Let's be real: there’s too much curriculum, too many behavior challenges, and not enough hours in the day to make every lesson “fun.”

But here’s the truth: fun is different from engagement.

And engagement is the foundation for meaningful learning.

Here's the neuroscience behind engagement:

• The brain craves novelty and interaction. When students are bored, their ability to focus and retain information plummets. Simple changes, like adding movement or humor, can light up the parts of the brain responsible for memory and critical thinking.
• Engagement builds safety. Research shows that students who say they have fun at school are also more likely to say they feel safe and valued in your classroom. A sense of belonging is key to helping kids succeed.
• It’s an investment, not wasted time. Quick activities like brain breaks, interactive discussions, or creative ways of completing worksheets might seem like “extras,” but they lay the groundwork for deeper learning and better behavior.

My guest in episode 333 of the Truth for Teachers podcast is Katie Powell, the queen of "boredom busters."

She's the Director for Middle Level Programs for AMLE, a membership organization dedicated to supporting middle school educators, and her experience as a middle school special educator deeply informs her practice. Katie has written Boredom Busters: Transform Worksheets, Lectures, and Grading into Engaging, Meaningful Learning Experiences, and a whole series of other books designed to boost student engagement.

In our conversation, she shares tons of practical, low lift suggestions:

• Rethink worksheets: Instead of handing out a traditional worksheet, let students complete one problem, fold the paper into a paper airplane, and launch it across the room. Each student picks up someone else’s paper and completes the next question. At the end, they review and justify answers. It’s engaging, collaborative, and builds critical thinking!
• Use humor and movement: A funny, pre-screened video or a quick stretch activity can set a positive tone for learning in just a few minutes. These small moments wake up the brain and create curiosity.
• Junk drawer connections: Give students a random object (like a fork or a key) and challenge them to connect it to a concept they’re learning, such as photosynthesis or fractions. The novelty of the task sparks creativity and encourages deeper thinking.

Katie also addresses common objections teachers have:

• “I don’t have time.” Katie explains that brain-priming engagement activities don’t have to take long—most can be done in three minutes or less. Even quick brain breaks help students focus better during more structured lessons.
• “My students won’t settle back down.” If transitions are tough, build in a calming activity afterward, like a breathing exercise or chair yoga. Katie shares simple steps help students regulate their energy.
• “Not all my kids can handle this.” Katies suggests offering choice. Some students thrive with high-energy activities, while others need quieter options. The key is meeting your students where they are and making engagement accessible to everyone.

As Katie says, "Engagement isn’t just about making lessons fun—it’s about creating a classroom where kids feel safe, valued, and curious. It’s not something extra; it’s the spark that helps students love learning."

Enjoy!

Angela

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