^Before I start my rant, did you see the alliteration in the title? I’m so proud of myself. -Hugs myself-. Okie dokie, here we go.
I signed up for summer school because I thought the experience would be comparable to summer camp. Y’know, making new friends, smiling, laughing, and having fun learning experiences.
I was wrong. ^By the way, that picture is mistaken. It’s actually not that cool.
Imagine four hours of Social Studies every day in a room painted entirely white in the basement of a school. There are no pretty, glossy posters on the wall like they had in Elementary. In fact, there are no windows at all. So basically, it’s prison. Heh. No one is enthusiastic (I don’t blame them) and it makes for lots of awkward silences when the teacher asks the class a question. It’s also really awkward when the teacher makes a joke, and the room is so silent that you can hear a pin drop. But hey! On the bright side, there are families of pigeons living in the walls of the school, so when there’s an awkward tension, the cooing and squawking make up for that.
Well, today while we were learning about the French Revolution and Napoleon, I jotted down notes… on how to pass the time.
Draw or Write Something
Drawing keeps people awake. Doodle or sketch something elaborate. Visuals are just helpful in keeping your mind occupied. You could probably come up with some deep poetry about your boredom too. I came up with half this blog while my teacher ranted.
Ways to Sleep in Class
1. Rest your head on your left hand. Make sure that your head is tilted slightly downwards so no one sees your closed eyes.
2. Use your right hand to hold your pencil. Make sure to keep the pencil on a sheet of paper just so it looks like you’re making an attempt to write or take notes.
3. Sleep.
Basically, it just looks like you’re deep in thought. Plus, the teacher completely buys it. I see at least three people doing it simultaneously everyday. You could always just flat out sleep with your head on your desk; it’s just a bit riskier.
1. Teacher puts in a video
2. Teacher turns off the lights
3. By all means, sleep
This one’s self explanatory. In my class of 30, I counted 14 people doing this. Me included.
I’ve also made a rule for myself. If more than five people in my class have dozed off, I see it as an invitation to sleep. If you really want to be on the safe side, wait for ten people to go down, then you’re allowed to follow.
Eat or Drink Stuff
If you’re trying to stay awake for the lesson or a video, caffeine helps (so go buy a coke from the vending machine, or a coffee or herbal tea from Starbucks). I’m pretty sure everyone knew that one. Another way to stay awake is to eat foods that are high in protein. This may include sandwiches, cheese and dairy products. Chew gum, apparently it can keep you awake.
Fidget Around With Objects Around You
I’ve seen people in my class stacking erasers and pencils, braiding hair, reading Harry Potter, make a paperclip necklaces, fold origami, and applying makeup. If it keeps you amused, then great! Time will fly by.
Observe Others
I’m not condoning creepy behaviour, but look around the room and find interesting people to observe such as people trying to shoot elastic bands at the roof and hitting someone else in the head instead. Watching sleepy people’s heads roll and suddenly having them jolt up is also pretty entertaining.
Appear Awake When You’re Really Not
Classic; draw eyes on your eyelids. Too bad it works best only when you’re Johnny Depp.
Okie dokie. If you’re in summer school, good luck with survival. If you’re not, well then, boo you — enjoy frolicking in the summer air with butterflies.