The Classroom Newsletter

The Classroom Newsletter | July 18th, 2025

In This Issue:

• Lesson Planning: Small Group Case Studies

• Classroom Management: Encouraging Self-Assessment and Reflection

• Parent Communication: Student Emotional Wellbeing

• Burnout Busters: Plan Ahead

• Health & Wellness: Get Enough Sleep

• Bonus Prompts: Emergent Bilingual & Special Education

• Homeroom Swag: Zoo Theme Zebra Print Bulletin Board Letters & Numbers Set

• Laughter Lounge: That Pile of Brush in Your Yard…

• Poll Position: What’s Your Ideal Vacation/Travel Accommodation?

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

Happy Friday Y’all,

We’re educators, but more than that… we’re builders. Builders of minds, character, habits, and heart. That’s why this week’s quote from Carter G. Woodson hits so hard:
“The mere imparting of information is not education.”

Real education isn’t just about what we say. It’s about what they do with it. It’s about asking, Did they apply it? Did they wrestle with it? Did it help shape who they’re becoming? This week’s prompts are rooted in that truth. From using case studies to simulate real-life learning, to building self-reflection into our classroom culture, to supporting our students’ mental wellness and our own. We’re not just here to deliver content… we’re here to cultivate capacity.

Think about it… every lesson you teach is an opportunity to spark critical thinking, every classroom system a chance to build independence, and every parent letter a step toward partnership. That’s the kind of impact that transforms lives. And that’s what this week’s newsletter is all about.

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. Jensen wanted her 11th-grade government students to engage in deeper discussion and apply legal concepts. She asked ChatGPT for a lesson plan using small group case studies on constitutional rights and real court decisions.

ChatGPT Prompt:
I am a [class subject] teacher and I teach [grade level] students. Develop a lesson plan for [subject/topic] that includes small group case studies to foster real-world problem-solving skills.

The Benefits of This Prompt:

• Promotes active learning: Students take ownership as they apply concepts to real-world scenarios.

• Builds collaboration: Group case studies naturally encourage communication and teamwork.

• Deepens understanding: Students explore issues from multiple perspectives, strengthening critical thinking.

Scenario:
Coach Rivera noticed that many of his students weren’t taking feedback seriously. He asked ChatGPT for strategies to build in meaningful self-assessment that helped students reflect and set goals after each unit.

ChatGPT Prompt:
I am a [class subject] teacher and I teach [grade level] students. Suggest strategies to encourage self-assessment and reflection among my students, helping them to take ownership of their learning and set personal goals for improvement.

The Benefits of This Prompt:

• Develops metacognition: Students think about their own thinking and learning habits.

• Increases responsibility: Reflection turns students into active participants in their growth.

• Improves outcomes: When students set their own learning goals, they are more motivated to reach them.

Scenario:
Ms. Patel noticed Jorge seemed withdrawn and less engaged in class activities. She wanted to reach out to his parents in a caring, thoughtful way and asked ChatGPT to help her write a letter that opened the door for partnership and support.

ChatGPT Prompt:
Draft a letter to [student's name]’s parents, [parent or guardian name(s)], addressing concerns about [his/her] emotional wellbeing. Briefly describe [list specific observations], and let them know I am open to any suggestions of what I can do to support their child’s emotional health here at school.

The Benefits of This Prompt:

• Builds trust: Open communication shows families you genuinely care.

• Promotes early intervention: Addressing emotional needs early can prevent long-term challenges.

• Creates a support system: Teachers and parents work together to nurture student well-being.

Scenario:
Coach Thomas was juggling lesson planning, football practice, and family life. He used ChatGPT to create a simple week-by-week planning system that aligned with his busy schedule and gave him back his Sunday nights.

ChatGPT Prompt:
Help me develop a strategy for planning lessons and activities ahead of time to reduce last-minute stress. This plan should accommodate [list specific time constraints, e.g., weekly planning sessions, daily prep time, second job, workout schedule, etc].

The Benefits of This Prompt:

• Reduces stress: Forward planning cuts down on daily scrambling.

• Increases consistency: Students thrive when routines are clear and well-structured.

• Frees up time: More peace of mind outside school hours means better energy in the classroom.

Scenario:
Ms. Kim was staying up way too late prepping lessons. She asked ChatGPT to help her create a bedtime routine and realistic plan for getting 7 hours of solid sleep each night—even during the school year.

ChatGPT Prompt:
I want to improve my sleep quality. Help me create a bedtime strategy and routine that ensures I get [specific number of hours] of quality sleep each night.

The Benefits of This Prompt:

• Boosts cognitive function: Better sleep = better teaching.

• Improves mood: Rested teachers respond with more patience and positivity.

• Supports long-term health: Prioritizing sleep protects your heart, mind, and body.

Emergent Bilingual Prompt: Modern Language Use

Scenario:
Mr. Lopez wanted to improve his English learners’ speaking confidence during a science unit. He asked ChatGPT how to model academic language and build in moments for structured student talk.

ChatGPT Prompt:
I am a [class subject] teacher and I teach [grade level] students. Suggest ways I can model proper language use during my lessons on [assignment/topic] and encourage my students to repeat and practice this language.

The Benefits of This Prompt:

• Models academic language: Students learn how to express complex ideas effectively.

• Improves fluency: Structured repetition builds confidence and clarity.

• Encourages equity: All students get a chance to practice, not just the outspoken few.

Special Education Prompt: Graphic Organizers

Scenario:
Mrs. Snyder needed a way to help her students with dyslexia organize their thoughts for writing assignments. She used ChatGPT to design custom graphic organizers that met their needs.

ChatGPT Prompt:
I am a [class subject] teacher and I teach [grade level] students. Help me create graphic organizers that help students with [specific learning disability] organize their thoughts about [subject/topic].

The Benefits of This Prompt:

• Supports diverse learners: Organizers provide structure and clarity.

• Improves comprehension: Visual tools help students retain and apply what they’ve learned.

• Empowers independence: Students can use the tools without always relying on adult support.

🦓 Homeroom Swag: Zebra Print Bulletin Board Set

Bring some bold safari vibes to your classroom this season with our Zoo Theme Zebra Print Bulletin Board Letters and Numbers Set! Each letter, number, and special character features sleek black-and-white zebra stripes that add just the right mix of fun and flair.

Perfect for:

• “Wild About Learning” bulletin boards

• Jungle or zoo-themed classroom makeovers

• Birthday boards, incentive trackers, and hallway displays

• Spirit week, reading challenges, or animal science units!

Whether you’re planning for back-to-school or setting the scene for a unit on ecosystems, this set is a wild way to make your classroom unforgettable.

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Bottom Line Y’all…

Carter G. Woodson said, “The mere imparting of information is not education.” That’s a bold reminder that worksheets and lectures will never replace authentic learning. What really matters is how students engage. How they reflect, collaborate, problem-solve, and grow.

This week’s prompts aren’t just about efficiency, they’re about depth. They challenge us to prioritize emotional wellness, build reflective learners, and think ahead without burning out. When we approach teaching as formation (not just information) we create classrooms that don’t just work, they transform.

So stay bold. Stay creative. And keep building something that matters. Whether it’s a wild new classroom theme or a well-earned night of quality sleep… everything you do contributes to the culture you’re creating. Let’s make it one worth remembering.

Teach Forward! Improve Daily! Inspire Always!

Warm regards,
Mitch Fairchild
Founder, The Classroom Newsletter

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