9 answers
Brandy
Student
Laguna Niguel, California
3
Questions
Asked
2084 views
Is there any way to make school an actual, fun experience?
Not to be super cliche but I'm just going to say it... school sucks. I'm ALWAYS eyeing the clock and just waiting for 3:00, all day, everyday. And I know you're probably all like, "Well, Brandy, you can't just say school sucks and not have a reason WHY!" But I do! I do. The people, the school air, and ESPECIALLY the classwork. It's so boring! Just to go home and do MORE classwork?!? So, yeah! All good reasons to hate school! But is there any way at ALL to make school a tad bit more tolerable? Any special tips or tricks I haven't learned about? I simply can't believe school is just this horrible for EVERY student in my school. Much easier to believe I'm missing out on a vital tip.
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8 answers
Phill Pezo
Industrial Design
103
Answers
Nutley, New Jersey
Updated
Phill’s Answer
Hey Brandy,
I completely understand were you are coming from. For a bit of back story about me, I grew up with a learning disability. I was always behind in my classes, always being pulled out of class into special education rooms, and I always felt “different” to say the least. The thing was, I could not understand that I simply learned differently than how the education system is set up. The way it is set up is not to learn how to learn, the majority of it is how to memorize. On top of that, teachers are typically required to follow a specific curriculum, even if they know it is not effective. This made me dread just about every second of school from elementary all the way through high school. It was not until I found my passion in college were I realized I was good at learning (and even teaching) but not the way the system wanted me to learn. Beyond that, the atmosphere and set up of most public schools are poorly designed that great affect everyones daily emotions and mood.
Looking back, there are a few things I can say definitely helped me throughout high school. Firstly, it is completely unrealistic to force students from a young age to sit perfectly still and silent the entire day. That being said, make sure to take breaks. If you are able to, go to the bathroom once each class. Perhaps stagger it so that your teacher does not get upset you leave each day. It is important to laugh and make the most of things. This can be done with friends. Making friends can be difficult at times, but do not be afraid to say hello to someone new. If you are able to choose any extra classes or electives, try to choose one that you have interest in or something completely new. Trying new things that you enjoy can keep you engaged throughout your days and can give you something to look forward to. If you can, start making yourself special lunches certain days to give yourself something to look forward to. Most of all, know that it is something you just have to get through, so it is important to make the most of it. Even if your school is not for your, it is important to keep a positive point of view. Make sure to take note of any good things throughout your day, big or small. These years might seem never ending, but really they are a lead up to the beginning of something great. Trust the process, do your best, and have as much fun as you can.
Best of luck on your journey!
I completely understand were you are coming from. For a bit of back story about me, I grew up with a learning disability. I was always behind in my classes, always being pulled out of class into special education rooms, and I always felt “different” to say the least. The thing was, I could not understand that I simply learned differently than how the education system is set up. The way it is set up is not to learn how to learn, the majority of it is how to memorize. On top of that, teachers are typically required to follow a specific curriculum, even if they know it is not effective. This made me dread just about every second of school from elementary all the way through high school. It was not until I found my passion in college were I realized I was good at learning (and even teaching) but not the way the system wanted me to learn. Beyond that, the atmosphere and set up of most public schools are poorly designed that great affect everyones daily emotions and mood.
Looking back, there are a few things I can say definitely helped me throughout high school. Firstly, it is completely unrealistic to force students from a young age to sit perfectly still and silent the entire day. That being said, make sure to take breaks. If you are able to, go to the bathroom once each class. Perhaps stagger it so that your teacher does not get upset you leave each day. It is important to laugh and make the most of things. This can be done with friends. Making friends can be difficult at times, but do not be afraid to say hello to someone new. If you are able to choose any extra classes or electives, try to choose one that you have interest in or something completely new. Trying new things that you enjoy can keep you engaged throughout your days and can give you something to look forward to. If you can, start making yourself special lunches certain days to give yourself something to look forward to. Most of all, know that it is something you just have to get through, so it is important to make the most of it. Even if your school is not for your, it is important to keep a positive point of view. Make sure to take note of any good things throughout your day, big or small. These years might seem never ending, but really they are a lead up to the beginning of something great. Trust the process, do your best, and have as much fun as you can.
Best of luck on your journey!
