The Classroom Newsletter

The Classroom Newsletter for April 25, 2025

In This Issue:

• Lesson Planning: Spaced Repetition Techniques

• Classroom Management: Student Portfolios to Track Progress

• Parent Communication: Peer Mentoring

• Burnout Busters: Join A Support Group

• Health and Wellness: Incorporate Rest Days

• This Week’s Bonus Prompts: DALL-E in Action & Special Education

• Homeroom Swag: Bright Yellow School Supplies Letters and Numbers Set

• Laughter Lounge: That One Kid Showing Up for State Testing

• Poll Position: What Is Your Breakfast of Choice?

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

Happy Friday Y’all,

As testing season starts winding down and summer peeks just over the horizon, it’s easy to focus only on the finish line. But this week’s quote from President John F. Kennedy reminds us why we do what we do: “The goal of education is the advancement of knowledge and the dissemination of truth.” That’s a bold mission, and one you carry out each day with persistence, purpose, and heart.

Whether you’re reteaching critical concepts, guiding student reflection, or encouraging peer mentorship, every action you take is a step toward truth. It’s not just about test scores. It’s about equipping students to be thinkers, leaders, and lifelong learners. This week’s prompts are packed with tools to help you extend learning and build community. From using spaced repetition to designing student portfolios, and from educator support groups to creative space-themed visuals, we’ve got the resources you need.

So don’t lose heart. Your lessons last longer than you know. Truth takes root in small, steady moments… like a reflection journal, a tough conversation, or a quiet breakthrough. Stay grounded in your “why” and keep watering those seeds.

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. Sanders, a high school history teacher, noticed her students retained facts better when she spaced out reviews rather than cramming everything into one unit. She wanted to explore spaced repetition as an intentional strategy in her lesson design.

ChatGPT Prompt:

I am a [class subject] teacher and I teach [grade level] students. Develop a lesson plan for [subject/topic] that uses spaced repetition techniques to help students retain important concepts over time.

The Benefits of This Prompt:

• Improves long-term memory: Students retain content more effectively.

• Supports test readiness: Reinforcement prepares students for assessments.

• Reduces cognitive overload: Information is digested over time, not dumped all at once.

Scenario:

Coach Grady wanted his middle school students to reflect on their growth over the semester. He implemented digital and physical student portfolios that included writing samples, project snapshots, and personal goals.

ChatGPT Prompt:

I am a [class subject] teacher and I teach [grade level] students. Help me create a system of student portfolios that track progress, showcase achievements, and encourage self-reflection and goal-setting among [grade level] students.

The Benefits of This Prompt:

• Promotes ownership: Students track and reflect on their progress.

• Encourages goal setting: Portfolios support academic and personal growth.

• Informs conferences: Portfolios become powerful tools for student-led discussions.

Scenario:

Ms. Bright had a student excelling in reading who also loved helping others. She wanted to suggest that the student become a peer mentor and inform the parents about the opportunity.

ChatGPT Prompt:

Draft a letter to [student's name]’s parents, [parent or guardian name(s)], suggesting peer mentoring opportunities. Explain the benefits of mentoring for both mentor and mentee, and provide details about how [list ways the student can get involved or benefit from the program].

The Benefits of This Prompt:

• Builds leadership: Encourages students to grow through mentorship.

• Fosters empathy: Students learn the value of service and community.

• Strengthens school culture: Mentoring connects grade levels and peer groups.

Scenario:

Mr. Tyler was feeling isolated during his second year of teaching. He wanted a safe space to process challenges, swap strategies, and be encouraged by others who “get it.”

ChatGPT Prompt:

Guide me in [finding or creating] a support group with fellow educators. This group should focus on [specific shared challenges, e.g., classroom management, curriculum design, work-life balance, etc].

The Benefits of This Prompt:

• Creates community: Teachers thrive with mutual support.

• Provides perspective: Encouragement reminds us we’re not alone.

• Inspires growth: Collective wisdom leads to better teaching practices.

Scenario:

Ms. Foster realized she was pushing her body too hard with daily workouts and little downtime. She needed a more sustainable routine that included rest and recovery.

ChatGPT Prompt:

I need to incorporate rest days into my exercise routine. Help me create a weekly workout schedule that includes adequate rest and recovery time for my [fitness level, goals, health issues, etc.].

The Benefits of This Prompt:

• Promotes recovery: Muscles rebuild and energy is restored.

• Prevents burnout: A balanced schedule sustains long-term wellness.

• Supports mental health: Rest helps regulate stress and hormones.

DALL-E In Action Prompt: Space Flight

Scenario:

Mrs. Webb wanted to hook her 5th-grade science students with a visual during their astronomy unit. She used DALL-E to generate a realistic and fun image of a rocket flying through space.

ChatGPT Prompt:

Generate a scene of a rocket ship flying across space. Include planets, moons, stars and a distant sun.

The Benefits of This Prompt:

• Captures attention: Visuals spark curiosity and engagement.

• Supports visualization: Helps students better understand abstract content.

• Integrates art and science: Encourages cross-curricular creativity.

Special Education Prompt: Adapting Reading Materials

Scenario:

Ms. Langston had several students with reading accommodations. She needed to adjust her U.S. History resources to better match their levels while still honoring the core concepts.

ChatGPT Prompt:

I am a [class subject] teacher and I teach [grade level] students. Suggest reading materials for [subject/topic] to match the reading levels of students with [list specific learning disability].

The Benefits of This Prompt:

• Promotes equity: All students access meaningful content.

• Improves comprehension: Materials match their current ability.

• Supports IEP goals: Instruction aligns with specific needs.

This week’s Bright Yellow School Supplies Bulletin Board Letters and Numbers Clipart Set is bold, cheerful, and perfect for high-energy classroom vibes! Each letter and number features familiar supplies like scissors, backpacks, and pencils in vibrant blue on a sunny yellow background. Use this set for back-to-school themes, end-of-year countdowns, or student showcase boards. It adds color, personality, and learning energy to any space!

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Bottom Line Y’all…

As President Kennedy said, “The goal of education is the advancement of knowledge and the dissemination of truth.” And that’s exactly what you do—through every prompt, portfolio, parent email, and lesson you deliver. You don’t just teach content. You equip learners to carry truth forward into their communities, homes, and futures.

This week, honor the process, not just the product. Encourage students to pause, reflect, set goals, and help others grow. Encourage yourself to do the same. Lean on your team. Rest. Laugh. Try something new in your wellness routine or lesson strategy. And if nothing else, share that rocket ship scene and remind your kids that even their imaginations deserve liftoff.

We believe in what you're doing, and we’re grateful you let us walk alongside you. Let’s keep teaching forward… together.

Teach Forward! Improve Daily! Inspire Always!

Warm regards,
Mitch Fairchild
Founder, The Classroom Newsletter

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