Let's face it: not all subjects and not all lessons are exciting and engaging, no matter how hard you and the teacher try. Sometimes, there are dissonances between your personalities, while at others you don't care at all about the subject you're talking about. However, even during the most boring of classes, there are things you can try to do to make it more enjoyable.
Steps
Method 1 of 4: Doing Non-Distracting Activities
Step 1. Do your homework for another subject
That way, time will pass by doing something constructive, and you won't have to worry about doing them later.
- Ask the teacher if you can do your homework in his class. However, only do this if it is a dead moment for one reason or another, otherwise it will tell you no.
- Sit in the center of the classroom or in the back row.
- Keep the books and notebooks of the other subject out of sight of the professor.
Step 2. Write to-do lists and weekly schedules
This will give you the feeling that you are doing something important at an otherwise boring time, and it will feel like you are taking notes.
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Vary the lists: write down what you want to search on the internet once you get home, ideas for birthday gifts or top ten of your favorite things from various categories (examples: bands, video games, TV series, etc.). This way, you can actually make time fly by deciding what you prefer to put on the list and what to exclude.
Write the lyrics of your five favorite songs, the quotes you love from a video game, a show, a book, etc. This way, you will think about something else and time will pass
- Make lists with goals, projects and commitments - this will give you a general overview of how to organize your time outside the classroom.
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Write an imaginary agenda. Things to do on Monday: mass destruction of school books. Tuesday: world domination. Wednesday: Placing a mute button on siblings and parents. Thursday: world domination again. Friday: sleep.
Imagine how the professor would react if he saw what you wrote
Method 2 of 4: Finding Fun Things to Do
Step 1. Chew gum, or suck on candy
You will still have to listen to the lesson, but in your mouth you can have fun losing yourself in a world of movement and flavor.
- Find out if you can chew gum or candy in class, it may be forbidden;
- Decide whether to chew or not: weigh the consequences, they could catch you red-handed;
- Put the gum or candy in your mouth when the teacher isn't looking at you;
- Keep your face still as you secretly appreciate the candy. You certainly don't want to betray yourself!
Step 2. Draw or scribble random things in the notebook at the edge of the notes
This not only keeps you busy, it can also indirectly improve your artistic skills.
- Write everything that comes to mind on the edge of the notebook: you will need the notes anyway, sooner or later you will have to take a test in class or a question.
- Sit away from the professor and tilt the notebook upwards - it will look like you are just taking notes.
- Draw all the figures that come to your mind: geometric patterns, circles, shapeless masses. Most teachers won't care, as this action will keep you busy and won't disturb the class.
- Look up and meet the professor's gaze every now and then: you will give the impression of paying attention.
Step 3. Look out the window, or observe the rest of the class
It's another silent way to pass the time, and what's more interesting than your schoolmates?
- Have fun counting how many students are wearing a sweater, how many have dyed their hair, and so on.
- Play bingo with your house mate. It's fun, and perfect your observation skills.
- You may have your head elsewhere, but try to remember the last sentence said by the professor, maybe he will ask you a question to see if you were listening.
Step 4. Read magazines or novels:
they are often more interesting than the textbook, and you can easily hide them.
- Choose a book or newspaper that is smaller or the same size as the textbook.
- Hide the newspaper behind the book and read it.
- Every so often, he looks up, not only to feign interest, but also to check if the teacher is walking around the desks.
- Find ways to hide the book or magazine quietly and discreetly so you don't get caught in the act.
Step 5. Sleep
This may not distract others, but it is certainly rude to the professor. However, it may happen that you have had a bad rest the night before.
- Sit in the last row; if you can get a tall, sturdy classmate behind you, even better.
- Try to hide behind a book.
- Ask your classmate to wake you up before the teacher notices.
Method 3 of 4: Riskier distractions (even for the classroom)
Step 1. Send text messages to your friends
Nine out of ten students text in class, and more and more professors are starting to incorporate this habit as they teach.
- Keep your cell phone handy, for example in your pocket or under the desk, but the teacher shouldn't see it.
- Set it to silent mode; if you choose vibration, others will feel it (it happens with most cell phones).