Kaitlyn Corey
Occupational Therapy Assistant/Occupational Therapy Student
60
Answers
Graniteville, South Carolina
Updated
Kaitlyn’s Answer
I hear you, Brandy. A lot of people feel the same way, even if they don’t say it out loud. School can feel like a grind, but there are ways to make it a little better. One trick that helped me was finding something small to look forward to each day. It could be sitting with a friend at lunch, listening to music between classes, or even treating yourself after finishing homework. Little rewards break up the boring parts. Another thing that worked for me was getting more involved. Joining a club, playing a sport, or helping with school events gave me something fun to connect with. It made the day feel less about just sitting in class. And honestly, attitude matters. I started trying to find one interesting thing in each class, even if it was tiny. Once I did that, time didn’t drag as much. Focus on the small wins, lean on your friends, and find ways to put a little fun into the routine. You’ll be surprised how much difference that makes.
Martina Hayes
Project Manager
38
Answers
Chicago, Illinois
Updated
Martina’s Answer
Hi Brandy! I wanted to share a few thoughts that might help you make the most of your school time and add a bit more excitement to your days. One great way to do this is by joining some of the clubs that the school offers. Engaging in extracurricular activities can be a fantastic way to meet new friends, learn new skills, and have something fun to look forward to.
Additionally, finding a hobby that you’re passionate about can be incredibly fulfilling. It not only helps to fill any extra time you might have but also ensures that your days are more vibrant and engaging. Plus, it’s a great way to explore new interests and talents you might not have discovered yet.
Additionally, finding a hobby that you’re passionate about can be incredibly fulfilling. It not only helps to fill any extra time you might have but also ensures that your days are more vibrant and engaging. Plus, it’s a great way to explore new interests and talents you might not have discovered yet.
Phill Pezo
Industrial Design
103
Answers
Nutley, New Jersey
Updated
Phill’s Answer
Hey Brandy,
I completely understand were you are coming from. For a bit of back story about me, I grew up with a learning disability. I was always behind in my classes, always being pulled out of class into special education rooms, and I always felt “different” to say the least. The thing was, I could not understand that I simply learned differently than how the education system is set up. The way it is set up is not to learn how to learn, the majority of it is how to memorize. On top of that, teachers are typically required to follow a specific curriculum, even if they know it is not effective. This made me dread just about every second of school from elementary all the way through high school. It was not until I found my passion in college were I realized I was good at learning (and even teaching) but not the way the system wanted me to learn. Beyond that, the atmosphere and set up of most public schools are poorly designed that great affect everyones daily emotions and mood.
Looking back, there are a few things I can say definitely helped me throughout high school. Firstly, it is completely unrealistic to force students from a young age to sit perfectly still and silent the entire day. That being said, make sure to take breaks. If you are able to, go to the bathroom once each class. Perhaps stagger it so that your teacher does not get upset you leave each day. It is important to laugh and make the most of things. This can be done with friends. Making friends can be difficult at times, but do not be afraid to say hello to someone new. If you are able to choose any extra classes or electives, try to choose one that you have interest in or something completely new. Trying new things that you enjoy can keep you engaged throughout your days and can give you something to look forward to. If you can, start making yourself special lunches certain days to give yourself something to look forward to. Most of all, know that it is something you just have to get through, so it is important to make the most of it. Even if your school is not for your, it is important to keep a positive point of view. Make sure to take note of any good things throughout your day, big or small. These years might seem never ending, but really they are a lead up to the beginning of something great. Trust the process, do your best, and have as much fun as you can.
Best of luck on your journey!
I completely understand were you are coming from. For a bit of back story about me, I grew up with a learning disability. I was always behind in my classes, always being pulled out of class into special education rooms, and I always felt “different” to say the least. The thing was, I could not understand that I simply learned differently than how the education system is set up. The way it is set up is not to learn how to learn, the majority of it is how to memorize. On top of that, teachers are typically required to follow a specific curriculum, even if they know it is not effective. This made me dread just about every second of school from elementary all the way through high school. It was not until I found my passion in college were I realized I was good at learning (and even teaching) but not the way the system wanted me to learn. Beyond that, the atmosphere and set up of most public schools are poorly designed that great affect everyones daily emotions and mood.
Looking back, there are a few things I can say definitely helped me throughout high school. Firstly, it is completely unrealistic to force students from a young age to sit perfectly still and silent the entire day. That being said, make sure to take breaks. If you are able to, go to the bathroom once each class. Perhaps stagger it so that your teacher does not get upset you leave each day. It is important to laugh and make the most of things. This can be done with friends. Making friends can be difficult at times, but do not be afraid to say hello to someone new. If you are able to choose any extra classes or electives, try to choose one that you have interest in or something completely new. Trying new things that you enjoy can keep you engaged throughout your days and can give you something to look forward to. If you can, start making yourself special lunches certain days to give yourself something to look forward to. Most of all, know that it is something you just have to get through, so it is important to make the most of it. Even if your school is not for your, it is important to keep a positive point of view. Make sure to take note of any good things throughout your day, big or small. These years might seem never ending, but really they are a lead up to the beginning of something great. Trust the process, do your best, and have as much fun as you can.
