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📚 Teach with Optimism: Self-Regulated Learning, Supply Organization, Positive Reinforcement... AND A LOT MORE!
Mitch Fairchild
September 26, 2025
In This Issue:
• Lesson Planning: Self-Regulated Learning
• Classroom Management: Organizing Classroom Supplies and Materials
• Parent Communication: Positive Reinforcement
• Burnout Busters: End-of-Day Decompression
• Health & Wellness: Take Vacations or Time Off
• Bonus Prompts: Detention For Saying Six-Seeeven! GREAT IDEA!
• Homeroom Swag: Library Bookcase Bulletin Board Letters & Numbers
• Mitch In A Minute: Admin! Stop Referencing 2-Month Old Emails!
• Poll Position: What Is Your Go To Footwear?
Happy Friday Y’all,
Colleen Wilcox said, “Teaching is the greatest act of optimism.” Every lesson plan, every conversation, and every redirection in the classroom is an act of hope. We teach not because the work is easy, but because we believe the future is worth building… one student at a time.
This week’s prompts celebrate that optimism by giving you practical tools to shape better classrooms and healthier lives. Whether it’s guiding students to regulate their own learning, setting up systems to keep supplies from disappearing, or simply taking time to step away and recharge. Every step forward is an act of faith in what’s possible.
Optimism doesn’t mean ignoring challenges. It means facing them with the confidence that growth, progress, and joy are possible. You’re doing that every day… and your students are better for it.
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. Johnson notices her middle school math students often rush through assignments without reflecting on their progress. She uses ChatGPT to design a lesson plan that incorporates goal-setting journals and weekly progress trackers to encourage responsibility for learning.
ChatGPT Prompt:
I am a [class subject] teacher and I teach [grade level] students. Create a lesson plan for [subject/topic] that promotes self-regulated learning through goal setting and progress tracking activities.
The Benefits of This Prompt:
• Promotes independence: Students take ownership of their learning journey.
• Encourages reflection: Goal-setting helps learners evaluate their progress.
• Builds lifelong skills: Self-regulation prepares students for future success.
Scenario:
Coach Rivera is tired of wasting instructional time looking for missing markers, scissors, and folders. He uses ChatGPT to create a supply organization plan with labeled bins, student supply managers, and a checkout system to build responsibility.
ChatGPT Prompt:
I am a [class subject] teacher and I teach [grade level] students. Assist me in organizing classroom supplies and materials in a way that is accessible, efficient, and promotes student responsibility and independence.
The Benefits of This Prompt:
• Saves time: Efficient systems keep learning on track.
• Promotes responsibility: Students learn to care for shared materials.
• Reduces stress: A tidy classroom makes teaching smoother.
Scenario:
Mrs. Lopez has a student who’s been showing big improvements in teamwork and class participation. She wants parents to know their child is thriving. With ChatGPT, she drafts a warm, encouraging letter that celebrates the growth and gives parents tips to reinforce the progress at home.
ChatGPT Prompt:
Draft a letter to [student's name]’s parents, [parent or guardian name(s)], sharing strategies to continue positive behavior. Highlight [list specific behaviors that have shown improvement], and suggest ways parents can reinforce these behaviors at home.
The Benefits of This Prompt:
• Strengthens home-school connection: Parents know their child’s growth is noticed.
• Encourages consistency: Reinforcement at home keeps progress going.
• Builds motivation: Positive communication inspires students to keep improving.
Scenario:
Mr. Greene often takes the stress of school home with him. He uses ChatGPT to design an end-of-day routine that helps him transition from “teacher mode” to “family mode” — whether it’s a walk, journaling, or a music playlist.
ChatGPT Prompt:
Suggest healthy end-of-day habits to help me leave school stress at school and transition peacefully into my home life.
The Benefits of This Prompt:
• Improves balance: Creates a clear line between work and home.
• Reduces stress: Helps teachers unwind and recharge.
• Boosts joy: Frees up emotional space for family, friends, and self.
Scenario:
Ms. Davis feels guilty about planning time away from work. She uses ChatGPT to plan intentional breaks that fit her budget and schedule — even if it’s just a weekend getaway or staycation.
ChatGPT Prompt:
I want to be more intentional about taking vacations or time off. Help me plan [list specific trips, relaxation time, breaks] that align with my [schedule, budget, interests, etc.].
The Benefits of This Prompt:
• Prevents burnout: Time away ensures long-term sustainability.
• Restores energy: Vacations reset your mental and physical well-being.
• Models balance: When students notice you’re always in a better mood, they learn that rest is part of success.
💡 Teacher Side Hustle Prompt: Teachers Pay Teachers
Scenario:
Mr. Taylor wants to turn his creative lesson ideas into extra income. With ChatGPT, he creates a roadmap for starting his Teachers Pay Teachers store — from choosing his niche to marketing his first products.
ChatGPT Prompts:
Start: "I want to start selling lesson plans on Teachers Pay Teachers. How do I choose a niche and create my first set of products?"
Build: "What marketing strategies should I use to increase sales on Teachers Pay Teachers and build a loyal customer base?"
Grow: "How can I expand my product line and increase my income on Teachers Pay Teachers?"
The Benefits of These Prompts:
• Creates income opportunities: Turn classroom creativity into revenue.
• Expands professional impact: Share your expertise with other educators.
• Builds confidence: Teachers see value in their unique approach.
🏐 Classroom Art With ChatGPT Prompt: Volleyball Game!
Scenario:
Ms. Brown is leading a pep rally and wants a visual to celebrate the volleyball team. She uses ChatGPT to generate an exciting, crowd-filled scene for posters and presentations.
ChatGPT Prompt:
Generate the scene of a girls volleyball game taking place at a high school gym. Fans are cheering and there is action on the court.
The Benefits of This Prompt:
• Sparks school pride: Custom visuals promote spirit and community.
• Supports creativity: Teachers can tailor images to school events.
• Saves time: No need to search endlessly for generic stock photos.
This week’s bulletin board set is the Library Bookcase Bulletin Board Letters & Numbers Set 📖. Each letter, number, and symbol is designed with a fun, colorful bookcase background — perfect for reading corners, library events, or hallway displays.
Great for:
• 📚 Literacy nights
• 🏫 Library decorations
• 🎉 Book fairs or reading challenges
• 📝 Study skills bulletin boards
Encourage a love of reading while adding a creative spark to your space!
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What’s Your Favorite Type Of Footwear? |
Bottom Line Y’all…
Optimism is at the heart of teaching. Every time you plan with student growth in mind, set up structures that help your classroom run smoother, or take care of yourself so you can keep showing up… you’re living out Wilcox’s words.
This week’s prompts remind us that optimism isn’t naïve; it’s a choice. It’s choosing to believe that our students can rise, that our efforts matter, and that tomorrow can be brighter than today.
So keep planning, keep organizing, and keep resting when you need to. You’re not just teaching content… you’re teaching hope.
Teach Forward! Improve Daily! Inspire Always!
Warm regards,
Mitch Fairchild
Founder, The Classroom Newsletter
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