- Text your friends without looking at the screen too much.
- Repeatedly look in the teacher's direction to feign interest and attention.
Step 2. Pass cards
The old-fashioned version of text messaging - time will pass faster by complaining to your friends.
- Take a small piece of paper: you can tear one from the back of the notebook or use ready-made cards.
- Write the message; place the note on the notebook so it looks like you're taking notes.
- The message should be short: you don't have much space.
- Make sure the professor doesn't see you.
- Fold the card and write the recipient's name on the outside.
- Pass it on to your desk mate without attracting attention, and he will get it to the interested party.
- Look in the other direction and wait for an answer!
- Consider learning the Morse code and using it - it adds a touch of mystery to the cards.
Step 3. Learn sign language
This is a fun way to communicate silently.
Keep your hands down to prevent the professor from seeing you
Step 4. Make origami
The art of paper folding will keep your hands and mind busy during a boring lesson, and it actually helps you focus after all!
- Become familiar with basic origami techniques.
- Start with simple and fun shapes, like a dog or a cat.
- Practice folding without looking too closely at the paper; this way, you can always look up at the professor and pretend to listen.
- Try to listen to know what the professor is talking about as you fold the paper. If he catches you red-handed and you manage to repeat at least the last few words, the punishment will be less severe.
- Fold slowly and quietly - origami paper can be quite noisy.
- Give an origami of a cute animal to the person you like, or give it to the teacher if he catches you red-handed!
- Once you get a little better, create a game that predicts the future with paper and get your friends involved!
Step 5. Play with the coins
There are several fun ways to spin a coin, and this one can entertain both yourself and your classmates.
- Look for coins in your pocket: the one euro is preferable, but the others are fine too.
- Place the coin on your right index finger and gently tap it with your left index finger to make it spin.
- Change method: try it with your index finger, then your thumb, or let it roll over your hand.
Step 6. Learn to spin a pencil around your thumb
It's a fun way to hit your friends and keep your hands busy.
- Start with a pencil that is evenly distributed over the entire length and smooth.
- Watch a tutorial before you try it in class - you need to have some idea of what to do.
- Start with simple balance tricks, then work on learning the more difficult ones.
- Spin the pencil when the teacher is not looking at you, especially at first, because you will drop it very often.
Step 7. Play video games
You can do this on your cell phone, or a small portable device.
- Make sure your device is fully charged - you don't want to run out of battery in the middle of the game.
- Decide if you want to play online with others (even your classmates) or just to have fun alone.
- Choose a game that interests you and prepare it so you can start playing as soon as the lesson begins.
- Turn off all sounds.
- Hide the device under the textbook. Another possibility is to put it under the counter, but after a while it will start to hurt your neck.
Step 8. Play with a mini skateboard:
they fit in any pocket and will amuse you and your classmates nonstop!
- Keep the mini skateboard in your pocket or wallet;
- Build small ramps with pens and other books: school supplies can allow you to create a mini park for skateboards;
- Play with skateboards in a notebook or binder. This mitigates the noisy impact of landing.
- Keep an eye on the teacher and put them back in his pocket as soon as he starts to suspect something.
Step 9. Listen to your favorite music while pretending to pay attention to the lesson
- Sit at the back of the classroom, possibly with the wall behind you;
- Use small headphones that are hard to see.
- Try to listen with only one ear. Hiding just one headset is easier and you can still be careful;
- Put the cables under the shirt, or hide them with long hair;
- Place your hand on your arm to further cover the headphones;
- Keep the volume low. You don't want to be caught red-handed listening to blaring music.
Step 10. Invent a fake Japanese RPG
It's a creative way to not get bored if there are more than one boring lessons.
- Keep an extra notebook close at hand, very similar to that of the subject in question;
- Start by drawing the characters, plots and ideas for the story;
- Write the script and create your own battle system;
- Describe the sections of the game as if you were writing a guide for other people.
Step 11. Color your nails with white-out or permanent markers
This action will probably only keep you busy for a short time, but it's a fun way to express your creativity and get distracted for 10 minutes!
- Choose the colors you will use. Be creative - you could color your nails following a pattern, or add small designs after you're done.
