Boredom in the classroom is more common than we would like to admit. It can affect teachers and students and can lead to disengagement, lack of focus, and ultimately a drop in productivity. When boredom sets in, the classroom environment can become stagnant, and teaching and learning suffer as a result. The key to overcoming this challenge is to introduce creativity, fun activities, and a sense of engagement back into the classroom. Finding things to do that break the routine—whether it’s through interactive lessons, collaborative projects, or even taking a few moments for some easy doodles to draw—can breathe new life into the learning experience. Doodling during lectures, for instance, isn’t just about killing time; simple sketches can actually help students retain information by visualizing key concepts. Teachers, on the other hand, can revitalize their approach by incorporating dynamic methods that shake up their usual strategies, turning potentially dull moments into opportunities for excitement and learning.
Part 1: 5 Ideas for Teachers Who Are Bored in Class
It’s hard to admit, but even teachers can get bored in class. The repetition of teaching the same topics year after year, managing disengaged students, and following rigid curricula can all contribute to a feeling of monotony. However, there are several creative ways to reignite the fun in your teaching and make lessons feel fresh again.
1. Switch Up Your Teaching Methods
One of the main reasons teachers may find themselves feeling bored in class is the repetitive nature of teaching the same material in the same way. If you’ve been lecturing or using the same worksheets year after year, consider shaking things up. Instead of sticking to the traditional teacher-led approach, why not try a flipped classroom model? In a flipped classroom, students learn the content on their own time—through videos, readings, or other media—and then use class time for discussions, projects, or practical activities.
Another option is to introduce project-based learning. Let your students work on hands-on projects that require them to apply what they’ve learned in real-world scenarios. For example, if you’re teaching Earth science, students could create models of the water cycle or engage in environmental experiments. This approach transforms learning into something dynamic and interactive, keeping both you and your students more engaged.
2. Integrate Technology
Technology can be a fantastic way to introduce some excitement into your lessons. Using tools like Kahoot! or Quizizz can turn otherwise dry material into a game that students are eager to participate in. You can even allow students to create their own quizzes, turning the tables and putting them in control of the content review.
For more visual subjects, virtual reality tools, interactive simulations, or apps like Google Earth allow students to explore the world in ways that traditional textbooks can’t provide. Imagine your students taking a virtual field trip to the Grand Canyon or exploring the inner workings of a cell in 3D.
3. Incorporate Class Review Games
If boredom is creeping in, adding games to your lesson plan can be a game-changer—literally. Classroom review games like Jeopardy allow students to work in teams and answer questions on the material you’ve covered. You can easily find customizable templates online or create your own version that fits your subject.
Another fun option is Hot Seat. In this game, one student sits facing the class with their back to the board. The teacher writes a term on the board, and the class has to give the seated student clues without saying the word. This gets students moving, thinking, and collaborating.
4. Engage in Professional Development
Sometimes the best way to combat teacher boredom is to invest in yourself. Professional development can re-energize your teaching by introducing you to new educational trends, methods, and ideas. Whether it’s attending a workshop on social-emotional learning, diving into restorative justice practices, or learning about new technologies in education, these opportunities help keep your passion for teaching alive.
Collaborating with fellow teachers can also bring fresh ideas to your classroom. Consider co-teaching a lesson with a colleague or having a planning session where you exchange lesson ideas. This shared creativity can breathe new life into your teaching.
5. Redesign Your Classroom Environment
Another effective way to fight teacher boredom is to physically change your environment. Rearranging the classroom layout can create new dynamics among students and shift the energy of the room. Try setting up learning stations or creating different zones for various activities, such as a reading corner, a group project area, or a discussion circle. You can also use seasonal decorations or themes that tie into the subject matter to give the classroom a fresh, engaging feel.
