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The Classroom Newsletter
🐱 Teaching That Echoes: Role-Play, Respect, Inner Peace... and MUCH MORE!
Mitch Fairchild
November 14, 2025
In This Issue:
• Lesson Planning: Role-Playing Exercises
• Classroom Management: Creating a Safe and Respectful Classroom Environment
• Parent Communication: Technology Use
• Teacher Health & Wellness: Cultivate Inner Peace
• Bonus Prompts: Emergent Bilingual Prompt & Special Education Prompt
• Homeroom Swag: Cartoon Cats Space Bulletin Board Letters and Numbers
• Laughter Lounge: Plans For Thanksgiving Break
• Poll Position: What’s Your Favorite Type Of Video Game?
Happy Friday Y’all,
Henry Adams once wrote, “A teacher affects eternity; he can never tell where his influence stops.” It’s one of those quotes that never loses its power, because it’s true. The words we say, the tone we set, the encouragement we give, and the grace we show ripple through the lives of our students long after they’ve left our classroom.
This week, as we look toward Thanksgiving Break (it’s almost here y’all), it’s the perfect time to reflect on the lasting impact teachers have… not just through instruction, but through empathy, consistency, and calm. The lessons that reach eternity aren’t found in test scores or rubrics; they live in the way we model respect, kindness, and peace.
Every time you create an environment where students feel safe to speak, explore, or fail without fear, you’re shaping futures. Every time you pause to listen, to laugh, or to show understanding, you’re leaving a mark that will outlive any lesson plan.
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:
Ms. Baker teaches 9th-grade world history and wants her students to understand the importance of historical perspective. Using ChatGPT, she designs a role-playing activity where students take on the roles of key figures in the French Revolution and debate issues from their assigned viewpoints.
ChatGPT Prompt:
I am a [class subject] teacher and I teach [grade level] students. Develop a lesson plan for [subject/topic] that includes role-playing exercises to help students explore real-world applications of key concepts.
The Benefits of This Prompt:
• Encourages critical thinking: Students analyze complex ideas via other’s perspectives.
• Builds engagement: Learning becomes active and memorable through interaction.
• Develops empathy: Students learn to appreciate diverse viewpoints and experiences.
Scenario:
Mr. Lewis teaches 6th-grade science and wants to create a class culture built on respect and inclusion. He uses ChatGPT to develop daily routines, conversation norms, and conflict-resolution strategies that ensure every student feels valued and heard.
ChatGPT Prompt:
I am a [class subject] teacher and I teach [grade level] students. Help me create a classroom environment that is safe, respectful, and conducive to learning for all students, including strategies for promoting inclusion and respect.
The Benefits of This Prompt:
• Builds trust: Students feel comfortable participating and expressing ideas.
• Promotes positive behavior: Prevents issues by promoting clear expectations.
• Creates belonging: Every student knows their voice matters.
Scenario:
Mrs. Hernandez teaches 4th-grade reading and is introducing Chromebooks for independent reading projects. Using ChatGPT, she writes a friendly parent letter explaining how technology will enhance literacy while also sharing online safety guidelines families can reinforce at home.
ChatGPT Prompt:
Draft a letter to [student's name]’s parents, [parent or guardian name(s)], discussing the use of technology in the classroom. Explain [briefly describe how technology will be integrated into the learning environment], and provide tips or guidelines for ensuring safe and responsible use at home.
The Benefits of This Prompt:
• Promotes transparency: Keeps parents informed about tech integration.
• Encourages digital safety: Reinforces responsible online habits.
• Strengthens collaboration: Parents become partners in digital learning.
Scenario:
Coach Dawson often feels overwhelmed balancing teaching, coaching, and parenting. He turns to ChatGPT for help building a daily “peace plan” that includes short meditation sessions, quiet reflection, and mindful transitions between home and school.
ChatGPT Prompt:
I want to cultivate more inner peace. Suggest practices and habits that align with my [spiritual beliefs, lifestyle, stress levels, etc.] to help me achieve a peaceful mindset.
The Benefits of This Prompt:
• Reduces stress: Encourages intentional breathing and mindfulness routines.
• Promotes emotional clarity: Helps teachers respond calmly to challenges.
• Fosters balance: Restores energy for both personal and professional life.
🗣️ Emergent Bilingual Prompt: Oral Assessments
Scenario:
Ms. Soto teaches middle-school ESL and wants to give her Emergent Bilingual students an alternative to written quizzes. She uses ChatGPT to design an oral assessment method that allows students to verbally explain concepts from their current unit while demonstrating vocabulary use and comprehension.
ChatGPT Prompt:
I am a [class subject] teacher and I teach [grade level] students. Suggest an oral assessment method that allows my Emergent Bilingual students to express their understanding of [topic/lesson] verbally.
The Benefits of This Prompt:
• Increases accessibility: Shows understanding beyond written language barriers.
• Builds confidence: Encourages verbal expression and communication practice.
• Promotes equity: Every student can succeed through personalized assessment.
🌟 Special Education Prompt: Positive Reinforcement
for Good Behavior
Scenario:
Mr. Parker teaches high-school life skills and wants to better motivate a student who struggles with impulse control. He uses ChatGPT to design a positive reinforcement plan that rewards consistency, effort, and self-regulation.
ChatGPT Prompt:
I am a [class subject] teacher and I teach [grade level] students. Provide strategies for using positive reinforcement to encourage good behavior in a student with [list specific behavioral challenge].
The Benefits of This Prompt:
• Encourages growth: Reinforces the behaviors you want to see more often.
• Improves relationships: Builds trust between teacher and student.
• Creates progress: Promotes small wins that lead to long-term success.
This week’s bulletin board set is the Cartoon Cats Space Bulletin Board Letters And Numbers Set! 🚀🐱 Each letter, number, and special character features adorable cat astronauts floating through colorful galaxies.
Perfect for:
• 🌌 Science or space-themed classrooms
• 📚 Library and reading corners
• 🎉 Student celebrations and school events
• ✨ Any classroom that needs a little cosmic cuteness!
Transform your walls into a galactic cat adventure that’s out of this world!
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What’s Your Favorite Type Of Video Game? |
Bottom Line Y’all…
Henry Adams reminds us that our influence as teachers doesn’t have an expiration date… it echoes into eternity. This week’s themes reflect that truth: through role-play, we help students walk in someone else’s shoes; through safe classrooms, we model respect; through mindful living, we sustain the peace we hope our students will carry forward.
Every act of patience, every moment of calm, every word of encouragement is part of a legacy you’ll never fully see… but it’s there. So keep showing up with grace. Keep teaching with heart. And know that your influence doesn’t just shape this school year, it shapes generations. Keep kindling that eternal spark.
Teach Forward! Improve Daily! Inspire Always!
Warm regards,
Mitch Fairchild
Founder, The Classroom Newsletter
What Did You Think Of This Week's Issue?Be honest! Your feedback is crucial to us making this newsletter the best teacher resource on the planet! |