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The Classroom Newsletter
🧠 Back to School, Back to Purpose: AR/VR Lessons, Conflict Resolution, Special Education Needs, AND SO MUCH MORE!
Mitch Fairchild
August 01, 2025
In This Issue:
Lesson Planning: AR/VR Integration
Classroom Management: Teaching Conflict Resolution Skills
Parent Communication: Special Education Needs
Burnout Busters: Cultivate a Support Network
Health and Wellness: Cultivate a Sense of Purpose
This Week’s Bonus Prompts: Differentiation Prompt & New Teacher Prompt
Homeroom Swag: Chalkboard Students Bulletin Board Letters & Numbers Set
Whimsical Wisdom: Summer Is Over / PD Attire
Poll Position: What’s Your Go-To Hobby?
Happy Friday Y’all,
As we gear up for a new school year, it's the perfect time to reflect on the heart of what we do. B.B. King once said, “The beautiful thing about learning is that no one can take it away from you.” That quote hits home. In a world of constant change, learning is one of the few things that sticks with us, and as teachers, we are the ones instilling it into the next generation.
This week’s prompts are focused on using innovation and intention to make learning even more meaningful. Whether it’s through the use of cutting-edge tech like AR/VR, teaching students how to resolve conflicts peacefully, or building a community of support and purpose around ourselves… we’re reminded that our work goes way beyond content delivery. We are cultivating lifelong learners and emotionally intelligent citizens.
Education doesn’t stop when the bell rings. It continues through every interaction, every moment of grace, and every spark of curiosity. We’ve included prompts this week to help you bring your classroom to life (literally) with immersive tech, social-emotional strategies, and stronger partnerships with families. You have the power to create spaces where students feel safe, seen, and inspired.
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:
Mr. Barnes teaches high school U.S. History and wants to make his Civil War unit more engaging. He uses ChatGPT to help create a virtual reality field trip to Gettysburg and an augmented reality map to guide students through historical timelines in 3D.
ChatGPT Prompt:
I am a [class subject] teacher and I teach [grade level] students. Develop a lesson plan for [subject/topic] that uses current technology trends like Augmented Reality/Virtual Reality to immerse students in a virtual learning environment.
The Benefits of This Prompt:
• Enhances engagement: Interactive tech sparks curiosity and deeper learning.
• Brings abstract content to life: Concepts become tangible and immersive.
• Supports all learning styles: AR/VR tools provide visual & kinesthetic experiences.
Scenario:
Ms. Delgado teaches 5th grade and notices her students often argue during group projects. She turns to ChatGPT to help her create lessons on peaceful problem-solving, role-playing scenarios, and personal reflection prompts.
ChatGPT Prompt:
I am a [class subject] teacher and I teach [grade level] students. Help me develop lessons and activities that teach conflict resolution skills to [grade level] students, empowering them to resolve disputes peacefully and respectfully.
The Benefits of This Prompt:
• Builds emotional intelligence: Students learn to identify and manage conflict.
• Promotes community: A peaceful classroom feels safe and collaborative.
• Empowers students: They gain tools to handle future disagreements with respect.
Scenario:
Mr. Kwan is reviewing updated IEP accommodations for one of his 8th-grade students. He uses ChatGPT to help draft a caring and collaborative email to the student’s parents that summarizes changes and invites feedback.
ChatGPT Prompt:
Draft a letter to [student's name]’s parents, [parent or guardian name(s)], to discuss [his/her] special education needs. Review [list updates to IEPs, 504 plans, or accommodations], and suggest ways to collaborate in an effort to support their child’s learning.
The Benefits of This Prompt:
• Builds trust: Open communication shows families you genuinely care.
• Promotes early intervention: Proactive collaboration prevents misunderstandings.
• Creates a support system: Teacher and parent unite for student success.
Scenario:
Mrs. Harris is feeling overwhelmed as the year begins. She turns to ChatGPT for ideas on building a trusted circle of teacher friends, mentors, and family who can help her navigate the ups and downs of teaching.
ChatGPT Prompt:
Guide me in building a strong support network of colleagues, friends, and family. This network should help me manage [list specific challenges, e.g., professional demands, personal stress].
The Benefits of This Prompt:
• Reduces isolation: Strong networks remind you that you’re not alone.
• Boosts mental resilience: Sharing challenges creates emotional relief.
• Encourages collaboration: Peer support often leads to fresh ideas and solutions.
Scenario:
Coach Ray feels like he’s just going through the motions. He uses ChatGPT to explore ways to realign his daily habits, teaching goals, and personal faith to rediscover purpose and joy in his work.
ChatGPT Prompt:
I want to find and cultivate a deeper sense of purpose. Help me explore ways to align my [list daily activities, career, relationships] with my [list values, spiritual beliefs, etc.] in an effort to highlight and cultivate my personal purpose.
The Benefits of This Prompt:
• Strengthens identity: Purpose-driven actions feel more fulfilling.
• Increases motivation: Clear purpose fuels focus and passion.
• Improves mental health: Living aligned with your values supports wellbeing.
Differentiation Prompt: Students with Chronic Absences
Scenario:
Ms. Black teaches 7th-grade math and has two students frequently out due to medical reasons. She uses ChatGPT to plan differentiated lessons and catch-up strategies that don’t leave them behind.
ChatGPT Prompt:
I am a [class subject] teacher and I teach [grade level] students. Provide strategies for differentiating instruction for students with chronic absences, ensuring they can catch up and stay on track with the rest of the class during our unit on [topic].
The Benefits of This Prompt:
• Ensures equity: Students stay included, no matter their circumstances.
• Reduces learning gaps: Focused supports help students stay on pace.
• Fosters empathy: Classmates see flexibility as a strength, not a burden.
New Teacher Prompt: Prepare Backup Activities
Scenario:
Mr. Sanders is in his first year teaching 4th grade. He wants to make sure students are engaged during downtime. He asks ChatGPT for meaningful early-finisher activities that are plug-and-play.
ChatGPT Prompt:
I am a [class subject] teacher and I teach [grade level] students. Recommend backup activities that I can have ready for students who finish early, ensuring that they remain engaged and productive during [list specific situations, e.g., after tests, during independent work, etc.].
The Benefits of This Prompt:
• Maximizes time: Keeps students learning even during transition moments.
• Reduces discipline issues: Busy kids are better behaved.
• Builds independence: Students learn to manage time wisely.
This week’s featured printable is the Students On A Chalkboard Bulletin Board Letters & Numbers Set!
Each letter and number includes an old school chalkboard background with cute student characters featured in various, colorful outfits. Perfect for any elementary or middle-grade hallway!
Use this set to:
🎒 Spell out “Welcome Back!” or “Meet the Crew”
📝 Create personalized student nameplates
🎉 Decorate for Open House, Back-to-School Night, or Class Awards
🏫 Highlight student achievements or classroom expectations
It’s versatile, easy to print, and sets a welcoming tone with character!
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What’s your go-to hobby? |
Bottom Line Y’all…
You’re not just teaching a curriculum… you’re leaving a legacy. Every connection you build, every tool you try, and every lesson you teach adds up to something no one can take away. As B.B. King said, “The beautiful thing about learning is that no one can take it away from you.” You’re giving students something permanent: confidence, skill, and knowledge.
Whether you’re diving into AR/VR lessons, crafting better communication with families, or simply trying to find purpose in the everyday grind, remember this, you’re not alone, and what you’re doing matters.
This week, take time to build the kind of classroom you’d want to learn in. Make it work for your students… but also make it work for you.
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! |