Best of luck on your journey!
Kim Igleheart
Career Counselor | Police Officer
1831
Answers
San Antonio, Texas
Updated
Kim’s Answer
Brandy,
Yes, school sucks. My last two years of high school were at a new school, and I hated every minute of it. If you can stick it out, you get a HS diploma - your ticket to everything else the world has to offer. Without it, you will face great difficulties in trying to get a decent job. So, we all toughed it out.
Let me ask you this. You say the classwork is boring. Are you taking classes that challenge you, academically? Should you maybe be in accelerated classes? Are you taking full advantage of everything available for you to learn now?
I took the easy way out, graduating with the bare minimum number of credit hours, 3 years of English, 2 math, 2 science, etc. I wish I had taken more, and learned more - more about world history, more about science, more about literature and art. The school is supposed to be providing you with an education, you should try to truly get one.
I know, you think you will never use this stuff. And sometimes, that's true. But, sometimes, you get surprised!
How to get through the day. Daydream. a little. If you are sitting in history class, doodle - illustrate whatever is being talked about, pretend other students are in various roles - who would you cast as Ben Franklin? You don't want to drift away from school lessons, but if you could find a way to add life to those lessons, it could help make it more interesting!
And, do try to join activities. I wish I had. Those kids have so much more to talk about on the reunion FB page. Just hearing their stories, seeing their photos, I now realize how much I missed out on.
This too shall pass. But, throughout life, we continually have to take the bad with the good, go through things we don't really want to do to reach our goals.
Please feel free to reach out with follow-up questions.
Kim
Yes, school sucks. My last two years of high school were at a new school, and I hated every minute of it. If you can stick it out, you get a HS diploma - your ticket to everything else the world has to offer. Without it, you will face great difficulties in trying to get a decent job. So, we all toughed it out.
Let me ask you this. You say the classwork is boring. Are you taking classes that challenge you, academically? Should you maybe be in accelerated classes? Are you taking full advantage of everything available for you to learn now?
I took the easy way out, graduating with the bare minimum number of credit hours, 3 years of English, 2 math, 2 science, etc. I wish I had taken more, and learned more - more about world history, more about science, more about literature and art. The school is supposed to be providing you with an education, you should try to truly get one.
I know, you think you will never use this stuff. And sometimes, that's true. But, sometimes, you get surprised!
How to get through the day. Daydream. a little. If you are sitting in history class, doodle - illustrate whatever is being talked about, pretend other students are in various roles - who would you cast as Ben Franklin? You don't want to drift away from school lessons, but if you could find a way to add life to those lessons, it could help make it more interesting!
And, do try to join activities. I wish I had. Those kids have so much more to talk about on the reunion FB page. Just hearing their stories, seeing their photos, I now realize how much I missed out on.
This too shall pass. But, throughout life, we continually have to take the bad with the good, go through things we don't really want to do to reach our goals.
Please feel free to reach out with follow-up questions.
Kim
Michelle M.
Actress
3284
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Brandy !
I am happy to see that you've come here with an important long time issue that you're experiencing. You are true to yourself, have good insight and I admire that you are seeking options as this just may be the time that some changes should and can be made to make school an exciting venture for you !
Your observations of your school experience are valid and you seem to recognize that changes may be in order. I do not know what grade you are currently in, however, it just may not be too late for this school year to enter something different. The way I see it is that you have three basic options: Homeschooling, Montessori School or Waldorf School. These experiences are far removed from a typical public school experience and you just may find one of them exciting and fresh as they are student-centered and based on learning what you're interested in at your personal pace.
I had an awesome High School and for me, the actual learning was priority, not the socialization. I had many, many friends outside of school. I guess I just had an academic curiosity so the subjects held my interest.
Have a talk with your parents about this and see if they are willing to help you change your high school path to one of the options I have mentioned. Homeschooling does not have to occur while your parents are working, any schedule can be planned. It will take a lot of research to do it so it is an optimum experience for you, but it's worth a try. You will be socialized in a different way, through field trips, homeschool co-ops, visiting homeschool teachers for a new class, support groups, volunteer work - mostly things that you will have a say in. Your parents can follow the established homeschool protocol set by your school district or create their own form and curriculum.
