My students make me feel bad when they say class is boring because I work so hard to make things interesting. Are they just manipulating me?

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I always say this-I’m sorry it’s boring but I’m not here to entertain you. I’m here to make sure you succeed. We will have fun days and we will have days when it won’t be so fun and you’ll do hard work and that’s how it is.
I also say something like this to my children.

likesmart

Oh yes! Sassiness is a must!

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Ask them to describe when it wasn't boring, in any class. It'll either give you great ideas, or verify that they are manipulating you.

likesmarthelpful

Only boring people get bored.🤣

likefunnysmart

Came here to say this!!

Kids have an unrealistic expectation of real life - If it's not constant car chases with sharks shooting lasers & a cool soundtrack, it's "boring".

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"I am your teacher and I would never CALL you boring, but yeah, since you bring it up, you could probably do more to make the learning environment more enjoyable."

likefunny

I ask if it's because they think they already know what we're learning or because they find it too easy. Or they feel like they know all they need to know to be an independent adult in the world. Then, I quote JFK, "We don't do these things because they are easy, we do them because they are hard." I try to be genuine and not to be snarky when I have this conversation.

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I tell my students boring is not real. It is a choice you make for yourself. The greatest cure to boredom is rising to the challenge of the work I give you. When a student tells me ‘this is boring’ what I really hear is ‘I am lazy and don’t want to do anything.’ Choose not to be bored. Choose not to be lazy. Suck it up, buttercup. We have things to learn!

likesmart

I love it! I'm using your quote. Don't worry. I'll give you credit, Wise Teacher Friend!

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When I shared this problem with my family, their comment was, "If they want to be entertained, they should hire Milton Berle- ( a famous comedian)

funny

My mother told me this when I was a child and I share these words of wisdom to my students. When I said I was bored, my Mother would say that means you are a boring person. I would switch the words to my students and say you can always ask questions and make it fun. Make it fun with your students.

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Boring describes the person who feels it. Not the situation. I don’t know how to be bored anymore. I’m way to preoccupied and if I get a little quiet, it’s nice to reflect and just enjoy it.

Put another way, boredom is a sign of a weak mind, or at the very least a weak imagination.

But... don’t be lame. Make sure you have some things that you teach that “spice up” your class to make it a memorable experience. An engaging project is a good one.

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They are just teenagers. We cannot give them the endorphins they crave. I’m sure you’re doing a great job.

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It's so nice to hear someone assuming positive intent. That is rare these days. Thank you Oklahoma teacher!

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"Boring" used by students doesnt mean what it means when we use it. I almost think it's slang now. My take is it mostly just means the student doesn't feel like working.

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I meant "too hard"

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Yep.

Yes, they’re always going to try.

Don't let it get to you. Their attention span is pretty limited, just due to their age as well as increasing distractions in the teenage world.

That being said, I'm going to echo other teachers who are suggesting you ask them what's not boring to them. It might be that you could be doing more interactive lessons. (Then again, you may well already be the most hands on teacher in the world, I am not suggesting otherwise!) Sometimes having honest conversations with students can lead to amazing things and a sea change in your teaching.

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