Episode Summary

In this episode, I share what it feels like to prepare for open house as I get ready to welcome a brand new group of fifth graders into my classroom. I talk about the anticipation, the gratitude, and the importance of showing up with presence as I step into a new school year as Mr. Funky Teacher, Nicholas Kleve. That time before the first hello is powerful, and it sets the emotional tone for everything that follows.

I reflect on three things I’m thankful for: the butterflies that remind me this work still matters, the pause before meeting families for the first time, and the chance to begin fresh in a new community. I talk about preparing the room, straightening desks, organizing lockers, and creating a space where students feel like the classroom was made for them. I also share how excited I am for the powwow happening right before open house and how meaningful it will be to witness and honor that cultural experience.

I connect these preparations to the heart of teaching: belonging, trust, and meaningful first impressions. Open house is more than the posters and décor; it’s about the moment when a caregiver sees that their child is going to be seen, heard, and supported. It’s about grounding myself in my why so I can start the year with sincerity, warmth, and a commitment to relationship-building.

As I look ahead, I encourage fellow educators to embrace presence over perfection. Greet students at the door, slow down enough to notice the small things, reflect after the day, and remember that the first hello sets the tone for everything that follows. When we lead with gratitude, authenticity, and connection, we open the door for students to feel like they truly belong.

Show Notes

• Three things I’m thankful for before open house

• The emotional excitement of preparing for the first hello

• Creating a classroom environment that feels welcoming and intentional

• Meeting families and the power of first impressions

• Experiencing a school powwow on the day of open house

• Using gratitude to stay grounded and focused before students arrive

• Approaching the year with presence over perfection

• Practical reminders for greeting, listening, and reflecting during the first week

Key Takeaways

• The anticipation before open house means the work still matters

• A welcoming classroom is about presence, not décor alone

• The first hello builds trust with families and students

• Gratitude helps center teachers before the start of the year

• Connection is the foundation for belonging in the classroom

• Presence over perfection should guide the first week of school

This is Mr. Funky Teacher with BeAFunkyTeacher.com. I'm coming to you with another Be a Funky Teacher podcast.

This podcast focuses on “Before They Walk In: Preparing for the First Hello.” Before diving into that, I want to start with three things I'm thankful for. I’m thankful for the anticipation—that electric, can't-sleep, butterflies-in-your-stomach feeling before students arrive. It reminds me that what we do still matters. I’m thankful for this pause before the first hello, these days spent getting my classroom ready and prepping for open house. And I’m thankful for the opportunity to start fresh—not only in a new school district and community but also with a brand new group of fifth graders. I’ve taught fifth graders for 22 years, but I haven’t taught these fifth graders, and that brings excitement and possibility.

Open house is tomorrow, and that’s when names on a roster become real human beings. I’ve been preparing the classroom—straightening desks, putting up posters, organizing lockers, setting up systems. I want the space to feel welcoming, like it was made for the students who will walk through the door. But décor isn’t the point. What matters is students walking in and thinking, “This space was made for me.”

Meeting caregivers matters just as much. Grandparents, guardians, parents, siblings—they are trusting me with someone they deeply love. That first moment of eye contact communicates, “I see your child. I care. I’m here. I’m committed.” That moment matters.

Something really exciting is happening tomorrow, too. There’s a powwow on the field next to the school—a three-hour celebration of culture and community. I’ve heard I might get to dance, and I’m not passing that up. I can’t wait to witness students sharing their cultural traditions with pride. After the powwow, we transition right into open house, and I’m buzzing with excitement.

This weekend before the first official day of school will bring even more nerves and butterflies, and that’s a good thing. After 20+ years of teaching, the fact that I still feel that energy shows that I still care. My mindset going in isn’t about perfection. It’s about presence. It’s about setting a tone for belonging, for warmth, for high expectations paired with genuine care. That starts tomorrow.

I also know I won’t learn every name right away, and that’s okay. I’ll listen closely, smile often, and begin establishing the rhythm of how our classroom will feel. Trust is built in these early moments—not from dumping every rule on students but from building relationships. I’ll greet every student at the door, just like I’ve always done. I’ll say goodbye at the end of each day. Those small, personal touches matter deeply.

For teachers preparing for their own open house or first day, I encourage you to reflect privately—even if it’s just five minutes before leaving the building. Did today feel right? What moments stood out? What might you adjust tomorrow? This reflection strengthens our practice.

Before they walk in, preparing for that first hello is everything. And I can’t wait to share more as this journey continues.

Remember to inspire greatness in young people. And don’t forget to be a funky teacher. Bye now.