The Classroom Newsletter

šŸ“£ Spark the Flame: TED Talks, Conflict Resolution, Forgiveness in the Classroom, Digital Citizenship Swag... AND TONS MORE!

The Classroom Newsletter | August 15th, 2025

In This Issue:

  • Lesson Planning: TED-Style Talks

  • Classroom Management: Managing Classroom Conflicts

  • Parent Communication: Student Awards

  • Burnout Busters: Laugh Often

  • Health and Wellness: Practice Forgiveness and Compassion

  • This Week’s Bonus Prompts: Emergent Bilingual & Side Hustle Prompts

  • Homeroom Swag: Digital Citizenship Bulletin Board Letters & Numbers Set

  • Whimsical Wisdom: If It Can Be Addressed In An Email…

  • Poll Position: What’s Your Go To Social To Scroll?

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

Happy Friday Y’all,

ā€œThe mind is not a vessel to be filled but a fire to be kindled.ā€ —Plutarch šŸ”„
That quote couldn’t be more fitting for the work we do every day. We don’t just pour facts into young minds… we ignite curiosity, purpose, and confidence. I personally believe that we light the match that helps them see the world differently and discover who they can become.

This week’s issue leans into that fire: helping students share their learning in bold, meaningful ways (TED-style!), de-escalating classroom conflict with empathy, and cultivating peace in our own lives through laughter and forgiveness. Because kindling someone else's fire starts with tending to our own.

Whether you’re heading into your first full week or still prepping for Day 1, remember, you don’t need to do it all at once. You just need to show up, spark something real, and let it grow from there.

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. Bryant teaches high school history and wants her students to showcase their learning in a more meaningful, student-centered way. She decides to try TED-style talks as an end-of-unit assessment to encourage public speaking, content mastery, and creative presentation.

ChatGPT Prompt:
I am a [class subject] teacher and I teach [grade level] students. Create a lesson plan for [subject/topic] that uses TED-style talks as a way for students to present their understanding of the material.

The Benefits of This Prompt:
ā€ƒā€¢ā€ƒBuilds communication skills: Students strengthen speaking and listening abilities.
ā€ƒā€¢ā€ƒPromotes ownership: Learners share content via personal voice & creativity.
ā€ƒā€¢ā€ƒDeepens comprehension: Teaching the material solidifies content understanding.

Scenario:
Coach Ramirez notices growing tension between two 8th-grade students during group work. Rather than ignore it, he seeks proactive strategies through ChatGPT to resolve the conflict while preserving dignity and fostering respect.

ChatGPT Prompt:
I am a [class subject] teacher and I teach [grade level] students. Help me create strategies for managing and resolving [describe specific conflicts between students] in a way that promotes understanding, respect, and a positive learning environment for all parties involved.

The Benefits of This Prompt:
ā€ƒā€¢ā€ƒEmpathy: Conflict resolution teaches students to consider others' perspectives.
ā€ƒā€¢ā€ƒSolid classroom culture: Respectful practices build a safer learning environment.
ā€ƒā€¢ā€ƒPrepares for real life: Students develop lifelong relationship skills.

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Scenario:
Ms. Thomas is thrilled to recognize one of her students for exceptional growth. She wants to send home a letter that celebrates the student’s achievement in a way that includes and uplifts the family too.

ChatGPT Prompt:
Draft a letter to [student's name]’s parents, [parent or guardian name(s)], informing them of an award that [student's name] will be receiving. Highlight [briefly explain the reason for receiving the award], and express congratulations and pride in the student’s achievement.

The Benefits of This Prompt:
ā€ƒā€¢ā€ƒBuilds positive relationships: Families feel connected and celebrated.
ā€ƒā€¢ā€ƒBoosts student morale: Recognition from school and home fosters motivation.
ā€ƒā€¢ā€ƒEnhances communication: Keeps parents informed and engaged.

Scenario:
Mr. King realizes he’s been all work and no play. He turns to ChatGPT to help him brainstorm practical, lighthearted ways to bring humor and fun into his week—because laughter really is medicine.

ChatGPT Prompt:
Provide suggestions on how I can incorporate more laughter into my daily routine. These suggestions should align with [list specific personal preferences, e.g., watching comedy, spending time with funny friends].

The Benefits of This Prompt:
ā€ƒā€¢ā€ƒBoosts mood: Laughing reduces stress and elevates joy.
ā€ƒā€¢ā€ƒImproves classroom energy: A happy teacher fosters a positive atmosphere.
ā€ƒā€¢ā€ƒCreates connection: Shared humor builds relationships with students & colleagues.

