The essence of this podcast episode revolves around the imperative notion of how to effectively engage with students even during challenging days when one is not operating at full capacity. We acknowledge the reality that teachers, being human, occasionally experience days characterized by diminished energy and well-being. It is essential to recognize that one’s presence in the classroom, despite feeling less than optimal, can still impart significant value to students. We advocate for the practice of self-compassion, emphasizing that educators must grant themselves the grace to navigate these difficult moments without succumbing to undue self-criticism. Ultimately, the episode underscores the importance of fostering resilience and balance, illustrating that even on off days, showing up with sincerity and heart can profoundly influence the learning environment.

The intricate tapestry of teaching is woven with threads of both triumph and tribulation, particularly for those who find themselves grappling with the reality of low energy and health challenges. Within this enlightening episode, Mr. Funky Teacher, Nicholas Kleve, articulates the vital importance of acknowledging one's limitations and the necessity of showing up for students even when one is not operating at full capacity. This candid discourse addresses the juxtaposition of personal struggles with professional responsibilities, elucidating that educators are not immune to the challenges of everyday life.

Mr. Kleve poignantly reflects on his own experiences of feeling under the weather, sharing insights into how he navigates these challenging days. He emphasizes the significance of focusing on essential tasks, cultivating relationships, and maintaining a sense of safety within the classroom environment. By prioritizing these fundamental aspects, educators can continue to foster a positive learning atmosphere even when their personal energy reserves are diminished.

Furthermore, the episode serves as a reminder of the importance of self-compassion. Mr. Kleve advocates for teachers to grant themselves grace, recognizing that perfection is neither attainable nor necessary. Through this lens, the conversation encourages educators to embrace their vulnerabilities, modeling for students the importance of resilience and balance in life. Ultimately, the episode encapsulates the essence of teaching on tough days, reinforcing that the act of showing up—regardless of one's physical state—can have a lasting impact on both educators and students alike.

Takeaways:

• Teaching is a human endeavor, and it is essential to acknowledge when one is not at their best.
• Demonstrating grace towards oneself is crucial, particularly on days when energy levels are low.
• Students benefit from witnessing resilience in their educators, as it models perseverance in the face of adversity.
• Maintaining a focus on essential routines and relationships can facilitate a productive classroom environment, even when feeling unwell.
• It is permissible to not perform at one's peak every day; showing up with heart is what truly matters.
• Ultimately, the impact of a teacher's presence can resonate deeply with students, regardless of personal challenges.

Links referenced in this episode:

• beafunkyteacher.com

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• Be a Funky Teacher

Yeah, he's Mr. Funky.

He's Mr. Funky Teacher.

Mr. Funky Teacher inspires greatness.

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He got some funky cool ideas to share for all you teachers.

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If you're seeking the best bunkiest, he is it.

He will empower you to improve.

You'll be helping others and loving it too.

He's Mr. Funky Teacher.

Yeah, he's Mr. Funky Teacher.

Yeah, yeah, yeah.

This is Mr. Funky Teacher with Be a Funky Teacher dot com.

I'm coming to you with another Be a Funky Teacher podcast.

It is great to be back here with all of you.

I have to admit, I'm feeling under the weather.

I'm not feeling great.

I'm feeling run down.

And that's going to be actually the.

The topic today is teaching on tough days.

How to show up when you're not feeling a hundred percent.

That's what we're going to focus on.

So I have to acknowledge the reality.

Teachers are humans too.

You won't always have your best energy.

Sometimes you don't feel the greatest.

I.

It doesn't make you weak.

It makes you real.

I don't feel the greatest.

Funny enough.

I don't know the process to being out sick in my new school district.

I have no clue.

I don't know who to contact.

I don't know.

I don't know the procedure.

And I guess that's on me right now.

I almost would like to be gone and just stay home and just sleep because I feel so run down.

Last night I had to supervise at a volleyball game and it went all five sets.

I was out very late last night and got home and I wasn't feeling great then either.

And I am so wore out, just not.

And then my voice started going too mid afternoon yesterday.

My, my voice started just disappearing and kindness is that right side of sound awful.

I know I sound awful.

My voice does right now.

I could.

I'm straining the talk.

And so I, I thought when I woke up this morning, I was like, whoa, boy.

