Lovely Play & Recreation

Get Caught? Or Not!? Simple Ways to Kill Time During Class

Deputy Editor of RAG MUSICsasashina
Deputy Editor of RAG MUSIC. JFC-certified fact-checker. I’m Sasashina, a mom currently raising an elementary schooler and a preschooler. During my student years at Kyoto College of Science and Technology, I studied a wide range of fields including sound, lighting, and video technology, building a foundation in comprehensive stage production and creative expression. After graduation, I joined a music production company, where I still work, consistently building experience in production and engaging in a variety of music-centered tasks. Currently, I mainly handle articles for children, drawing on what I’ve learned about parenting and what I feel and discover through daily interactions with my kids. I hope my work can be of help to you, even in a small way!
Keyboard playerSAKI
I’ve been playing the Electone since I was six, mainly performing Disney music, anime songs, and music from dramas and films. I post performance videos on YouTube and social media, and I also give concerts. Building on my Electone experience, I took up synthesizer and piano during my student years and performed at school-sponsored events. As a writer, I’ve covered not only music-related topics but a wide range of genres, so I hope to draw on my experience to deliver articles that make readers think, “I want to try that!” or “I want to listen to that!”

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!

Hands-on activities you can do during class (11–20)

Amidakuji (lot-drawing game)

The Turbulent 10,000-Yen Amida Lottery

Amidakuji (lot-drawing game)

Let me introduce a quiet, solo-in-class fun idea: the “Amidakuji” game (ladder lottery).

For example, set a theme like “How to spend 10,000 yen,” draw an Amidakuji in your notebook, and freely list your options: “Go out for yakiniku,” “Buy luxury stationery,” “Spend it all on gacha,” “Buy lots of snacks,” “Donate,” and so on.

The key is to write things that genuinely excite you.

As you imagine those futures in your head, you might find yourself happily torn about where to start.

You can enjoy it without anyone noticing, and while you’re drawing, your imagination expands and it becomes a refreshing mental break.

All you need is paper and a pen—perfect for a quietly exciting game.

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cat’s cradle

[Solo Cat’s Cradle] 7 consecutive tricks!! An unexpected twist at the end! Easy and understandable ♪ [With voice commentary]

cat's cradle

Cat’s cradle, a traditional pastime, also makes for a quiet way to pass the time during class.

All you need is a single string and you’re set.

Trying out cat’s cradle tricks under the desk or inside your sleeves, and shaping figures by looping the string through your hands, engages both your mind and your fingers, helping you focus.

As you get used to it, you can execute moves smoothly with just your fingertips, making it less noticeable from the outside.

Another tip is not to fixate on the final shape, but to enjoy the process itself.

As a quiet way to play, it’s a pretty discreet way to kill time.

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fiddle with my smartphone

Hikakin and Dark Masuo awkwardly fiddling with their phones — actually just getting the stream ready. #Hikakin #Masuo #Twitch

fiddle with my smartphone

Even though many people know it’s risky to mess with their phones during class, they still end up doing it.

If you operate it secretly under the desk or on your lap, you can take care of things like checking LINE or doing a quick web search.

But if you get too absorbed, your gaze may drop too much or your finger movements may stand out, and the teacher could notice right away, so you need to be careful.

Even if you dim the screen, turn the sound completely off, and disable notifications, one bad timing can get you caught.

Since many schools have rules that prohibit using smartphones altogether, this isn’t a great way to kill time for anyone who absolutely doesn’t want to get caught.

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Massage the hands

Palm Lymph Drainage: Flush out aging substances and fatigue to improve facial sagging, autonomic nervous balance, and sluggishness

Massage the hands

When you start to feel tired in class, a discreet way to refresh yourself is with a hand massage.

Just knead each finger with your non-dominant hand or press pressure points on your palm, and you’ll feel clearer.

It doesn’t involve big movements—only setting down your pen and moving your hands a little—so it won’t look out of place to your teacher or those around you.

If you do it when your focus is about to slip, it can clear your head a bit and help ward off drowsiness.

Stretching your shoulders or neck tends to stand out, but a hand massage is much less likely to be noticed.

It’s a quiet coping method you can use to care for both mind and body.

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origami

[Easy Origami] How to Fold a Cat | Origami How to Make a Cat | 折り紙 | 종이접기 고양이 | DIY Paper Craft | Cute Cat

origami

With just a square sheet of paper, origami lets you create all kinds of items.

It’s a perfect activity for passing the time during a dull moment in class.

Try making classics like cranes or paper airplanes, or put your own ideas to work and craft something original.

If you’re making animals like cats or dogs, drawing in parts like the eyes, nose, and mouth will make them even cuter.

Since colorful paper stands out, it’s best to use white or cream-colored origami paper.

Rather than doing everything at once, try working bit by bit while keeping an eye on the teacher.

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In conclusion

There are many clever ways and ideas for passing the time during class.

From thrilling options to quiet, low-key ones, it’s important to find a method that suits you.

By keeping a few precautions in mind and using them wisely, you can make your time in class meaningful.

Of course, don’t forget to fully understand the lesson content.