Waldorf and Montessori schools are where students direct their own learning. The curriculum is organized into practical life, sensorial, language, mathematics, and cultural studies, with an emphasis on developing independence and mastery through concrete, real world experiences. The only thing is that they do not use or rely on computers/the internet much, but so did my age group and we came out fine, LOL ! It's just something to consider because you may find these options more to your liking and I do not believe that you should force yourself to try to like your school because there's always going to be something that reminds you that you do not like it there. It's worth having a sit down talk with your parents about this. If there are no Waldorf or Montessori Schools near you, perhaps you can look into other nearby locations.
I hope this helps and I wish you all the best !
I am happy to see that you've come here with an important long time issue that you're experiencing. You are true to yourself, have good insight and I admire that you are seeking options as this just may be the time that some changes should and can be made to make school an exciting venture for you !
Your observations of your school experience are valid and you seem to recognize that changes may be in order. I do not know what grade you are currently in, however, it just may not be too late for this school year to enter something different. The way I see it is that you have three basic options: Homeschooling, Montessori School or Waldorf School. These experiences are far removed from a typical public school experience and you just may find one of them exciting and fresh as they are student-centered and based on learning what you're interested in at your personal pace.
I had an awesome High School and for me, the actual learning was priority, not the socialization. I had many, many friends outside of school. I guess I just had an academic curiosity so the subjects held my interest.
Have a talk with your parents about this and see if they are willing to help you change your high school path to one of the options I have mentioned. Homeschooling does not have to occur while your parents are working, any schedule can be planned. It will take a lot of research to do it so it is an optimum experience for you, but it's worth a try. You will be socialized in a different way, through field trips, homeschool co-ops, visiting homeschool teachers for a new class, support groups, volunteer work - mostly things that you will have a say in. Your parents can follow the established homeschool protocol set by your school district or create their own form and curriculum.
Waldorf and Montessori schools are where students direct their own learning. The curriculum is organized into practical life, sensorial, language, mathematics, and cultural studies, with an emphasis on developing independence and mastery through concrete, real world experiences. The only thing is that they do not use or rely on computers/the internet much, but so did my age group and we came out fine, LOL ! It's just something to consider because you may find these options more to your liking and I do not believe that you should force yourself to try to like your school because there's always going to be something that reminds you that you do not like it there. It's worth having a sit down talk with your parents about this. If there are no Waldorf or Montessori Schools near you, perhaps you can look into other nearby locations.
I hope this helps and I wish you all the best !
Elizabeth Folsom
13
Answers
Easton, Pennsylvania
Updated
Elizabeth’s Answer
Yes, there are downsides to school, no doubt. And no suggestion is going to make the most unpleasant things about school fun. The best thing you can do to make it more fun is to connect with your peers. Most schools have clubs or other extracurricular activities that you could look into and find people who you can bond with and connect to. I would start there. Good luck.
James Constantine Frangos
SOFTWARE ENGINEER SINCE 1972; NUTRITIONIST SINCE 1976.
7094
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Good Day Brandy!
Make yourself like it! I hated mathematics. I only scraped a pass. The teacher was not communicative as well. He used to ignore me until it was time to complain. I had to repeat grade 11 to matriculate because my parents wanted me to go to university. Thank goodness I had another teacher the second time around.
I found that I could like mathematics when I started to excel in the subject. I was getting 6/7 instead of 4/7! I could even do homework! The skinny little old man could really teach! Also, he would relate to us! There is a special skill in teaching!
I suppose you would like the subject even more if you were getting 7/7! I worked really hard in Geology the second time around! I got the second-highest result in our state. 7/7 under the old 1974 Queensland Australia Radford scheme.
Another thing that works is a nutritional increment. More nutrients. When I was 9 years old the doctors were not diagnosing ADHD or Autism much. I was an antisocial, frightened child. I did not do well in school. My nutrition improved. So did my school performance! It improved so much that other teachers used to lend me to lecture their class!
SEE AN EXAMPLE, ZINC https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26962190/ [King JC, Brown KH, Gibson RS, Krebs NF, Lowe NM, Siekmann JH, Raiten DJ. Biomarkers of Nutrition for Development (BOND)-Zinc Review. J Nutr. 2015 Apr 1;146(4):858S-885S. doi: 10.3945/jn.115.220079. PMID: 26962190; PMCID: PMC4807640.]
Dux the class and you will like your studies!
REFERENCES:-
#1 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27277565/ [Shearer J, Graham TE, Skinner TL. Nutra-ergonomics: influence of nutrition on physical employment standards
and the health of workers. Appl Physiol Nutr Metab. 2016 Jun;41(6 Suppl 2):S165-74. doi: 10.1139/apnm-2015-0531. PMID: 27277565.]