And I was like, if I wanted to call in sick, even I. I wouldn't need to.

So that's on me.

I should have looked into that.

I'll have to kind of find out what the process is.

So I'm going to go In I, I think it's a combination of being extra sore from cutting down some trees at my dad's house, just not feeling well, to having, having a cold or some laryngitis.

I don't know.

I just don't really feel great.

So that's where, that's where I'm at right now.

I got some stuff to figure out and it's gonna be.

I'm gonna try not to overdo it today and just kind of keep it a low key day.

So I, I have to acknowledge the reality and I'm gonna do what matters the most today.

I'm gonna focus on essentials, routines, relationships, safety.

But I'm gonna save the extras for another day.

I usually like to get up and go in extra early.

I've been kind of, that's kind of been.

My process is work early in the morning and then my boundaries that I've said is I'm out of there.

Yesterday was not.

I couldn't because it was.

We have to, we have to work as a district.

We have to work three each teacher in our contract, we have to work three activities, I guess.

And so I signed up for three fall things to do.

And yesterday was volleyball where I was supervising.

So super exciting game.

Boy.

The volleyball girls put up a great fight.

I just wasn't feeling their trace.

And then it's just, I went home, went to bed and this kind of tied right into the day.

And so I'm gonna do it.

What matters the most, the essential things and anything extra.

Boy, I, I'm going in.

I'm not going in that much early this morning, to be honest.

I just, I'm not.

And that.

I think that's okay sometimes.

And so today is going to be about small wins.

The small wins are going to count today.

Sometimes success is just keeping the classroom calm and students will see consistency.

Even if I'm quieter or slower today they'll know I'm not feeling well and show me some grace.

And even though students show me grace, that's.

That makes me or is a great reminder to myself that I need to give myself grace too and not beat myself up for not being perfect.

And if you're in a situation where you're not feeling the perfect either, or feeling just like an off day, give yourself some grace.

Your presence with the students will still make a difference.

And ultimately, why does it matter?

Kids learn from adults that push through challenges.

It models resilience, but also balance.

You don't have to give 110% every single day and then if, if there are times where you just really can't be there because you're sick, then you do that.

And that's a great thing to model too that sometimes you have to take a sick day because we get sick sometimes.

And so teaching them and showing them that kind of the balance of hey, you know, it's okay to not be superhuman.

That's okay.

So yeah, I'm sore from chainsaw work at my dad's.

But then I'm just that the laryngitis kind of feeling kind of icky and kind of gross.

So I don't know, it's kind of a combination of it.

So that's why I'm going to give it a chance today and not knowing who to call if I wanted to take a sick day.

It's like the perfect storm that kind of came upon me all of a sudden at the end of the week here.

But I, I'm not a teacher that, that just like counts down minutes to the weekend.

However, I am looking forward to the weekend.

Not to get away from students, but just to have some rest, to have some just kind of take it easy.

I'm actually was supposed to go this weekend on a big paddling trip where going out to a place that I love on a river, the Niobrara river.

Four hours away.

And I was going to go stand up paddling on, on Saturday.

It's a four hour drive there.

A four hour drive.

Back then I was going to camp and do my thing.

But I, I may even, I don't think I'm.

I may just pull out of that too because I just, I don't know.

I think almost where I'm at right now is staying at home.

Excuse me.

And resting and just kind of get myself feeling better.

Might be the best thing.

Might be because I want to be the best I can.

I run at a very high level and pushing myself to be my best and, and, and today I'm going to be pushing to get through and kind of keep things calm.

So.

But once again, give yourself grace.

So that being said y', all, not every day has to be a spectacular day.

Not every day has to be best to be executed at a high level.

Especially if you're feeling under the weather.

Some days are just good enough and it's still as powerful.

What matters are showing up with heart.

Gotta show up with heart.

Even if energy isn't at its highest.

Ultimately not every day has to be spectacular.

Some days good enough is still powerful.

What matters is showing up with heart.

Even if your energy isn't at its highest.

Well, that brings our episode to a close.

I want you to remember to inspire greatness in young people.

And don't forget to be a funky teacher.

Bye, now.

He's Mr. Funky Teacher yeah he's Mr. Funky Teacher yeah, yeah, yeah.

Sam.