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: Be Careful of Enthusiasm Destroyers — The Comment That Stuck. Before we jump into today's story, I want to ground myself in gratitude. First, I'm thankful for students who start something with excitement and courage. Second, I'm thankful for moments when kids realize words carry weight. And third, I'm thankful for classrooms where enthusiasm can be protected, not crushed. It's Saturday, which means it's time for another Saturday story from the Leadership Kit. Saturday Stories are short, student-friendly leadership stories that help students build awareness through real moments. Not lectures. Not call outs. Just shared language. Each story stands on its own, but together they help students notice patterns in how they treat themselves and others. Let's get into this week's focus. This episode is part of the Leadership Kit. The value we're focusing on this week is enthusiasm. The skill students are practicing is being careful of enthusiasm destroyers. And the story you're about to hear is called The Comment That Stuck. The characters in this story are Jaden, Aaliyah, and Sophia. I'm going to read the story all the way through. No interruptions. Just listen. All right, here we go. The Comment That Stuck Jaden couldn't stop smiling. He tapped his paper with his pencil, already imagining how it would look when he finished. The idea had come to him fast, and for once he felt excited. Before he even started, Aaliyah noticed. "You look way too happy for an assignment," she said, smiling. "I actually like this one," Jaden said. "I think it's going to turn out really good." Sophia leaned over to look. Before she could say anything, another voice from nearby said, "That's not even going to be that good." Jaden froze. The smile didn't disappear, but it faded. He stared at his paper again. The idea didn't feel as clear anymore. Aaliyah glanced over. "You don't have to listen to that." Jaden shrugged. "I know. It's just stuck." Sophia leaned closer. "Do you still like your idea?" Jaden hesitated, then nodded. "Yeah, I do." He picked up his pencil again, slower this time, but steadier. By the end of work time, his page was full. When the teacher walked by, she paused. "This shows a lot of thought." Jaden looked up. Later, Aaliyah said, "Some comments try to steal excitement." Jaden nodded. "I think I'm learning when to ignore them." Sophia smiled. "That's leadership, too." That was the story. Our skill focus here is being careful of enthusiasm destroyers. Sometimes people, without realizing it, say things that drain excitement. Good learners learn to notice those comments, decide whether to accept them, and protect their enthusiasm anyway. Not every voice deserves space in your head. Write that down. It's going to be in a test. I'll say it again. Not every voice deserves space in your head. That is true for us as adults, and it is true for the students we work with. Here are some questions you can spread out over time during the week. Start with a reflection question right after the story: Have you ever felt excited about something and then felt different after a comment? Later in the week, use noticing questions: What happened to Jaden's excitement? What made the comment hard to ignore? How did Aaliyah and Sophia support him? Then move toward application questions: What kinds of comments drain excitement? How can you protect your enthusiasm? When should you listen to feedback, and when should you let it go? Use the story with students throughout the week. This is not about calling people out. It's about awareness. As the week goes on, notice moments and name the skill. "That comment could have been an enthusiasm destroyer." "I noticed you kept going anyway." "You protected your excitement when someone said something discouraging." Students do not need to shut down feedback. They need to learn how to filter it. There are opportunities here to talk about how to give appropriate, constructive feedback. This story is mainly about how to receive feedback and recognize that you do not have to let every comment live in your head—especially if it is careless or unkind. Sometimes kids will say things that are not purposeful or meaningful. Teaching students how to ignore those comments can be powerful. At the same time, we can teach the difference between constructive feedback and what I jokingly call jerkish feedback. Students are going to receive both in life. Learning how to navigate valuable feedback versus unhelpful comments is leadership. If you want the printable version of this story with teacher questions and a student handout, you can find it at BeAFunkyTeacher.com. It is free for classroom use. As you go into this week, here is the leadership focus: Not every comment deserves your energy. Not every voice gets to decide your excitement. Help students notice enthusiasm destroyers and choose not to give them power. Because protecting excitement is how creativity, effort, and confidence survive. If you found value in this episode, head on over to Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to your podcast and hit me up with a five star review and let me know what you think. It helps more teachers find this space. And remember to inspire greatness in young people. And don't forget to be a funky teacher. Bye now.