Students will identify respectful strategies to cope with boredom during class and practice implementing these strategies to maintain focus and avoid disruptive behaviors.
Learning to manage boredom effectively is a crucial life skill. It helps students stay engaged, maintain a positive classroom environment, and develop self-regulation skills that are valuable both in and out of school.
Audience
5th Grade Students
Time
15 minutes
Approach
Through discussion, slides, and activities, students will learn and practice boredom-coping strategies.
Begin by asking students what boredom feels like and when they experience it, emphasizing that it's a normal feeling. (Refer to Boredom Busters Slide Deck - Slide 1-2) - Introduce the idea of 'Boredom Busters' – strategies to deal with boredom in a positive way.
Step 2
Why Don't We Disrupt?
3 minutes
Discuss with students why calling out, making silly noises, or disrupting others is not helpful when bored. (Refer to Boredom Busters Slide Deck - Slide 3) - Guide them to understand that these actions distract others from learning and make it harder for the teacher to teach.
Step 3
Boredom Busters Strategies
5 minutes
Introduce specific, respectful strategies for coping with boredom. (Refer to Boredom Busters Slide Deck - Slide 4-5) - Quietly doodle or draw in your notebook (if allowed) - Read a book or other approved material quietly - Think about a challenging problem or puzzle - Practice deep breathing or mindfulness for a few seconds - Organize your desk or backpack quietly - Ask students to share any other respectful strategies they use.
Step 4
Role Play: Practice Your Busters!
3 minutes
In pairs, students will quickly role-play scenarios using their new 'Boredom Buster' strategies. (Refer to Boredom Busters Role Play) - Emphasize quiet, non-disruptive practice.
Step 5
My Boredom Busters Plan (Quick Share)
1 minute
Ask students to quickly pick one strategy from the Boredom Busters Activity worksheet (which they can complete for homework or later) they feel most confident using. - Have a few students share their chosen strategy with the class.
Step 6
Wrap-up & Reflection
1 minute
Ask a few students to share one strategy from their worksheet. - Emphasize that practicing these 'Boredom Busters' will help them stay focused and be respectful classmates.
Slide Deck
Boredom Busters: What Do You Do?
Have you ever felt bored?
What does boredom feel like?
When does it happen?
Welcome students and tell them we're going to talk about a feeling everyone gets: boredom.
It's Normal to Feel Bored!
Boredom is a feeling everyone experiences.
It's when you feel: - Restless - Uninterested - Like time is moving slowly
When do YOU feel bored in class?
Acknowledge that boredom is normal. Explain that sometimes we feel restless, uninterested, or antsy. Ask for examples of when they feel bored.
Not-So-Helpful Boredom Busters
When you're bored, it can be tempting to: - Call out - Make silly noises - Disrupt your classmates
Why are these not helpful in our classroom?
Discuss why certain reactions to boredom are not helpful in a classroom. Emphasize respect for others' learning.
Respectful Boredom Busters!
Instead, try these quiet, respectful ways to deal with boredom: 1. Quietly doodle or draw in your notebook (if allowed) 2. Read a book or approved material quietly 3. Think about a challenging problem or puzzle 4. Practice deep breathing or mindfulness for a few seconds
Introduce positive, respectful strategies. Go through each one and ask students how it helps them and others.
More Boredom Busters!
Organize your desk or backpack quietly 6. Ask for an extension activity (if available and appropriate)
What other respectful boredom busters can you think of?
Continue with more strategies. Encourage students to think of their own and share them if appropriate.
Your Boredom Buster Plan
Now it's time to create your own plan!
You'll get a worksheet to write down 2-3 strategies you'll use next time boredom strikes.
Think about how you'll use them to stay focused and be a great classmate!
Explain the activity and transition to distributing the worksheet.
Activity
My Boredom Busters Plan
Sometimes, even in the most exciting classes, we might feel a little bored. It's a normal feeling! But instead of calling out or bothering others, we can have a plan to handle it.
Think about the respectful ways we discussed to cope with boredom. Choose 2-3 strategies that you think will work best for you in class.
My Boredom Buster Strategy #1
What is it?
How will I use it? (When will you use it? What will it look like?)
My Boredom Buster Strategy #2
What is it?
How will I use it?
My Boredom Buster Strategy #3 (Optional)
What is it?
How will I use it?
Activity
Boredom Busters Role Play!
Now it's time to put your Boredom Busters into action!
Instructions:
Find a Partner: Quickly pair up with someone near you.
Scenario Time! Decide who will be "Student A" and who will be "Student B".
Student A: You are feeling bored during class. Without being disruptive (no calling out or silly noises!), show your boredom in a quiet way (e.g., yawning quietly, looking around, resting head briefly).
Student B: You notice Student A is bored. Silently choose and perform one of the respectful Boredom Buster strategies we discussed (e.g., quietly doodling, organizing your desk, deep breathing). Do not talk or make a scene.
Switch Roles: After about 1 minute, switch roles! Student B acts bored, and Student A practices a different quiet Boredom Buster.
Remember, the goal is to practice these strategies without disrupting the class!
