What to Do if You Don’t Like School

If you’re bored at school, it’s probably because the learning pace is too slow or you’re just not interested in what you’re doing in class. If that sounds like you, here are a few things you can try:

• Ask your teacher for more challenging work that allows you to dig deeper into a topic and give your brain a workout.
• Set achievable school-related goals for yourself (e.g., score above X% in your favourite subject, get more exercise, read more books, etc.).
• Find ways to connect your interests to the subjects you find boring (for example, if you like art, you could think of an art project idea to suggest to your teacher).
• Don’t be afraid to offer help to classmates who are struggling with concepts you’ve mastered.
• Draw connections between what you’re learning at school and your daily life or future career goals. It will help you understand the importance of school.
• If you have an inquisitive mind, make a habit of diving deeper into the subjects you’re studying at school, just for the fun and challenge of it! Learning doesn’t have to stop at the classroom door.

When you’re falling behind in class, it’s normal to feel overwhelmed and like you want to give up. Here are a few things you can do:

• Ask your teachers to help you review material you’re struggling with.
• If you have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or another learning disability, talk to the education specialists at your school about adapting assignments to suit your needs and learning style.
• Remember that struggling in school doesn’t mean you’re less intelligent than your classmates. Every student learns differently.
• You can get help with tricky material by chatting directly with a teacher during business hours. Remember, there are no stupid questions!
• Set yourself up for success by adopting good habits: move every day, eat balanced meals, get all of your school supplies ready in advance, get plenty of sleep (especially if you don’t like getting up early), use stress management techniques, etc.

Making friends can be a challenge at any time in your life. If you don’t want to go to school because you feel lonely there, you can try these tips to develop new friendships:

• Sign up for group activities you’re interested in (clubs or extracurricular activities, for example), even if you’re brand new to them. You can always learn a new skill if you put your mind to it!

• Ask someone you’d like to get to know better to study for an exam, work on a school project together, or rehearse an oral presentation (link in French).

• Ask a classmate to walk to school with you.

• Organize a board game night or another group activity to break the ice.

• Invite a classmate or two to do an activity you enjoy.

• Attend school activities such as dances or sporting events.

• Try to expand your social circle by talking to different groups of classmates during breaks.

• Etc.

It can take time to build friendships, so be patient. In the meantime, focus on getting to know your classmates. New friendships often develop through shared interests.