Why Kids Get Bored at School—and How to Help

Source: https://www.parents.com/

Many children experience boredom at school for various reasons, such as a lack of challenge, mental health issues, learning differences, or disconnection from the subject matter. While some kids may occasionally feel bored, for others it can be a persistent issue leading to distress and even school avoidance.

Here are the reasons why Kids Get Bored at School

They Don’t See Many Incentives: Under-motivated students often express boredom in class, feeling that the material is either already known or unimportant, which leads to a lack of incentive to engage with the content. Their statements about school being boring are frequently linked to a lack of connection with what they’re learning, their school environment, teachers, and peers. It’s important to note that under-motivation doesn’t equate to laziness; instead, it often stems from the perception that the material lacks personal relevance or meaning, and it may not be presented in a way that resonates with them.

They’re Not Sufficiently Challenged: Gifted students often find school boring when the material doesn’t match their interests and abilities, as they can master skills quickly without much instruction. However, not all under-challenged students are gifted; many are capable but find the material too easy, leading to boredom and a lack of motivation. These students may achieve good grades but tend to rush through assignments without thoroughness. To thrive, they need support in becoming more engaged and motivated in their learning.

They Have Mental Health Concerns: When children find school boring, it may signal difficulties at home, such as divorce, relocation, financial strain, or family loss. Mental health issues like depression, anxiety, insomnia, or PTSD can also lead to disinterest in school, according to Dr. Gwyn. School Social Worker Tameko Hairston-Piggee emphasizes the importance of ruling out medical concerns and assessing changes in the home environment. Additionally, unmet social-emotional needs, such as trauma or low self-esteem, may contribute to perceived inattention. In some cases, a lack of motivation could indicate undiagnosed attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), which affects focus, organization, and impulse control.

They Haven’t Connected With Peers or Their Teacher: Children who struggle to connect with peers, teachers, or the school community may experience boredom due to feelings of isolation or a lack of belonging. Without positive relationships with their teachers, they may not know where to seek help. School Social Worker Tameko Hairston-Piggee emphasizes the importance of building supportive relationships and fostering a strength-based environment. When these connections are absent, students can become apathetic. Dr. Gwyn notes that a student who feels disliked may disengage from learning, mistaking their need for support as boredom. Additionally, limited social skills can hinder a child’s ability to make friends, further discouraging their participation in school activities.

Their Skills Need Bolstering: Not all students are at grade level or possess the necessary academic, socio-emotional, physical, or practical skills for classroom success. Some may lack effective study skills, while others may be neurodivergent or have learning challenges that require additional guidance or accommodations to help them meet classroom expectations and thrive academically.

They struggle with executive function skills: Executive functioning skills are crucial for managing tasks and distractions, including planning, multitasking, and self-control. If a child struggles with these skills, they may express boredom by saying, “Why is school so boring?” when they actually mean they feel overwhelmed or unsure about how to engage. Additionally, children who have difficulty with organization, following directions, or self-advocacy may also feel lost in class. Those with vision, hearing, mobility, or memory issues may experience boredom if their specific needs are not met in the classroom.

They need accommodations: If your child has physical, mental health, socio-emotional, or learning differences, they may qualify for programs and interventions such as learning centers, pull-out groups, or a 504 plan or Individualized Education Plan (IEP). These plans entitle students to accommodations and support to make learning more accessible and equitable. If your child qualifies, it’s important to discuss with their teacher or school staff about adding services and goals to support their educational progress and address any academic challenges they face.

How Parents Can Help Kids Who Feel Bored at School

Parents and teachers can help children who find school boring by first identifying the underlying causes of their apathy. Understanding these issues allows for solutions that genuinely address the problem. It’s important to recognize that boredom can stem from multiple factors, such as being under-challenged or unmotivated, rather than jumping to conclusions. When a child expresses boredom, it’s crucial to listen and empathize instead of dismissing their feelings. Ultimately, students need support to engage with their schoolwork rather than judgment for their lack of interest.

Questions to ask: Encourage your child to reflect on their class experiences during calm moments, away from school, rather than immediately after they come home. Let them know that their feelings are important and that you’re interested in their perspective. Ask them specific questions about the lesson, focusing on what they found boring, interesting, or challenging. This approach helps facilitate a meaningful conversation about their school experience.

• Do you enjoy the topic in general?
• What part felt tricky?
• Who can you ask for help?
• Did you follow the instructions?
• What did you find confusing?
• Was there anything you liked about the task?
• Did you ask the teacher for any guidance?
• Did you want to ask for help but didn’t because you were anxious or didn’t know how?
• What did you like or not like about the way the information was presented?
• What would you do differently if you were to teach that lesson or present that topic?
• Then, ask follow-up questions about anything else that pertains to their specific situation.

Involve both the teacher and child: Communicate with your child’s teachers about what engages your child and what doesn’t, while avoiding blame. Offer constructive feedback on your child’s needs. Involving your child in this process is crucial; it’s important to acknowledge their concerns about boredom and work together to find solutions. Sitting down with the teacher to brainstorm can help keep your child engaged, as they often provide valuable insights into their disengagement. Including them in the solution-finding process can increase their sense of agency and respect. Ultimately, fostering creativity and identifying supportive school staff can help build engagement.

Think creatively to address child boredom at school: When brainstorming solutions for a child struggling in school, think creatively. Possible options include:

• Exercise breaks to release energy
• Advanced math at a higher grade level for gifted students
• Fidgets for focus
• Access to a quiet learning center
• Watching movies related to subjects instead of reading
• Mentoring younger students
• Online schooling
• More frequent breaks to relax
• Adjusting homework load, whether reducing or increasing it.

In conclusion, children have different learning styles, and boredom in school may arise if the material isn’t presented in a way that suits their learning preferences. Discuss this with your child’s teacher or school administration to explore solutions. Your child might benefit from visual aids, tactile stimulation, or hands-on experiences rather than traditional lectures. Each child may require unique interventions, so approach the situation with curiosity and creativity, and advocate for solutions that can help increase your child’s engagement in learning.

Read More: https://childreninfobank.com/safebank/why-kids-get-bored-at-school-and-how-to-help/

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