On the first day of school, I talk about the excitement, nerves, and anticipation that both teachers and students feel. As Mr. Funky Teacher, Nicholas Kleve, I share why the first day is less about perfect lessons and more about human connection. My goal is always to make students feel seen, safe, and welcomed the moment they walk through the door.
I reflect on the gratitude I felt that morning—hugging my son, getting extra sleep, and waking up in a warm bed. These simple moments grounded me as I prepared to meet a new group of students for the first time.
I explore how the first day sets the foundation for trust, belonging, and classroom identity. From learning names, to crafting low-pressure activities, to watching my body language, I think through the intentional choices teachers can make to help students feel comfortable and ready to learn.
I close with encouragement for educators stepping into a new year. When we lead with warmth and connection, we set the stage for a classroom where students thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.
Show Notes
• I share how excited and nervous I feel on the first day of school.
• I talk about the hugs, extra sleep, and warm bed that grounded me before the day began.
• I reflect on how first impressions matter more than a perfect lesson plan.
• I explain my goal of helping each student feel seen, safe, and welcomed.
• I discuss greeting students by name and honoring their preferred name or nickname.
• I describe the importance of low-pressure, collaborative first-day activities.
• I share how I monitor my own body language and the vibe I give off.
• I explain why the first day is about connection, not cramming procedures.
Key Takeaways
• Building relationships on day one matters more than perfect lessons.
• Students feel safe when teachers use their names and honor their identity.
• Warmth, positive body language, and curiosity help reduce student anxiety.
• Low-pressure, student-centered activities strengthen early classroom community.
• Reflection at the end of the day helps teachers adjust and respond to student needs.
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. Today we're going to be talking about the first day of school—tips for teachers building relationships from day one.
I am so excited because today my students come. After a week and a half of showing up without students, today is the day where my group of students will be showing up. I think they’re nervous and excited too, but I’m nervous and excited as well. There are lots of emotions on both sides. I’m excited to begin working with students—that’s what it’s all about.
Before we go further, I want to share my three things I’m thankful for. One thing I’m thankful for is a good hug from one of my sons—the kind of hug that makes everything feel right in the world. My youngest son told me he missed me and gave me a hug that melted away any trouble. My older two are kind of at an age where hugs are quick or half-hugs, so this moment meant a lot to me.
I’m also thankful for extra sleep. I woke up a little later than normal, not oversleeping, but giving myself just a bit more rest. Teachers need all the sleep they can get early in the year because the first days are exhausting. That extra rest gave me a bit more energy.
And the third thing is a warm bed. Such a simple thing, but it’s a gift to feel your worries melt away and wake up refreshed.
Let’s get into the meat and potatoes—the first day of school. The energy is real. There’s excitement and nerves for students and teachers. Kids wonder what their teacher will be like, and since I’m new to the district, they don’t know me at all. The fourth-grade team shared a bit about me in the spring, but there are still lots of unknowns until you meet in person.
The first impression matters more than a perfect lesson plan. My goal today is to make every student feel seen and safe. I want to learn something personal about each student and set the tone for how our classroom community will work.
A few connection-focused tips: greet students by name and use the name they prefer. If a student says, “Call me this,” then call them that. Names matter. They help students feel recognized and welcomed.
Use good icebreaker questions that give every student something to share. Keep them low-stakes so any student, even one who had a tough summer, can still participate confidently.
Be aware of your body language. If I stand with crossed arms or look annoyed—even if I’m not—students will feel that. Nonverbal communication is powerful, especially on day one. The vibe you give off sets the tone.
Keep early activities low-pressure and collaborative. Student-centered and interactive tasks help build community right away. I like grouping kids, giving them a shared prompt, and having each person contribute something small. It helps them feel part of something bigger from the start.
After school, I will reflect on what I saw, what I said, and how students responded. This helps me prepare and teaches me what students might need moving forward.
Ultimately, the first day isn’t about cramming in every procedure or jumping straight into heavy academics. It’s about relationships. It’s about making sure students know the classroom is a safe place and that they belong there. That’s our job as educators.
Wherever you are, I hope you have a wonderful school year. I love the first day—it’s like an adult version of Christmas morning. I get to meet the students I’ll spend the year with, learn who they are, and watch them grow. I know it’s going to be a great year.
Remember to inspire greatness in young people. And don’t forget to be a funky teacher. Bye now.