Scenario:
Mrs. Ellis has been holding on to frustration from a rough start with a parent. She wants to release the tension and move forward with more grace. ChatGPT helps her reflect and rebuild with intention.

ChatGPT Prompt:
I want to practice forgiveness and compassion more regularly. Can you suggest ways to incorporate these values into my [daily interactions, personal growth, spiritual practice, etc.]?

The Benefits of This Prompt:
ā€ƒā€¢ā€ƒHeals emotional fatigue: Letting go of grudges lightens your mental load.
ā€ƒā€¢ā€ƒIncreases emotional intelligence: Mindful practices strengthen inner peace.
ā€ƒā€¢ā€ƒModels growth: Students witness and benefit from your emotional maturity.

Emergent Bilingual Prompt: Portfolio Assessments

Scenario:
Ms. Alvarez is a Science teacher who wants her Emergent Bilingual students to show their progress beyond just multiple-choice tests. She uses ChatGPT to design portfolio options that validate all types of growth.

ChatGPT Prompt:
I am a [class subject] teacher and I teach [grade level] students. Create a portfolio assessment that allows my Emergent Bilingual students to showcase their learning and growth in [topic/lesson].

The Benefits of This Prompt:
ā€ƒā€¢ā€ƒElevates student voice: Portfolios highlight strengths in creative ways.
ā€ƒā€¢ā€ƒTracks authentic growth: Teachers gain richer insights into progress over time.
ā€ƒā€¢ā€ƒCelebrates language development: Shows what they can do, not what they can’t.

Teacher Side Hustle Prompt: Virtual Assistant

Scenario:
Mr. Jordan wants to earn extra income without starting from scratch. He turns to ChatGPT to map out how to use his organizational skills to support others virtually.

ChatGPT Prompts:
Start: "I want to start a virtual assistant business focused on helping educators or small businesses. What services should I offer to get started?"
Build: "How can I find and retain clients as a virtual assistant in the education sector?"
Grow: "What are the best ways to expand my virtual assistant business, including hiring subcontractors or specializing in specific services?"

The Benefits of These Prompts:
ā€ƒā€¢ā€ƒCreates flexible income: Work from anywhere and on your schedule.
ā€ƒā€¢ā€ƒApplies your strengths: Organization, communication, and tech-savviness pay off.
ā€ƒā€¢ā€ƒExpands your reach: Help others while building a new professional identity.

šŸ“± Homeroom Swag: Digital Citizenship Bulletin Board Set

This week’s featured bulletin board set is the Digital Citizenship Bulletin Board Letters and Numbers Set! šŸ’» Each letter, number, and special character is decked out with vibrant, tech-themed designs featuring popular social media icons, technology graphics, and digital-era colors that reflect the modern online world students live in.

Perfect for:
ā€¢ā€ƒKicking off Digital Citizenship Week or online safety lessons
ā€¢ā€ƒDecorating tech classrooms, computer labs, or library makerspaces
ā€¢ā€ƒDisplaying important reminders about being kind online, protecting privacy, or thinking before posting
ā€¢ā€ƒCreating bulletin boards with themes like ā€œBe a Responsible Digital Citizenā€, ā€œPause Before You Postā€, or ā€œTech Smart, Kind Heartā€
ā€¢ā€ƒAdding a pop of relevance and energy to classroom parties celebrating student tech projects or device rollouts

This set is equal parts educational and exciting—reminding students that how they act online matters just as much as how they act in person.

Digital Citizenship Bulletin Board Letters and Numbers Set374.42 KB • PDF File

✨ Love Our Bulletin Board Sets? Get Access to 150+ Designs! āœØ

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Get over 150+ creative letter and number sets, perfect for every season, theme, and occasion.

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Bottom Line Y’all…

You’re not just managing a classroom. You’re shaping minds and lighting fires. As Plutarch said, ā€œThe mind is not a vessel to be filled but a fire to be kindled.ā€ This week, consider how you can spark that fire through creativity, conflict resolution, celebration, and self-compassion.

Whether it’s through TED-style talks or a lighthearted laugh during lunch, everything you do (yes, even the small stuff) fans the flame. This newsletter isn’t just about prompts. It’s about giving you tools that serve YOU while you serve others.

Take what works, make it your own, and don’t forget to tend to your own fire, too.

šŸ”„ Let’s make this week one that ignites greatness… in your classroom and in yourself.

Teach Forward! Improve Daily! Inspire Always!

Warm regards,
Mitch Fairchild
Founder, The Classroom Newsletter

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