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The Classroom Newsletter
🌳 Unplug, Step Outside, and Set Goals That Matter!
Mitch Fairchild
June 06, 2025
In This Issue:
Lesson Planning: Nature and Outdoor Activities
Classroom Management: Supporting Students with Personal Learning Goals
Parent Communication: Classroom Projects
Burnout Busters: Join Professional Organizations
Health and Wellness: Limit Screen Time
Bonus Prompts: Special Education & Differentiation
Homeroom Swag: Beach Ball Easy Cut and Print Letters & Numbers Set
Laughter Lounge: Summer Routines
Poll Position: What’s Your Go-To Pasta?
Happy Friday Y’all,
There’s something about June that feels like a deep breath. For many teachers, this is the moment where the weight of the year starts to lift, but if you’re like me, your brain’s still buzzing with ideas, reflections, and what’s next. Abigail Adams once said,
“Learning is not attained by chance, it must be sought for with ardor and diligence.”
And she was right. Whether it's helping students dig into a new project or encouraging them to set meaningful learning goals, our profession demands that we be deliberate. Great teaching never happens by accident. It’s the result of intention, planning, and the kind of perseverance that doesn’t stop when the school year does.
This week’s prompts are designed to help you recharge with purpose. Whether you're guiding students toward self-directed learning, joining professional communities to stay sharp, or simply unplugging from screens to be present in your own life. Every small step counts. Let’s wrap up this school year by setting the tone for a summer of healthy habits, professional connection, and meaningful moments.
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. Blake wanted to integrate science and movement for her 4th graders. Instead of another worksheet, she asked ChatGPT to help her create a lesson plan that brought students outside to identify native plants and journal their observations.
ChatGPT Prompt:
I am a [class subject] teacher and I teach [grade level] students. Create a lesson plan for [subject/topic] that integrates nature or outdoor activities to engage students with the environment as they learn.
The Benefits Of This Prompt:
Encourages real-world connection: Learning becomes tangible when students interact with nature.
Boosts engagement: Outdoor activities refresh energy and stimulate curiosity.
Supports holistic learning: Physical movement enhances memory and focus.
Scenario:
Coach Jenkins wanted his middle schoolers to start taking ownership of their academic journey. He used ChatGPT to design an activity where students set SMART learning goals tailored to their personal interests and performance data.
ChatGPT Prompt:
I am a [class subject] teacher and I teach [grade level] students. Help me guide my students in setting personal learning goals that are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART), tailored to [grade level] students' needs and aspirations.
The Benefits Of This Prompt:
Promotes ownership: Students begin to see their learning as their responsibility.
Improves self-awareness: Goal-setting builds reflection and accountability.
Drives motivation: Specific targets help students stay focused and driven.
Scenario:
Mr. Dawson wanted to keep parents in the loop about a collaborative research project his 7th graders were working on. He used ChatGPT to help him draft an update letter that outlined the project’s purpose, student progress, and ways parents could support at home.
ChatGPT Prompt:
Draft a letter to [student's name]’s parents, [parent or guardian name(s)], discussing [progress or concerns] with [briefly explain ongoing project(s)]. Provide [list specific updates], and suggest ways they can support their child in completing the project successfully.
The Benefits Of This Prompt:
Strengthens communication: Parents feel informed and included in their child’s learning.
Builds support at home: Clear expectations help families provide the right guidance.
Increases student accountability: When everyone is on the same page, students rise to meet the challenge.
Scenario:
Ms. Reed wanted to grow professionally during the summer but didn’t want to commit to another degree or course. She asked ChatGPT for a list of reputable organizations aligned with her interests in early literacy and educational technology.
ChatGPT Prompt:
Provide suggestions for professional organizations that I can join to stay connected with my [list professional interests or teaching field]. These organizations should offer [list specific benefits, e.g., resources, networking opportunities].
The Benefits Of This Prompt:
Expands your network: Connect with like-minded educators and thought leaders.
Provides resources: Access to cutting-edge materials, training, and ideas.
Inspires ongoing learning: Stay sharp and up-to-date even outside the classroom.
Scenario:
Coach Rivera found himself endlessly scrolling on social media even after school let out. He wanted a way to limit screen time and spend more time being active and present with his family.
ChatGPT Prompt:
I want to limit my screen time. Help me create a plan to reduce my [social media, TV, computer, video game] usage and spend more time on [list alternative activities, hobbies, relationships, etc.].
The Benefits Of This Prompt:
Supports mental clarity: Less screen time leads to improved focus and better rest.
Fosters meaningful connection: Replaces digital time with quality real-life moments.
Encourages productivity: Creates space for hobbies, creativity, and self-care.
Special Education Prompt: Behavioral Feedback Methods
Scenario:
Mr. Alvarez worked with students who required immediate and clear behavioral feedback. He asked ChatGPT for strategies to give feedback that supported growth while being specific, kind, and effective.
ChatGPT Prompt:
I am a [class subject] teacher and I teach [grade level] students. Provide feedback methods for immediately and specifically addressing behavior in a student with [specific behavioral challenge].
The Benefits Of This Prompt:
Provides structure: Students thrive when expectations and feedback are clear.
Reinforces positive habits: Specific feedback helps students know what to repeat.
Builds trust: Encouraging language promotes emotional safety and development.
Differentiation Prompt: Managing Differentiated Instruction in Large Classrooms
Scenario:
Mrs. Tran teaches a large 5th grade class with varying levels of readiness and interest. She wanted strategies to differentiate her instruction without being overwhelmed by logistics.
ChatGPT Prompt:
I am a [class subject] teacher and I teach [grade level] students. Provide strategies for managing differentiated instruction in a large classroom setting, including techniques for maintaining student engagement and ensuring that all learning needs are met.
The Benefits Of This Prompt:
Improves engagement: Every student gets what they need to stay challenged.
Streamlines instruction: Systems make differentiation manageable—even with 30+ students.
Boosts outcomes: More targeted teaching leads to stronger academic growth.
Bring the beach party into your building with the Beach Ball Easy Cut and Print Bulletin Board Letters and Numbers Set! Each character features bold, vibrant beach balls bursting with summer fun—perfect for turning your space into a celebration zone.
Perfect Uses Include:
"Summer Bash" classroom party signs
"Bounce into Break!" countdown displays
Photo booth backdrops for student send-offs
Bright hallway decor that keeps the mood fun and festive
You bring the snacks—these letters bring the party!
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What? Just me? I don’t thing so!
Bottom Line Y’all…
“Learning is not attained by chance, it must be sought for with ardor and diligence.” That applies just as much to teachers as it does to students. From unplugging for mental clarity to reconnecting with our passions through professional communities, we have to be intentional in how we grow… even when the classroom is quiet.
This summer, let’s not just rest, let’s recharge. Let’s get outside. Let’s create again. Let’s plan with purpose. Whether you’re wrapping up this school year or already peeking into the next, keep learning alive in you.
Here’s to a summer that isn’t just restful, but meaningful.
Teach Forward! Improve Daily! Inspire Always!
Warm regards,
Mitch Fairchild
Founder, The Classroom Newsletter