The Classroom Newsletter

The Classroom Newsletter | August 22nd, 2025

In This Issue:

• Lesson Planning: Independent Study Projects
• Classroom Management: Using Positive Behavior Intervention Supports (PBIS)
• Parent Communication: Digital Citizenship
• Burnout Busters: Delegate Classroom Tasks
• Health and Wellness: Cultivate a Positive Social Circle
• This Week’s Bonus Prompts: Emergent Bilingual Prompt & New Teacher Prompt
• Homeroom Swag: Cute Space Drawings Bulletin Board Letters & Numbers Set
• Mitch In A Minute: Teachers Got Your Back / Stop Reading Slides Word-For-Word!
• Poll Position: What’s Your Preferred Way to Listen to Music?

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

Happy Friday Y’all,

“Learning never exhausts the mind.” — Leonardo da Vinci. What a beautiful reminder that true education doesn’t drain us… it invigorates us. What does exhaust us are the distractions, paperwork, and constant battles that sometimes cloud the joy of teaching. But at its core, learning and curiosity remain energizing, both for us and for our students.

When we lean into discovery, when we give our students ownership of their growth, and when we surround ourselves with a circle of positive, like-minded people, the fire of learning never burns out. The prompts in this week’s newsletter are designed to help you nurture that spark—encouraging independence in your students, fostering positive behavior systems, and reminding you to recharge yourself by leaning on community.

So, as you move through the week, keep this truth close: it’s not the pursuit of knowledge that wears you down, it’s the noise. Let’s cut through the noise and embrace learning as the life-giving force it was meant to be.

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: You want to give your students choice and ownership over their learning, but you need structure so the project doesn’t spiral into chaos.

ChatGPT Prompt:
I am a [class subject] teacher and I teach [grade level] students. Design a lesson plan for [subject/topic] that incorporates independent study projects, allowing students to explore topics of personal interest.

The Benefits of This Prompt:
• Fosters autonomy: Students gain responsibility for exploring topics that excite them.
• Encourages engagement: Personalized learning leads to deeper understanding.
• Saves teacher energy: Provides a framework you can guide instead of micromanage.

Scenario: You’re tired of playing defense with discipline. You want a proactive way to reinforce positive behaviors instead of always focusing on the negative.

ChatGPT Prompt:
I am a [class subject] teacher and I teach [grade level] students. Help me implement Positive Behavior Intervention Supports (PBIS) in my classroom to encourage positive behavior and create a supportive and inclusive learning environment.

The Benefits of This Prompt:
• Improves classroom culture: Rewards and expectations are clear and consistent.
• Reduces disruptions: Students know what behaviors are celebrated.
• Creates equity: Every student has an opportunity to succeed behaviorally.

Scenario: A student’s online behavior has started to cause problems in class. You want to reach out to the parents in a way that’s professional, constructive, and supportive.

ChatGPT Prompt:
Draft a letter to [student's name]’s parents, [parent or guardian name(s)], addressing issues with [his/her] online behavior. Express concern about [details about any specific concerns], and suggest ways to reinforce responsible digital citizenship both at school and home.

The Benefits of This Prompt:
• Builds trust: Families know you care about more than just grades.
• Strengthens consistency: Reinforces digital expectations at home and school.
• Promotes responsibility: Helps students grow as thoughtful digital citizens.

Scenario: You’re juggling grading, planning, and classroom management—and it’s taking its toll. You know your students can help lighten the load, but you’re unsure how to empower them effectively.

ChatGPT Prompt:
I am a [class subject] teacher and I teach [grade level] students. Provide strategies for delegating classroom tasks to students to lighten my load. These strategies should empower students while ensuring [specific classroom goals, e.g., responsibility, teamwork].

The Benefits of This Prompt:
• Reduces stress: Frees up your mental and emotional bandwidth.
• Builds responsibility: Students take ownership of classroom roles.
• Encourages teamwork: Fosters collaboration through shared responsibilities.

Scenario: You’ve noticed that your social circle impacts your mood and energy. You want to intentionally surround yourself with people who uplift and encourage you.

ChatGPT Prompt:
I want to build a more positive social circle. Help me identify ways to connect with positive, like-minded people who align with my [values, interests, lifestyle, etc.].

The Benefits of This Prompt:
• Boosts resilience: A supportive circle helps you bounce back from stress.
• Promotes growth: Surrounding yourself with positivity fosters inspiration.
• Improves wellbeing: Healthy relationships nurture both your mind and body.

Emergent Bilingual Prompt: Modern Language Use

Scenario: You want your Emergent Bilingual students to engage with vocabulary in a hands-on way.

ChatGPT Prompt:
I am a [class subject] teacher and I teach [grade level] students. Create a plan for using interactive notebooks where my Emergent Bilingual students can draw, write, and translate new vocabulary related to [topic/lesson].

The Benefits of This Prompt:
• Supports multiple learning styles: Combines drawing, writing, and translating.
• Reinforces vocabulary: Encourages retention and deeper understanding.
• Provides flexibility: Adapts to different language levels within one activity.

Special Education Prompt: Graphic Organizers

Scenario: You’re a new teacher who wants to show students how subjects connect to each other, but you’re unsure how to build those bridges.

ChatGPT Prompt:
I am a [class subject] teacher and I teach [grade level] students. How can I integrate cross-curricular connections into my lessons to reinforce learning and show students how subjects relate to each other, particularly in [specific topics, e.g., math and science or history and literature]?

The Benefits of This Prompt:
• Deepens learning: Students see knowledge as connected, not isolated.
• Encourages curiosity: Inspires students to explore beyond one subject area.
• Prepares for real life: Shows how skills cross into careers and daily living.

This week’s bulletin board set is the Cute Space Drawings Bulletin Board Letters And Numbers Set! 🌠 Each letter, number, and special character is decorated with colorful doodles of planets, stars, rockets, and spaceships.

Perfect for:
• Classroom themes like “Out of This World Work” 🚀
• STEM nights, science fairs, or space unit celebrations
• Hallway displays that brighten the vibe with cosmic charm
• Birthday boards or rewards tied to “shooting for the stars” 🌟

A stellar way to make your classroom shine!

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Bottom Line Y’all…

Learning is fuel, not fatigue. As da Vinci said, “Learning never exhausts the mind.” What does exhaust us is trying to carry every weight alone. But when we delegate, build community, and reframe learning as joy, we discover energy that sustains us.

This week’s prompts are more than tools… they’re lifelines. They remind us that independence, positivity, and collaboration keep classrooms running strong. And they remind you, teacher, that you deserve support and joy in your work.

So take a breath. Delegate where you can. Laugh with your students. Lean into your positive circle. And keep the fire of learning alive… for them, and for you.

Teach Forward! Improve Daily! Inspire Always!

Warm regards,
Mitch Fairchild
Founder, The Classroom Newsletter

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