaboration: Clear roles keep groups balanced and effective.
• Builds critical thinking: Group problem-solving deepens understanding.
• Increases engagement: All students feel seen and valued.
✏️This week’s bulletin board set is the Color Pencils Bulletin Board Letters and Numbers Clip Art Set. Each letter, number, and symbol features bright, colorful, and sharpened map pencils that bring creativity and energy to your classroom décor.
Perfect for:
• 🎨 Art rooms and creative corners
• 🏫 Classroom doors and hallways
• 📚 Reading corners or writing centers
• 🎉 Open house or parent night displays
Add some artistic flair to your classroom this fall — because learning should look as fun as it feels!
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Math Only Teacers Can Understand: If Johnny has 7 missing assignments and turns in 2, how many emails will his parents send me by Friday…
Which Would You Choose As A Superpower? |
Bottom Line Y’all…
Dr. Seuss’s words remind us that learning has no finish line… every skill we teach and every question we ask takes our students (and us) a little farther down the road of discovery. Hands-on STEM projects, thoughtful seating, and joyful celebrations aren’t just classroom tasks… they’re stepping stones to curiosity, connection, and confidence.
And as you encourage your students to keep learning and exploring, don’t forget to do the same for yourself. Pick up a hobby. Try something new. Read for fun. Because every time you grow, your classroom grows with you.
Keep learning, keep laughing, and keep leading with heart.
Teach Forward! Improve Daily! Inspire Always!
Warm regards,
Mitch Fairchild
Founder, The Classroom Newsletter
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