The Classroom Newsletter

The Classroom Newsletter | August 28th, 2025

In This Issue:

• Lesson Planning: Reflective Peer Evaluations
• Classroom Management: Using Proximity and Nonverbal Cues
• Parent Communication: Student Career Planning
• Burnout Busters: Practice Positive Self-Talk
• Health & Wellness: Set Boundaries
• Bonus Prompts: Classroom Art Prompt & Special Education Prompt
• Homeroom Swag: Cute and Silly Zoo Animals Bulletin Board Letters & Numbers
• Mitch In A Minute: Pssst! My Middle School Students Can Never Know That I’m…
• Poll Position: Which App Do You Open First In The Morning?

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

Happy Friday Y’all,

This week’s quote from Mahatma Gandhi reminds us of the dual call of teaching:
“Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever.”

For teachers, this wisdom feels especially real. Each day in the classroom is packed with urgency… those moments matter because they’re fleeting. And yet, teaching is also about planting seeds that will grow into lifelong lessons. You’re balancing both: the immediacy of shaping today and the enduring influence of preparing students for their tomorrows.

This week’s prompts are designed to help you live out that balance. Reflection deepens learning, nonverbal management strategies preserve focus, and career planning opens up horizons for students’ futures. And just as importantly, tools like positive self-talk and healthy boundaries remind us that our well-being fuels our ability to show up with strength and clarity.

So as you dive in, remember this: you’re shaping lives in ways that extend far beyond the bell. Today matters… and so does forever.

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. Johnson teaches 9th-grade art and wants her students to develop both their technical skills and their ability to give constructive feedback. She asks ChatGPT for a peer evaluation activity that helps students reflect deeply on both their own work and their classmates’ projects.

ChatGPT Prompt:
I am a [class subject] teacher and I teach [grade level] students. Create a lesson plan for [subject/topic] that uses reflective peer evaluations to encourage students to think critically about their own and others’ work.

The Benefits of This Prompt:
• Metacognition: Students grow by thinking critically about the learning process.
• Feedback skills: Reflection teaches students how to offer constructive input.
• Ownership: Self-evaluation builds responsibility for growth.

Scenario:
Coach Ramirez notices that side conversations pop up during transitions. Instead of calling students out verbally, he wants subtle ways to guide behavior. He uses ChatGPT to build a toolbox of proximity strategies and nonverbal signals that keep the class focused without interrupting instruction.

ChatGPT Prompt:
I am a [class subject] teacher and I teach [grade level] students. Suggest effective nonverbal cues and proximity strategies that I can use to manage student behavior and maintain classroom order without interrupting the flow of instruction.

The Benefits of This Prompt:
• Minimizes disruptions: Lessons continue smoothly without pauses for correction.
• Builds presence: Teachers project authority with calm, confident cues.
• Encourages self-regulation: Students respond quietly and independently.

Scenario:
Mr. Sanders teaches 11th grade and wants to engage parents in their students’ career exploration. He asks ChatGPT to help draft an encouraging letter that provides resources for college, trade programs, and apprenticeships, ensuring parents feel like partners in the journey.

ChatGPT Prompt:
Draft an informational and encouraging letter to [student's name]’s parents, [parent or guardian name(s)], providing resources for future career planning. Include information about [list available resources, programs, or discussions to help their child explore potential career paths].

The Benefits of This Prompt:
• Strengthens communication: Parents feel informed and included.
• Guides future planning: Students access resources beyond the classroom.
• Encourages family support: Parents and teachers work together on long-term goals.

Scenario:
Ms. Lee often feels drained after a tough teaching day, battling self-doubt. She turns to ChatGPT for guidance on creating daily affirmations and routines that shift her mindset toward confidence and gratitude.

ChatGPT Prompt:
Help me develop a habit of engaging in positive self-talk to boost my confidence and well-being. This habit should help me counter [specific negative thoughts, e.g., self-doubt, criticism].

The Benefits of This Prompt:
• Boosts resilience: Positive self-talk reduces the impact of stress.
• Promotes confidence: Teachers reinforce their own strengths daily.
• Models mindset growth: Students see the power of affirmations in action.

Scenario:
Mr. Chen finds himself working late nights answering emails. He wants ChatGPT to help him create a practical plan for setting healthy boundaries with work while protecting personal time for rest and family.

ChatGPT Prompt:
I need to set healthy boundaries in my life. Help me create a plan for setting and maintaining boundaries with [list specific people, in specific situations, etc.].

The Benefits of This Prompt:
• Reduces stress: Clear boundaries create breathing room for rest.
• Supports balance: Teachers protect time for family and personal renewal.
• Improves productivity: Healthy limits allow more energy during school hours.

Classroom Art Prompt: Cattle Drive

Scenario:
Mrs. Garcia is teaching Texas history and wants a vivid classroom visual for her lesson on cattle drives. She uses ChatGPT to generate an image of a bustling cattle trail to spark curiosity and discussion.

ChatGPT Prompt:
Generate a picture of a cattle drive in Texas complete with cowboys, wagons, horses, trees, shrubs, grass, and of course… cows.

The Benefits of This Prompt:
• Brings history to life: Visuals capture imagination and interest.
• Supports discussion: Students connect to the content through imagery.
• Saves prep time: Teachers quickly generate tailored art resources.

Special Education Prompt: Parent Collaboration

Scenario:
Mr. Walker has a student with consistent behavioral challenges. He wants to partner with the student’s parents to ensure strategies at school are reinforced at home. ChatGPT helps him draft a collaboration plan.

ChatGPT Prompt:
I am a [class subject] teacher and I teach [grade level] students. Develop a collaboration plan with parents to ensure consistency in behavior management for a student with [specific behavioral challenge].

The Benefits of This Prompt:
• Unifies support: Parents and teachers implement consistent strategies.
• Improves outcomes: Students benefit from reinforcement in both environments.
• Strengthens trust: Collaborative planning builds parent-teacher partnership.

This week’s bulletin board set is the Cute and Silly Zoo Animals Bulletin Board Letters and Numbers Set 🐯🐵🐼! Each letter, number, and special character is decorated with colorful, playful zoo animals that add fun and energy to your displays.

Perfect for:
• 🎉 Birthday boards
• 🐘 Classroom zoo or safari themes
• 📚 Reading corners (“Wild About Books!”)
• 🐵 Spirit week hallways
• 🦓 Motivational displays (“Stand Tall and Be Bold!”)

Add joy and playfulness to your classroom with these cheerful designs!

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Bottom Line Y’all…

Mahatma Gandhi’s words remind us that teaching is about living with urgency while nurturing lifelong learning. Each moment matters… and every seed planted can grow into something bigger than we’ll ever see.

This week’s prompts highlight that balance. Peer evaluations deepen reflection, non-verbal cues keep classrooms calm, and career resources connect students to the future. At the same time, teachers are encouraged to practice positive self-talk and set firm boundaries… because when you’re whole, you give your best.

So keep teaching with urgency. Keep learning with legacy in mind. And keep remembering that your influence echoes long after today.

Teach Forward! Improve Daily! Inspire Always!

Warm regards,
Mitch Fairchild
Founder, The Classroom Newsletter

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