Part 2: 6 Ideas for Students Who Are Bored in Class
It’s no secret that students often find themselves zoning out in class. Maybe it’s because the material feels too easy, too hard, or simply not interesting. Whatever the reason, boredom can lead to a lack of focus and lower performance. The good news is that there are ways to tackle this. If you’re a student and you often find yourself staring at the clock, here are some ideas to stay engaged and make class time more interesting.
1. Set Personal Goals for the Class
When class feels like it’s dragging, one of the easiest ways to re-engage is to set small personal challenges. For example, you could aim to ask one thought-provoking question each class or try to summarize the teacher’s lesson in your own words. This keeps your brain active and helps you stay focused on the material. You could also try relating what you’re learning to something you’re passionate about—whether that’s sports, gaming, or a hobby you love. If you’re learning about physics, think about how it relates to video games or car mechanics.
2. Turn Classwork Into a Game
You don’t have to wait for your teacher to introduce a game to make learning fun. Turn your class time into a personal challenge by creating small games for yourself. For example, after the teacher explains a new concept, try to quiz yourself. Can you answer a question about the material without looking at your notes? If you get it right, reward yourself with a mental pat on the back. Or, you can make a game out of predicting what the teacher will say next based on the topic. This keeps your mind engaged and turns even a boring lecture into something more interactive.
3. Participate More
One of the best ways to fight boredom in class is to get more involved. Raise your hand to answer questions, even if you’re not 100% sure of the answer. Participating in discussions and asking questions can keep you engaged with the material, making class feel less passive and more interactive. If there’s an opportunity to help the teacher or contribute to a demonstration, take it. The more involved you are, the faster the time will fly by.
4. Take Notes Creatively
If standard note-taking feels like a chore, try mixing it up. Instead of just writing down everything the teacher says, doodle your notes. Draw simple images to represent key concepts, or use color-coding to highlight important points. You could also try creating mind maps, which visually connect ideas and help you see the bigger picture. This can make the material feel more engaging and help you better understand the relationships between different concepts.
5. Change Your Mindset
Sometimes boredom is less about the class itself and more about your mindset. Try to shift your perspective by staying curious. Ask yourself questions about the material that you genuinely want to know. How does this lesson connect to the real world? Why is this important to know? Finding personal relevance in the lesson can make even the most boring topics feel more interesting. Additionally, practicing gratitude can help shift your attitude. Take a moment to list a few things you’re thankful for today—it can put you in a better mood and help you feel more engaged.
6. Things to Draw
When you find yourself bored in class, doodling can be a surprisingly effective way to stay engaged. Studies show that drawing simple, repetitive patterns can actually help you focus and retain information better. Instead of zoning out, try drawing easy doodles related to the lesson. For example, if you’re in a science class, sketch out a basic diagram of a cell or a quick outline of a volcano. In history, you could try drawing famous landmarks, figures, or timelines. Even if the doodles are unrelated to the subject, things like geometric shapes, stars, flowers, or cartoon characters can help you stay mentally active while listening.
Doodling doesn’t have to be complex—things to draw could be as simple as sketching clouds, hearts, or abstract designs. The act of drawing keeps your hands busy and your brain in gear, preventing you from drifting into boredom. So, the next time you feel your attention slipping, grab your pencil and start doodling. You might be surprised at how it helps you stay connected to the lesson!
A Message for Students Who Are Bored in Class
Let’s face it—being bored in class can feel like torture. The clock seems to slow down, and it’s hard to stay awake. But you don’t have to feel stuck. You have more control than you think when it comes to making class time interesting. Here are some tips to help you take charge of your experience in the classroom.
Use Class Time Wisely
If you’re bored because the material feels too easy or you’ve already grasped it, don’t waste that extra time. Use it to your advantage. You could study ahead, read further into the chapter, or even organize your notes for upcoming tests. If you’re confident in the material, offer to help classmates who might be struggling.
Suggest Class Games
If your teacher isn’t using review games, why not suggest some? Games like Kahoot! or Jeopardy are easy to set up and can make reviewing material much more fun. You can even volunteer to create a quiz for the class.
