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The Classroom Newsletter
🍂 Grow Every Day: Simulations, Behavior Contracts, Positive Energy... AND MORE!
Mitch Fairchild
September 19, 2025
In This Issue:
• Lesson Planning: Interactive Simulations
• Classroom Management: Incorporating Behavior Contracts and Agreements
• Parent Communication: Peer Conflicts
• Burnout Busters: Energizing Morning Routine
• Health & Wellness: Surround Yourself with Positive Influences
• Bonus Prompts: Special Education & Emergent Bilingual Prompts
• Homeroom Swag: Festive Fall Leaves & Pumpkins Bulletin Board Letters & Numbers
• Mitch In A Minute: Ummm… What’s That In The Bowl In The Back Of Your Fridge?
• Poll Position: What Is Your Go-To Movie Genre?
Happy Friday Y’all,
Anthony J. D’Angelo once said, “Develop a passion for learning. If you do, you will never cease to grow.” This is a reminder that learning isn’t just for students… it’s for us too. When we fall in love with learning, our classrooms become living, breathing spaces of curiosity and growth.
This week’s issue is all about creating those moments where learning sparks transformation. Whether you’re using interactive simulations to bring lessons to life, designing behavior agreements that empower students to take responsibility, or crafting a morning routine that sets you up for success, each choice moves you (and your students) toward growth.
#Bonus: growth doesn’t have to be loud or dramatic. Sometimes, it’s as simple as replacing a negative influence with a positive one, or pausing for a deep breath before your first class. Growth is a quiet revolution that happens daily in your classroom.
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. Martinez wants her biology students to understand ecosystems in action. Instead of reading about predator-prey relationships, she uses ChatGPT to design a lesson featuring virtual simulations where students manipulate variables and watch the ecosystem respond.
ChatGPT Prompt:
I am a [class subject] teacher and I teach [grade level] students. Develop a lesson plan for [subject/topic] that uses interactive simulations to help students experience and apply concepts in a virtual environment.
The Benefits of This Prompt:
• Increases engagement: Students are active participants, not passive listeners.
• Deepens understanding: Simulations make abstract concepts tangible.
• Encourages inquiry: Students can test “what if” scenarios and draw conclusions.
Scenario:
Coach Simmons has a few students who struggle with staying on task. He uses ChatGPT to create individualized behavior contracts that include clear expectations, rewards, and consequences, allowing students to take ownership of their progress.
ChatGPT Prompt:
I am a [class subject] teacher and I teach [grade level] students. Help me design behavior contracts and agreements that clearly outline expectations and consequences for [grade level] students, and encourage them to take responsibility for their actions.
The Benefits of This Prompt:
• Promotes accountability: Students see their role in classroom success.
• Clarifies expectations: Everyone knows the rules and outcomes.
• Improves behavior: Clear agreements reduce conflict and disruption.
Scenario:
Mr. Delgado notices tension between two students that is starting to affect group work. He uses ChatGPT to draft a letter to parents, sharing the situation in a professional, collaborative tone while asking for their partnership in resolving the conflict.
ChatGPT Prompt:
Draft a letter to [student's name]’s parents, [parent or guardian name(s)], making them aware of [list conflicts he/she has been having with peers]. Explain [give brief details about the nature of the conflicts], and ask for input as well as help in resolving these issues and promoting positive interactions.
The Benefits of This Prompt:
• Strengthens relationships: Parents feel included in problem-solving.
• Promotes unity: Home and school work together toward solutions.
• Encourages empathy: Students see adults modeling conflict resolution..
Scenario:
Ms. Nguyen feels like she’s running late every morning. She uses ChatGPT to create a morning routine with intentional steps (quiet time, movement, and a healthy breakfast) that energize her instead of stress her out.
ChatGPT Prompt:
Design a simple, realistic morning routine that energizes me before school but doesn’t make me feel rushed.
The Benefits of This Prompt:
• Reduces morning chaos: Predictable routines lower stress levels.
• Boosts energy: A good start sets the tone for the whole day.
• Improves mindset: Teachers show up calm, focused, and ready to lead.
Scenario:
Coach Brooks notices that his stress increases when he’s around negative coworkers. He uses ChatGPT to brainstorm ways to spend more time with positive influences and minimize the drain of negativity.
ChatGPT Prompt:
I want to surround myself with more positive influences. Suggest ways to identify and connect with positive people who align with my [values, goals, lifestyle, etc.].
The Benefits of This Prompt:
• Improves well-being: Positive relationships nurture mental health.
• Fosters motivation: Being around uplifting people fuels inspiration.
• Creates a ripple effect: Students benefit when teachers are encouraged.
Special Education Prompt: Sensory Breaks
Scenario:
Mrs. Allen teaches a student with ADHD who struggles to stay seated for long periods. She uses ChatGPT to create a menu of quick sensory breaks that the student can use to reset and stay focused.
ChatGPT Prompt:
I am a [class subject] teacher and I teach [grade level] students. Generate a list of sensory breaks to help a student with [list specific behavioral challenge(s)] reset and refocus.
The Benefits of This Prompt:
• Supports regulation: Students learn to manage their own needs.
• Prevents meltdowns: Early breaks stop small issues from escalating.
• Keeps learning on track: Students return ready to focus.
Emergent Bilingual Prompt: Technology Integration
Scenario:
Mr. Rivera is teaching a social studies unit and wants to support language development alongside content learning. He uses ChatGPT to find EdTech tools that make vocabulary and comprehension more accessible for his Emergent Bilingual students.
ChatGPT Prompt:
I am a [class subject] teacher and I teach [grade level] students. Recommend EdTech tools or apps that can support language learning as well as knowledge acquisition for my Emergent Bilingual students during a lesson on [topic].
The Benefits of This Prompt:
• Enhances engagement: Interactive tools make learning fun and accessible.
• Supports language growth: Students get extra practice with key vocabulary.
• Encourages independence: Technology allows students to learn at their own pace.
This week’s bulletin board set is the Festive Fall Leaves & Pumpkins Bulletin Board Letters & Numbers Set 🎃🍂! Each letter, number, and special character is decorated with bright fall leaves and cheerful orange pumpkins — perfect for autumn celebrations.
Great for:
• 🍁 Fall-themed classroom décor
• 🎃 Pumpkin patch reading corners
• 🍂 Harvest festivals or fall assemblies
• 📚 Seasonal hallway displays
Bring the warm colors of autumn into your classroom and set the tone for a festive fall season!
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What Is Your Go To Movie Genre? |
Bottom Line Y’all…
D’Angelo’s words remind us that passion is what keeps learning alive. Your students may not remember every fact you teach, but they will remember the feeling of curiosity you spark in them.
This week’s strategies help us to ignite that passion… through simulations that let students experience concepts firsthand, through contracts that build accountability, and through routines that leave you energized instead of drained.
Let’s surround ourself with good people, good habits, and good ideas… because when we grow, our students grow with us.
Blessings,
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! |