In this episode, I reflect on how finding joy in small things can refill a teacher’s heart when teaching and life feel busy or overwhelming. As Mr. Funky Teacher, Nicholas Kleve, I share how joy often shows up in ordinary moments we tend to overlook.
I talk about gratitude for my dogs, flavored water, and rainy days, and how these simple comforts help me slow down, stay present, and reset my mindset during full teaching days.
I connect these ideas to the classroom, explaining how teacher energy shapes student experience. Calm joy, playfulness, and gratitude help create a classroom culture where learning feels balanced rather than rushed.
I close by reminding educators that joy does not require perfection. When we notice and celebrate small moments, we model presence, calm, and resilience for students, and often rediscover joy that was already there.
Show Notes
• Gratitude for small comforts like dogs, flavored water, and rainy days.
• Reflection on how noticing simple moments can shift teacher mindset.
• Connection between teacher energy and classroom climate.
• The role of calm joy and playfulness in daily teaching.
• Reminder that tone and presence matter more than perfect lessons.
Key Takeaways
• Joy is often found in small, everyday moments rather than big wins.
• Gratitude helps reframe stress without ignoring challenges.
• Students pick up on teacher energy, including calm and balance.
• Classroom culture is shaped by what teachers choose to notice.
• Celebrating small moments helps sustain joy over time.
Transcripts
unky Teacher (Nicholas Kleve):
This is Mr. Funky Teacher with BeAFunkyTeacher.com. I’m coming to you with another Be a Funky Teacher podcast. Welcome back, everyone.
Today’s episode is Finding Joy in the Small Things: How Simple Moments Can Refill a Teacher’s Heart. That’s what we’re focusing on.
Before we get into it, I want to talk about three things I’m thankful for.
The first thing I’m thankful for is my dogs. I have two mini cockapoo dogs, and I’m thankful for their unconditional love and steady companionship. No matter what kind of day it’s been, their tails are wagging.
One of my dogs greets me every day with a shoe. It doesn’t even matter whose shoe it is. It’s like an offering that says, “Welcome home.” Dogs remind us to live in the moment, to rest, to play, and to love without overthinking.
The second thing I’m thankful for is flavored water. It’s a small comfort, but it makes long teaching days feel more human. It keeps me hydrated and gives me a small refresh during busy days.
The third thing I’m thankful for is rainy days. Rain slows life down and makes reflection more possible for me. Whether it’s listening to rain on the roof or hearing it hit the building during the school day, it brings calm and perspective.
Joy doesn’t have to be big to be real. Teachers often wait for big wins or perfect lessons, but real joy usually lives in ordinary moments. Laughter between lessons, a student smile, or a quiet moment of calm can make a difference.
We can’t control every variable in teaching, but we can control what we notice. Gratitude helps reframe stress and shifts our mindset toward optimism, even when challenges are present.
Students pick up on our energy. Being a funky teacher doesn’t mean being high-energy all the time. Calm joy, playfulness, and balance matter too. Classroom mascots, shared laughter, and quiet moments help create a healthy learning environment.
You don’t need a perfect lesson to have a great day. The tone you set matters more than the agenda you follow.
When you learn to celebrate small moments, you often find that the joy you’re looking for has been there all along.
If you found value in this episode, head over to Apple Podcasts and leave a review. And remember to inspire greatness in young people. And don’t forget to be a funky teacher. Bye now.
