The Classroom Newsletter

šŸ’„ Zap! Boom! And POW-er Up Your Reading Culture: Thematic Learning, Classroom Libraries, Literacy Conversations, And So Much More!

The Classroom Newsletter | July 11th, 2025

In This Issue:

  • Lesson Planning: Thematic Learning

  • Classroom Management: Setting Up a Classroom Library

  • Parent Communication: Reading Levels

  • Burnout Busters: Establish a Reading Space

  • Health & Wellness: Read Personal Development Books

  • Bonus Prompts: Emergent Bilingual & Special Education

  • Homeroom Swag: Comic Book Theme Bulletin Board Letters & Numbers Set

  • Laughter Lounge: That Parent Who Thinks Their Child Is an Angel, BUT...

  • Poll Position: Which Book Genre Do You Prefer?

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

Happy Friday Y’all,

We’re halfway through July, and if there’s one thing that summer still has plenty of, it’s pages waiting to be read and classrooms waiting to be reimagined. William Godwin once said, ā€œHe that loves reading has everything within his reach.ā€

That is SOOOOOO true! Reading unlocks possibility, sharpens perspective, and expands hearts and minds. This week, we lean into all things literacy: building reading spaces, creating thematic connections across subjects, using stories to support students with diverse needs, and having meaningful parent conversations about reading progress.

Whether you’re stacking your TBR pile, organizing your classroom library, or finally carving out that cozy reading nook at home, this issue is about building a culture of curiosity and comprehension. Let’s inspire our students to love reading not because it’s assigned… but because it opens up their world.

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. Delgado wanted to link her science unit on ecosystems to writing and social studies. She asked ChatGPT for a lesson that unified all three subjects under the theme of ā€œInterdependence in Nature.ā€

ChatGPT Prompt:
I am a [class subject] teacher and I teach [grade level] students. Develop a lesson plan for [subject/topic] that uses a thematic approach to connect multiple subjects under one overarching theme.

The Benefits Of This Prompt:
Promotes deeper understanding: Students make connections across disciplines.
Sparks engagement: Thematic units feel more relevant and meaningful.
Streamlines planning: Teachers can target multiple standards in one cohesive unit.

Scenario:
Coach Armstrong wanted to create a class library that was easy to use and inviting to his 5th graders. He asked ChatGPT to help him organize it by genre and reading level while keeping it student-friendly.

ChatGPT Prompt:
I am a [class subject] teacher and I teach [grade level] students. Create a strategy for setting up a classroom library that encourages reading, is well-organized, and provides a variety of books that are appropriate and engaging for my students.

The Benefits Of This Prompt:
Boosts reading motivation: Students are more likely to read when choices are accessible.
Improves organization: Streamlined systems reduce clutter and confusion.
Encourages independence: Students learn to choose books that match their needs and interests.

Scenario:
Mr. Thorne noticed his student, Ava, was reading below grade level. He used ChatGPT to draft a respectful and supportive letter to Ava’s parents that included current data and at-home strategies.

ChatGPT Prompt:
Draft a letter to [student's name]’s parents, [parent or guardian name(s)], discussing concerns about [his/her] reading proficiency. Provide details about their current reading level, [briefly explain current reading level and any reading goals], and suggest ways they can support their child’s reading development at home.

The Benefits Of This Prompt:
Fosters trust: Clear, compassionate communication builds partnerships.
Empowers families: Parents gain tools to support their child’s reading progress.
Supports student growth: Encouragement from home and school amplifies impact.

Scenario:
Mrs. Callahan needed a place to decompress after school. She used ChatGPT to help her design a simple reading nook in her guest room—complete with a cozy chair, reading light, and a ā€œno phoneā€ rule.

ChatGPT Prompt:
Help me create/design a reading/study area at home where I can relax and refocus. This area should be designed for [list specific purposes, e.g., studying, researching, reading].

The Benefits Of This Prompt:
Promotes self-care: A reading space creates mental clarity and emotional calm.
Fuels growth: Intentional environments lead to focused learning.
Inspires consistency: Having a space makes it easier to stick with reading goals.

Scenario:
Coach Bennett wanted to improve his time management and leadership skills. He asked ChatGPT to recommend personal development books that aligned with his professional and personal goals.

ChatGPT Prompt:
I want to read more personal development books. Suggest books to read that relate to [list physical, entrepreneurial, work, relational goals you want to accomplish] and design a reading plan or schedule that works with my [daily routine, time restraints, etc.].

The Benefits Of This Prompt:
Encourages lifelong learning: Teachers grow when they keep growing themselves.
Supports goal achievement: Books guide strategy, reflection, and action.
Boosts morale: A new idea or insight can reset an entire mindset.

Emergent Bilingual Prompt: Reading in Both Languages

Scenario:
Ms. Hernandez wanted her students to access content in both English and Spanish during a unit on weather. She used ChatGPT to generate a booklist that aligned with her curriculum in both languages.

ChatGPT Prompt:
I am a [class subject] teacher and I teach [grade level] students. Provide a list of books in both English and [enter student’s home languages] that align with the current unit on [subject/topic].

The Benefits Of This Prompt:
Promotes biliteracy: Students strengthen language skills in both languages.
Encourages inclusion: Home language support validates student identity.
Improves understanding: Dual-language exposure deepens concept comprehension.

Special Education Prompt: Social Stories for Specific Challenges

Scenario:
Mr. Davis had students with autism in his classroom who struggled with transitions during math. He asked ChatGPT to help him create social stories tailored to their needs that would help the student better understand classroom transitioning.

ChatGPT Prompt:
I am a [class subject] teacher and I teach [grade level] students. Design a set of social stories to address [list specific challenges] related to [event/subject/topic/etc.] for students with [specify learning disability].

The Benefits Of This Prompt:
Supports behavior: Visual, clear narratives guide expected actions.
Reduces anxiety: Students feel more prepared and confident.
Improves participation: Students engage more fully when they understand the structure.

This week’s Comic Book Theme Easy Print Bulletin Board Letters and Numbers Set is bursting with energy! Each character is backed with classic comic-style exclamations like ā€œPOW,ā€ ā€œZAP,ā€ ā€œWOW,ā€ and ā€œBOOMā€ā€”bringing boldness, color, and fun to your classroom.

Perfect Uses Include:

  • ā€œReading Is a Superpowerā€ displays

  • ā€œWelcome Back Heroes!ā€ first-week message

  • Behavior tracking boards like ā€œSuper Students of the Weekā€

  • Motivational phrases like ā€œBAM! You Did It!ā€

Print. Cut. Post. Then watch your students get inspired!

Comic Book Theme Easy Print Bulletin Board Letters And Numbers Set1.12 MB • PDF File

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Which book genre do you prefer?

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Bottom Line Y’all…

ā€œHe that loves reading has everything within his reach.ā€ Whether it’s understanding a peer, solving a complex problem, or simply escaping into imagination… reading is the thread that ties it all together.

This week’s prompts are a celebration of that truth. From creating themed units to organizing inviting libraries, from empowering parents with clarity to grounding yourself in a peaceful reading nook, you’re not just building stronger readers… you’re building curious thinkers, compassionate teammates, and independent leaders.

So flip the page. Try the prompt. Add the comic flair. And let reading reshape what’s possible, for your students… and for you.

Teach Forward! Improve Daily! Inspire Always!

Warm regards,
Mitch Fairchild
Founder, The Classroom Newsletter

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