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The Classroom Newsletter
☀️ Countdown to Summer: Collaborative Learning, Parent Partnerships, Purposeful Growth, Beach Scenes, and So Much More!
Mitch Fairchild
May 09, 2025
In This Issue:
Lesson Planning: Jigsaw Activity for Collaborative Learning
Classroom Management: Managing Classroom Supplies and Resources
Parent Communication: Curriculum Concerns
Burnout Busters: Focus on Spiritual Growth
Health and Wellness: Keep a Health Journal
Bonus Prompts: Emergent Bilingual & Special Education
Homeroom Swag: “Summer Is Almost Here” Letters & Numbers Set
Laughter Lounge: Sync Your Email
Poll Position: WEATHER… Or Not?
Happy Friday Y’all,
As we inch closer to the final days of the school year, it’s tempting to shift into cruise control. But this week’s quote by Anthony J. D’Angelo reminds us: "The only real failure in life is one not learned from." As educators, we know that every moment, whether triumphant or trying, is a chance to teach, reflect, and grow. The end of the year isn’t about coasting; it’s about finishing with focus, faith, and a few well-earned laughs.
In this week’s issue, we lean into lessons that multiply impact. From jigsaw activities that promote peer teaching to SEL-infused strategies for diverse learners, we’re here to help you close strong. This week also offers tools for nourishing your spirit, managing your classroom space, and engaging families with grace when tough conversations come your way.
Whether you're counting test days, supply bins, or your own steps toward summer break… remember this: you’re not just teaching content. You’re modeling resilience, responsibility, and real-time learning.
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. Franklin wanted to cover multiple Civil War battles in her 8th grade social studies class, but knew direct instruction would bore her students. Instead, she used a jigsaw strategy, where each student became an “expert” on one battle and taught it to their team.
ChatGPT Prompt:
I am a [class subject] teacher and I teach [grade level] students. Develop a lesson plan for [subject/topic] that uses a jigsaw activity, where each student becomes an expert on one part of the material and teaches their peers.
The Benefits Of This Prompt:
Promotes student ownership: Students lead learning and build confidence.
Reinforces content comprehension: Teaching others deepens understanding.
Strengthens collaboration: Every voice contributes to collective knowledge.
Scenario:
Coach Rivera was tired of missing markers and disappearing glue sticks. He needed a system that empowered students to take responsibility for classroom tools, and made cleanup fast and consistent.
ChatGPT Prompt:
I am a [class subject] teacher and I teach [grade level] students. Help me create a system for managing classroom supplies and resources, ensuring that materials are accessible, well-maintained, and used efficiently by [grade level] students, and then returned to their appropriate location.
The Benefits Of This Prompt:
Reduces waste and chaos: Students know where materials go—and why.
Saves time: Clear systems = fewer supply scavenger hunts.
Builds responsibility: Students learn to care for shared spaces.
Scenario:
Mr. Tucker received an email from a parent questioning the themes in a recent English unit. He wanted to address their concerns thoughtfully, while affirming the curriculum’s alignment with standards.
ChatGPT Prompt:
I am a [grade level] teacher and I teach [subject/class]. Draft a letter to [student's name]’s parents, [parent or guardian name(s)], that highlights [list concerns they have about the curriculum]. Express that their concerns have value, and provide [clarification—briefly explain how the curriculum meets state standards for the class; OR suggestions—briefly explain how they can approach these topics/concerns with their child].
The Benefits Of This Prompt:
Strengthens trust: Parents feel heard and informed.
Clarifies curriculum intent: Aligns classroom practice with standards.
Fosters healthy dialogue: Encourages shared responsibility in education.
Scenario:
Mrs. White felt emotionally drained despite her love for teaching. She wanted to deepen her spiritual practices and reconnect with her faith to refuel her purpose.
ChatGPT Prompt:
Help me incorporate activities into my daily routine that nourish my spiritual growth. These activities should align with [list specific religious beliefs and desired spiritual outcomes].
The Benefits Of This Prompt:
Cultivates inner peace: Spiritual grounding brings clarity.
Builds emotional resilience: Faith fuels strength in hard seasons.
Aligns life with purpose: Spiritual health supports whole-person wellness.
Scenario:
Coach Henry wanted to monitor his sleep, energy, and diet, but was overwhelmed by the options. He asked ChatGPT to help him start a practical, personalized health journal.
ChatGPT Prompt:
I want to start keeping a health journal. Help me create a template or system for tracking my [list daily habits, symptoms, diet, exercise, etc.] that aligns with my [list health goals, personal preferences, etc.].
The Benefits Of This Prompt:
Reveals patterns: Journaling shows connections between habits and health.
Empowers self-awareness: Teachers make more informed choices.
Promotes accountability: Tracking supports sustainable change.
Emergent Bilingual Prompt: Leadership Development
Scenario:
Ms. Herrera wanted to highlight the quiet leadership potential in her bilingual learners and build opportunities for them to lead group work in science.
ChatGPT Prompt:
I am a [class subject] teacher and I teach [grade level] students. Provide opportunities for my Emergent Bilingual students to develop leadership skills within the context of [describe topic/lesson/project], such as leading group activities or discussions.
The Benefits Of This Prompt:
Boosts confidence: Leadership builds voice and identity.
Encourages peer respect: Classmates recognize new strengths.
Supports language growth: Speaking and leading accelerate language acquisition.
Special Education Prompt: Social-Emotional Learning Integration
Scenario:
Mrs. McKinley wanted to better support her students with anxiety and trauma histories during math instruction. She asked ChatGPT for ways to integrate SEL into her daily routines.
ChatGPT Prompt:
I am a [class subject] teacher and I teach [grade level] students. Suggest ways to incorporate social-emotional learning into my [subject/topic] lessons to support students with [list specific emotional/mental health needs].
The Benefits Of This Prompt:
Improves classroom climate: SEL lowers anxiety and boosts focus.
Builds emotional literacy: Students learn to name and manage emotions.
Supports whole-child learning: Academic and emotional growth go hand-in-hand.
This week’s “Summer Is Almost Here” Bulletin Board Letters and Numbers Set captures all the vibes of sunshine, countdowns, and end-of-year excitement! Each character features vibrant beach themes like palm trees, popsicles, sunglasses, and sand.
Perfect for:
- "Countdown to Summer" displays
- Classroom or hallway party themes
- Graduation celebration signs
If your students are dreaming of break, give them a bright reminder that fun is just around the corner!
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Bottom Line Y’all…
“The only real failure in life is one not learned from.” This week’s quote reminds us that the end of the year isn’t just about winding down—it’s about reflecting, refining, and preparing for what’s next. Every mistake, conversation, and curriculum tweak is a chance to learn.
Whether you’re helping students teach each other, restocking your glue sticks, or grounding your spirit in something bigger, your intentionality is the real win.
So give yourself space to reflect, room to grow, and grace to adjust. Finish this year not just checking boxes—but learning, leading, and lighting the way for those who come next.
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! |