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 called Saturday Stories Leadership Kit. Share your enthusiasm. It spreads. Before we jump into today's story, I want to ground myself in gratitude. First, I'm thankful for my mom. She passed away two years ago today at 3:07pm. I was there in the hospital holding her hand along with my dad. That moment is forever part of me. And I'm grateful for her life, her strength, and the spirit she passed on. Second, I'm thankful for what I've been able to do to help my brother who's disabled, and my dad over the last two years. Grief, well, it changes families. And while it changes families, it can also pull you closer and clarify what matters. And the third thing that I'm thankful for is grief therapy. For the work of healing, for learning how to move forward while still carrying that love with you. All right, let's step into today's story. It's Saturday, which means it's time for another Saturday story from the Leadership Kit. For the past few weeks, we've been building around enthusiasm. How it starts, how it fades, how it can be protected. Today we talk about what happens when it spreads. This episode is part of the Leadership Kit. The value we're focusing on this week is enthusiasm. The skill students are practicing is share your enthusiasm. And the story you're about to hear is called It Spread. The characters in this story are Jaden, Aaliyah and Sophia. I'm going to read the story all the way through. No interruptions. I'm just going to have you listen. All right, let's get started with the story. It Spread. Sophia didn't plan to be excited. She just was. The project was different this time. Open ended, creative, a little unpredictable. Her eyes lit up as she explained her idea to Jaden and Aaliyah. What if we build it instead of just writing about it? she said. Jaden blinked. Like, actually build it? Yes, Sophia said, already sketching. Aaliyah leaned closer. That could actually work. Within minutes, the table felt different. Jaden started offering suggestions. Aaliyah added color ideas. Sophia kept smiling. At one point, another student nearby looked over. What are you guys doing? Something cool, Jaden said. The teacher walked by and paused. This energy feels good over here. Sophia laughed. We're just excited. Later, as they cleaned up, Aaliyah said, you know this started with you. Sophia shrugged. I didn't try to. Jaden grinned. That's kind of the point. Enthusiasm doesn't always have to be loud, but when it's shared, it spreads. So the skill focus here, y'all, is share your enthusiasm. Enthusiasm, it is contagious. And when you bring energy and excitement into something, even quietly, it affects the people around you. You don't have to force it. But when you have it, don't hide it. Share enthusiasm. And when you're sharing enthusiasm, y'all, it truly does build momentum. So this story, like all of these stories, works best when the questions are spread over time. Over a week. You can start with saying something like, hey, have you ever felt someone else's excitement change your mood? Then you can use noticing questions like what did Sophia do that shifted the energy? Or how did Jaden and Aaliyah respond? What changed at the table? Later in the week, you can do an application question like, how can you share enthusiasm without being overwhelming? Or what happens when no one shares it? When have you helped something feel more exciting? See, this week it isn't about being loud. It's about being willing. As the week goes on, notice moments and name the skill, y'all. That's how you use this story with students. You say things like, hey, that energy helped. You shared enthusiasm there. Or that made others want to join in. Point that out to students. Make them aware. Because enthusiasm builds culture. And culture shapes classrooms, y'all. If you want the printable version of this story with teacher questions and a student handout you can use with students, you can find it at BeAFunkyTeacher.com. It's free for classroom use. For six weeks now, we have been building this idea. That enthusiasm, it doesn't just appear. It can be chosen. It can be protected. And it can be shared. And when it spreads, it changes the room. As you head into the week, help students notice when excitement grows and how they can be the spark. Because leadership isn't always about control. Sometimes it's about energy. Well, head on over to Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to your podcast and leave a five star review and let me know what you think. If you found value in this episode, it helps more teachers find this space. And I want you to remember to inspire greatness in young people. And don't forget to be a funky teacher. Bye now.