The Classroom Newsletter

The Classroom Newsletter: Issue #35

In This Issue:

• Lesson Planning: Design Thinking Methodology

• Classroom Management: Encourage Participation in Competitions

• Parent Communication: Classroom Behavior Expectations

• Burnout Busters: Practice Yoga

• Health and Wellness: Warm Up Before and Cool Down After Exercise

• This Week’s Bonus Prompts: New Teacher & Emergent Bilingual

• Homeroom Swag: Cartoon Cats Space Bulletin Board Letters & Numbers Set

• Laughter Lounge: State Testing! NOOOO!

• Poll Position: Which Cake Do You Prefer?

If Your Teacher Bestie Gifted You This Issue And You Want More… CLICK HERE!

Happy Friday Y’all,

State testing season is upon us, and if it feels like the pressure’s building—you’re not alone. But this week’s quote by Robert Frost offers a timely reminder: “Education is the ability to listen to almost anything without losing your temper or your self-confidence.” And let’s be honest… if that doesn’t describe what teachers do daily, I don’t know what does!

Your calm presence, patient responses, and confident leadership make a world of difference in classrooms swirling with emotions, testing stress, and pre-summer restlessness. And just like students are tested on content, we as educators are often tested on character. This issue is packed with prompts to support both. From design thinking lesson plans and warm-up tips to burnout-busting yoga and multilingual classroom signage, there’s something here to help you breathe a little easier while keeping your classroom thriving.

This is your friendly reminder: the best teachers don’t lose their cool—they lead with it. Keep showing up with grace, grit, and your game face. Your students are watching, learning, and leaning on your strength more than you know.

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:
Mrs. Alvarez wanted her 8th-grade STEM students to solve real-world problems. She decided to have them use Design Thinking to explore and create community-based solutions, integrating empathy, creativity, and iteration.

ChatGPT Prompt:
I am a [class subject] teacher and I teach [grade level] students. Create a lesson plan for [subject/topic] that encourages creative problem-solving by using design thinking methodology.

The Benefits Of This Prompt:
Promotes innovation: Students explore solutions beyond the textbook.
Develops real-world skills: Encourages empathy, collaboration, and iteration.
Increases ownership: Students feel empowered as problem-solvers.

Scenario:
Coach Simms wanted to boost student confidence and challenge high achievers, so he encouraged his students to participate in math and coding competitions aligned with their interests.

ChatGPT Prompt:
I am a [class subject] teacher and I teach [grade level] students. Suggest ways to encourage my students to participate in academic competitions and challenges that align with their interests and abilities, providing opportunities for them to excel.

The Benefits Of This Prompt:
Boosts engagement: Students get excited about applying their learning.
Builds confidence: Success in challenges improves self-efficacy.
Fosters a growth mindset: Teaches resilience through healthy competition.

Scenario:
Mr. Nguyen had a student repeatedly breaking class rules around technology use and off-task behavior. He wanted to clearly communicate expectations to parents while inviting them to partner in accountability.

ChatGPT Prompt:
Draft a letter to [student's name]’s parents, [parent or guardian name(s)], reinforcing the importance of following classroom behavior expectations. Highlight [list specific rules or expectations that student is struggling with], and suggest ways parents can support these expectations at home.

The Benefits Of This Prompt:
Promotes consistency: Reinforces expectations across school and home.
Encourages support: Gives parents a role in positive behavior change.
Builds rapport: Opens communication in a respectful, proactive way.

Scenario:
Ms. Carter had been feeling stiff, tired, and overwhelmed after school. She wanted a gentle, low-pressure routine to support flexibility and lower stress.

ChatGPT Prompt:
Design a routine that adds yoga or stretching exercises to my daily routine. These exercises should help me with [specific goals, e.g., flexibility, stress reduction].

The Benefits Of This Prompt:
Eases tension: Regular stretching reduces physical and emotional strain.
Promotes balance: Encourages mindfulness and intentional movement.
Supports longevity: Helps prevent injuries and fatigue over time.

Scenario:
Mr. Freeman noticed his joints felt stiff after runs and workouts. He wanted to implement proper warm-up and cool-down routines to protect his body and stay active.

ChatGPT Prompt:
I want to improve my warm-up and cool-down routine. Suggest exercises or stretches that align with my [workout type, fitness level, goals, etc.].

The Benefits Of This Prompt:
Prevents injury: Safely prepares and recovers the body.
Improves performance: Better circulation means better workouts.
Reduces soreness: Helps the body return to a resting state efficiently.

New Teacher Prompt: Incorporate Movement

Scenario:
Ms. Ross, a first-year 6th-grade teacher, noticed her students struggled to stay alert after lunch. She looked for creative ways to integrate movement without sacrificing instructional time.

ChatGPT Prompt:
I am a [class subject] teacher and I teach [grade level] students. Provide ideas for incorporating movement into my classroom to keep students engaged and energized, particularly during [include specific times, e.g., after lunch or during long lessons].

The Benefits Of This Prompt:
Increases alertness: Movement wakes up the brain and body.
Boosts morale: Adds energy and fun to the classroom.
Improves retention: Kinesthetic activities help learning stick.

Emergent Bilingual Prompt: Multilingual Labels

Scenario:
Mr. López welcomed a new student who only spoke Spanish. He wanted to make the student feel at home by creating labels for the various items and stations in the classroom in both English and Spanish.

ChatGPT Prompt:
I am a [class subject] teacher and I teach [grade level] students. Translate [list specific classroom area(s), items, or materials] in both English and [insert student's home language] to make the space more inclusive for my students.

The Benefits Of This Prompt:
romotes inclusion: Language isn’t a barrier—it’s a bridge.
Builds confidence: Students feel safer and more welcomed.
Teaches vocabulary: Reinforces content and language acquisition.

This week’s Cartoon Cats Space Bulletin Board Letters And Numbers Set is out-of-this-world awesome! Each letter and number features quirky kitty cats floating among the stars, planets, constellations, and of course… spaceships. Perfect for science themes, reading celebrations like “Paws and Planets,” or just adding a cosmic sense of fun to your hallway. Whether you're counting down to the end of testing or launching a new classroom challenge, this set adds color and personality to any wall or window!

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Bottom Line Y’all…

This week, remember the wisdom of Robert Frost: “Education is the ability to listen to almost anything without losing your temper or your self-confidence.” As teachers, you’re constantly absorbing—feedback, emotions, energy, and chaos. And yet, you remain composed, consistent, and committed to growth. That’s not just strength—it’s superhuman.

This issue is designed to give back to you. Whether it’s calming your nervous system with yoga, restoring student engagement through competitions, or simply letting a cat-themed bulletin board make you smile—you deserve tools that fill your cup. Take a deep breath. Exhale the noise. Stand tall. You’re doing good work.

You’ve got this, and we’ve got your back. Keep reclaiming your time, energy, and passion for teaching.

Teach Forward! Improve Daily! Inspire Always!

Warm regards,
Mitch Fairchild
Founder, The Classroom Newsletter

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