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The Classroom Newsletter
š£ Spark the Flame: TED Talks, Conflict Resolution, Forgiveness in the Classroom, Digital Citizenship Swag... AND TONS MORE!
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 Weekās 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 Emailā¦
Poll Position: Whatās Your Go To Social To Scroll?
Happy Friday Yāall,
āThe mind is not a vessel to be filled but a fire to be kindled.ā āPlutarch š„
That quote couldnāt be more fitting for the work we do every day. We donāt 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 weekās 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 youāre heading into your first full week or still prepping for Day 1, remember, you donāt need to do it all at once. You just need to show up, spark something real, and let it grow from there.
Now, letās look at how we can leverage ChatGPT (or your favorite generative AI platform) to help turn your classroom into an optimal learning environmentā¦
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:
āā¢āBuilds communication skills: Students strengthen speaking and listening abilities.
āā¢āPromotes ownership: Learners share content via personal voice & creativity.
āā¢āDeepens 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:
āā¢āEmpathy: Conflict resolution teaches students to consider others' perspectives.
āā¢āSolid classroom culture: Respectful practices build a safer learning environment.
āā¢āPrepares 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 studentās achievement in a way that includes and uplifts the family too.
ChatGPT Prompt:
Draft a letter to [student's name]ās 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 studentās achievement.
The Benefits of This Prompt:
āā¢āBuilds positive relationships: Families feel connected and celebrated.
āā¢āBoosts student morale: Recognition from school and home fosters motivation.
āā¢āEnhances communication: Keeps parents informed and engaged.
Scenario:
Mr. King realizes heās been all work and no play. He turns to ChatGPT to help him brainstorm practical, lighthearted ways to bring humor and fun into his weekābecause 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:
āā¢āBoosts mood: Laughing reduces stress and elevates joy.
āā¢āImproves classroom energy: A happy teacher fosters a positive atmosphere.
āā¢āCreates 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:
āā¢āHeals emotional fatigue: Letting go of grudges lightens your mental load.
āā¢āIncreases emotional intelligence: Mindful practices strengthen inner peace.
āā¢āModels 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:
āā¢āElevates student voice: Portfolios highlight strengths in creative ways.
āā¢āTracks authentic growth: Teachers gain richer insights into progress over time.
āā¢āCelebrates language development: Shows what they can do, not what they canāt.
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:
āā¢āCreates flexible income: Work from anywhere and on your schedule.
āā¢āApplies your strengths: Organization, communication, and tech-savviness pay off.
āā¢āExpands your reach: Help others while building a new professional identity.
š± Homeroom Swag: Digital Citizenship Bulletin Board Set
This weekās featured bulletin board set is the Digital Citizenship Bulletin Board Letters and Numbers Set! š» 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¢āKicking off Digital Citizenship Week or online safety lessons
ā¢āDecorating tech classrooms, computer labs, or library makerspaces
ā¢āDisplaying important reminders about being kind online, protecting privacy, or thinking before posting
ā¢āCreating bulletin boards with themes like āBe a Responsible Digital Citizenā, āPause Before You Postā, or āTech Smart, Kind Heartā
ā¢āAdding a pop of relevance and energy to classroom parties celebrating student tech projects or device rollouts
This set is equal parts educational and excitingāreminding students that how they act online matters just as much as how they act in person.

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Bottom Line Yāallā¦
Youāre not just managing a classroom. Youāre shaping minds and lighting fires. As Plutarch said, āThe 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 itās through TED-style talks or a lighthearted laugh during lunch, everything you do (yes, even the small stuff) fans the flame. This newsletter isnāt just about prompts. Itās about giving you tools that serve YOU while you serve others.
Take what works, make it your own, and donāt forget to tend to your own fire, too.
š„ Letās 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
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! |