Get Caught? Or Not!? Simple Ways to Kill Time During Class
Have you ever felt like time was crawling during class? You might be tempted to reach for your phone, but getting caught would be a big problem.
The truth is, there are clever ways to pass the time that won’t disrupt the lesson and are hard for the teacher to notice.
In this article, we’ll introduce ideas you can do quietly at your desk and tricks that make use of your notebook—safe options even during class.
They’re a great way to refresh your mind too, so it’s a win-win.
Give them a try!
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Handwork you can do during class (1–10)
Disassemble a mechanical pencil
Taking apart a mechanical pencil using only your hands during class is a strangely satisfying, focus-enhancing habit.
By removing the lead, spring, eraser, and other parts one by one, laying them out in order, or seeing how finely you can disassemble it, you get a small sense of accomplishment.
Even with a familiar pencil, you rarely get the chance to study its structure closely, so you might discover something new.
Be careful not to send parts flying or lose them—that will draw attention.
If you can’t reassemble it smoothly, you may end up wasting even more time.
The trick is to make no noise and keep everything confined to your hands so it doesn’t get noticed.
Finger Challenge
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The “finger challenge” looks easy at first glance, but once you try it, it’s surprisingly hard.
For example: “Can you hold your index finger down with your thumb and bend only your pinky without moving the others?” or “Put your hand flat on the desk and try lifting only your ring finger.” The structure of your hand gets in the way, so your fingers won’t move as you expect, and it’s tougher than you’d think.
It’s funny at first, but more and more people start getting serious as they go—that’s what makes this game so fun.
Since it uses no tools and makes no noise, it’s perfect for a sneaky little distraction or a quick refresher during class!
Hands-on activities you can do during class (11–20)
Doodles on (my) hand
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Let me introduce a sneaky little pastime you can enjoy during class: doodling on your hand.
For example, draw a beak between your thumb and index finger, and when you move your fingers, it looks like a little bird is talking.
It’s a playful trick that makes drawings come to life through the shape and movement of your hand.
You can draw a face and use your fingers to make it look like it’s blinking, or open your hand to change its expression—there are lots of ways to have fun.
It doesn’t require any special skill, just a single pen, and it’s silent, so it’s safe even in class.
It’s a quiet, fun hand game that gives you a quick mood lift and gets a laugh when you show it to friends around you.
Making kneaded erasers
When it comes to fidgety ways to pass boring time, making kneaded eraser is a classic.
You gather the bits that come off when you rub an eraser using a ruler, then just keep kneading them.
Once it reaches a certain soft texture, you can knead it on top of a notebook or book to work more smoothly.
Knead it into a single piece, and when it stretches softly like gum, it’s done.
It’s an activity you can enjoy during dull moments in class, like after you’ve finished a problem or when you’re feeling sleepy.
Just remember to give the teacher a glance now and then and avoid looking down too much while you try it.
Picture shiritori
When it comes to time-killers that let you communicate with people in nearby seats, picture shiritori is a great option.
It’s a simple activity that just adds drawings to the rules of shiritori, so anyone can try it casually.
Starting from the person who draws first, pass the paper around in order, and when it reaches the end, check whether the shiritori chain works.
Since you can’t speak during class, focus on passing it along quietly, and then everyone can check the answers together during break time.
Setting time limits or extra rules makes it an even more exciting way to pass the time.
craft; handiwork; fabrication; maneuvering (scheming)
Crafts you can make with just paper and a pen are a great way to pass the time for people who like working with their hands.
Simply folding paper airplanes or shuriken from the edge of a notebook, or making small boxes and 3D shapes in the margins of a printout, can turn into an enjoyable activity.
Trying to use eraser shavings or a broken mechanical pencil lead as parts, or figuring out ways to shape things without glue or tape, is part of the fun.
Since noise or big movements will give you away quickly, the key is to work quietly.
If you manage your finished pieces by hiding them in a pencil case, for example, they’re less likely to be noticed and remain safe.
It’s a way to pass the time while satisfying your creative urge.
nail care
A perfect way to pass a little time during class is nail care.
Simply using just your hands to quietly shape your nails or gently snip hangnails can leave you feeling refreshed.
Lightly buffing the nail surface or pushing back the cuticles makes your hands look neat and clean and can help you feel more put-together.
Even without tools, you can smooth rough edges by using another nail like a file.
Taking care of your hands can boost concentration and provide a quick mental reset.
It’s a great form of quiet self-care.