Why is it that young people so often complain about being bored? Does every minute really need to be charged with excitement? I frequently hear students say that reading is boring or a lesson is boring. Ennui? What do they expect? Doesn't the brain enjoy a little down time just to mull things over every now and then? Maybe that's just my brain.:)
Keeping students challenged isn't always easy. I read a wonderful post, Making Things Intentionally "Hard", by The Elementary Educator that had some great suggestions on ways to extend lessons and keep students challenged and involved.
There are also some cool sites that can spice up any day. If you want to choose a picture for a writing prompt, an audio of a limerick or famous line from a book, or some stimulating math games, the world is your oyster. Sometimes it's just fun to do something a little different.
When I taught 90 minute blocks, I used to have the students stand for a few minutes and do a few exercises. Bending in the shapes of letters or angles can be an effective way to get students reengaged in the learning. Sometimes playing a little music helps too.
At any rate, students won't complain of ennui if they constantly have something challenging to do!