#2 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30724091/ [Fernandez MA, Marquis M, Desroches S, Turcotte M, Provencher V. Full-Time Employment, Diet Quality,
and Food Skills of Canadian Parents. Can J Diet Pract Res. 2019 Jun 1;80(2):63-71. doi: 10.3148/cjdpr-2018-041. Epub 2019 Feb 7. PMID: 30724091.]
#3 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30602349/ [Tanaka R, Tsuji M, Tsuchiya T, Kawamoto T. Association Between Work-Related Factors and Diet:
A Review of the Literature. Workplace Health Saf. 2019 Mar;67(3):137-145. doi: 10.1177/2165079918812481. Epub 2019 Jan 2. PMID: 30602349.]
#4 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31830955/ [Grimani A, Aboagye E, Kwak L. The effectiveness of workplace nutrition and physical activity
interventions in improving productivity, work performance and workability: a systematic review. BMC Public Health. 2019 Dec 12;19(1):1676.
doi: 10.1186/s12889-019-8033-1. PMID: 31830955; PMCID: PMC6909496.]
#5 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31560414/ [Kuehnl A, Seubert C, Rehfuess E, von Elm E, Nowak D, Glaser J. Human resource management training
of supervisors for improving health and well-being of employees. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2019 Sep 25;9(9):CD010905.
doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD010905.pub2. PMID: 31560414; PMCID: PMC6764461.]
GOD BLESS BRANDY!
JCF
Make yourself like it! I hated mathematics. I only scraped a pass. The teacher was not communicative as well. He used to ignore me until it was time to complain. I had to repeat grade 11 to matriculate because my parents wanted me to go to university. Thank goodness I had another teacher the second time around.
I found that I could like mathematics when I started to excel in the subject. I was getting 6/7 instead of 4/7! I could even do homework! The skinny little old man could really teach! Also, he would relate to us! There is a special skill in teaching!
I suppose you would like the subject even more if you were getting 7/7! I worked really hard in Geology the second time around! I got the second-highest result in our state. 7/7 under the old 1974 Queensland Australia Radford scheme.
Another thing that works is a nutritional increment. More nutrients. When I was 9 years old the doctors were not diagnosing ADHD or Autism much. I was an antisocial, frightened child. I did not do well in school. My nutrition improved. So did my school performance! It improved so much that other teachers used to lend me to lecture their class!
SEE AN EXAMPLE, ZINC https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26962190/ [King JC, Brown KH, Gibson RS, Krebs NF, Lowe NM, Siekmann JH, Raiten DJ. Biomarkers of Nutrition for Development (BOND)-Zinc Review. J Nutr. 2015 Apr 1;146(4):858S-885S. doi: 10.3945/jn.115.220079. PMID: 26962190; PMCID: PMC4807640.]
Dux the class and you will like your studies!
REFERENCES:-
#1 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27277565/ [Shearer J, Graham TE, Skinner TL. Nutra-ergonomics: influence of nutrition on physical employment standards
and the health of workers. Appl Physiol Nutr Metab. 2016 Jun;41(6 Suppl 2):S165-74. doi: 10.1139/apnm-2015-0531. PMID: 27277565.]
#2 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30724091/ [Fernandez MA, Marquis M, Desroches S, Turcotte M, Provencher V. Full-Time Employment, Diet Quality,
and Food Skills of Canadian Parents. Can J Diet Pract Res. 2019 Jun 1;80(2):63-71. doi: 10.3148/cjdpr-2018-041. Epub 2019 Feb 7. PMID: 30724091.]
#3 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30602349/ [Tanaka R, Tsuji M, Tsuchiya T, Kawamoto T. Association Between Work-Related Factors and Diet:
A Review of the Literature. Workplace Health Saf. 2019 Mar;67(3):137-145. doi: 10.1177/2165079918812481. Epub 2019 Jan 2. PMID: 30602349.]
#4 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31830955/ [Grimani A, Aboagye E, Kwak L. The effectiveness of workplace nutrition and physical activity
interventions in improving productivity, work performance and workability: a systematic review. BMC Public Health. 2019 Dec 12;19(1):1676.
doi: 10.1186/s12889-019-8033-1. PMID: 31830955; PMCID: PMC6909496.]
#5 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31560414/ [Kuehnl A, Seubert C, Rehfuess E, von Elm E, Nowak D, Glaser J. Human resource management training
of supervisors for improving health and well-being of employees. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2019 Sep 25;9(9):CD010905.
doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD010905.pub2. PMID: 31560414; PMCID: PMC6764461.]
GOD BLESS BRANDY!
JCF