- Place a sheet of paper under your hand so as not to stain your notes.
- Slowly paint your nails with your chosen color.
- Apply the marker or white-out following the usual movements you would do to spread the nail polish.
- Gently wave your hands in the air and wait for the color to dry.
Method 4 of 4: Pay Attention
Step 1. Read the assigned chapter before you go to class
If you know what the teacher will talk about, the explanation will be less boring.
- Print the program of the lessons, and, if available, the PowerPoint slides of each of them. This helps you keep track of what is being explained and the tasks to be done, so that you can prepare accordingly.
- Take notes as you read a chapter.
- Write down the concepts that are not clear to you and ask the teacher in class for clarification.
Step 2. Before class begins, have a coffee, tea, or other hot drink
This helps you to be careful.
- Ask if you are allowed to bring a drink into the classroom. If not, finish your coffee before entering the classroom.
- You need to know how much caffeine you need to stay alert. Each person assimilates this substance differently, so avoid overdoing it, otherwise you will feel nervous.
- Drink coffee at least 10 minutes before class starts. Caffeine takes effect 10 minutes after the first sip, and attention increases 30-45 minutes after consumption.
Step 3. Listen carefully to the teacher and follow the lesson with interest
While not the most glamorous subject there is, it will save you time doing homework or headaches during tests and quizzes.
- Take precise notes following the teacher's explanations.
- Use your favorite pen or special paper to take notes - a little motivation is all it takes to achieve noteworthy results.
- Think about how to structure the notes: it is not necessary to write down what the professor says sentence by sentence, but you can organize the notes with bulleted lists, subtitles and even some small drawings. This will help you understand the topics and make time fly.
Step 4. Participate and ask questions
Time will go by much faster if you get involved with matter.
- Ask questions about the chapter that was marked and the parts that you did not understand. This will also give feedback to the teacher, and will help him to structure the lessons differently in the future.
- Express disagreement with someone's point of view. Respectfully, argue your opinion and why you disagree. While you were not right, you practiced sharpening your argumentation skills, paid attention, and time passed faster.
- Volunteer to lead group work and give demonstrations; while not particularly good, willingness to participate can raise your grades.
- Try to look the professor in the eye. All teachers will respect you because you will try to give your best and make it clear that you are not lost in your thoughts.
Advice
- Write your notes by hand. If you bring your computer to class, the chances of getting distracted are much higher.
- Write the cards on small pieces of paper and put them in a mechanical pencil. Then, pass it to a friend who knows he can get a ticket for us. He can open it, read what you wrote him, answer you with another note, etc. That way, if your teacher sees you as you pass the pencil, you can simply say that they asked you to borrow it.
- Don't write anything too personal on the cards, as someone could get hold of them and spread your secrets.
- Try turning boring textbook paragraphs into a song or rap, but don't actually sing them out loud!
- If caught red-handed, remember that the professor may confiscate your mobile phone or handheld console, so you should use it at your own risk.
- Coins, pencils and other objects that can fall on the counter are noisy. Play it carefully.
- Sometimes the professors are nice and warn students who play video games in class at least once before confiscating the device.
- Keep a neutral expression when you are absorbed in the video game, listening to music or reading cards. This way, you won't arouse suspicion.
- When caught red-handed, gladly accept the punishment, and don't complain about it. The professor can thus understand that you understand that you have made a mistake.
- Don't get caught red-handed while playing with a device. Always hide it in a notebook or book so the teacher won't notice.
- When passing notes, remember not to point this out to the people sitting next to you. They might complain to the professor.
Warnings
- Make sure the cards don't contain profanity, gossip or criticism about someone else. Professors often read content aloud when they catch students red-handed.
- When the teacher realizes that you are laughing, always try to answer with a plausible excuse. Don't say you don't know.
- Don't drink too much coffee - it might make you nervous, and you'll have a harder time paying attention.
- Do not sleep regularly in class: after a while, the professors realize this.
- If distracting becomes the rule and you do it all the time, be prepared for a drop in grades.
- If the teacher catches you red-handed while you are doing homework for another lesson, he may confiscate them.
- If you are caught in the act, prepare to be punished.
