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[Listen Again] Let Them Be Bored: Why Boredom is Good for Kids with Mike Bender and Chuck Dillon

Why Boredom is Good for Kids with Mike Bender and Chuck Dillon

Click play below to listen to why we think boredom is good for kids:

Have you ever had a student declare, “I’m bored!”—especially at the end of the school year? Instead of rushing to fix it, what if boredom is actually something worth embracing? In this episode, we explore why boredom is good for kids and how it can open the door to deeper thinking and creativity.

As we head into the final stretch of the year, we’re bringing back this favorite conversation with author Mike Bender (The End Is Just the Beginning, The Most Serious Fart, The Bravest Booger) and illustrator Chuck Dillon, the creative team behind Bored Panda. Their work highlights why boredom is good for kids and how those quiet, unstructured moments can lead to imagination and discovery.

In this episode, Sara, Mike, and Chuck discuss a powerful idea: boredom isn’t something to avoid, it’s an opportunity. You’ll hear why boredom is good for kids and how it can spark creativity, independence, and meaningful engagement.

Mike and Chuck share the inspiration behind Bored Panda, give a behind-the-scenes look at their author-illustrator collaboration, and explore how slowing down (even just a little) can open up space for curiosity and connection. Along the way, they reflect on screen time, mindfulness, and why boredom is good for kids in a world full of constant stimulation.

This episode is especially timely as routines shift, energy dips, and students start saying “I’m bored” a little more often. Understanding why boredom is good for kids can help you reframe those moments and use them as opportunities for growth.

Meet Mike

boredom

Mike Bender

Mike Bender is a #1 New York Times bestselling author of Awkward Family Photos. He has written the Junior Library Guild Selection The Book About Nothing, The End Is Just The Beginning, and The Most Serious Fart. Through his work, Mike often explores big ideas in playful, meaningful ways—including why boredom is good for kids and how it can spark creativity and imagination. He lives in Santa Barbara with his family and can’t wait for boredom to inspire his next idea!

Meet Chuck

Boredom
www.chuckdillon.net/

Chuck Dillon

Known for his busy style that blends humor with intricate detail Chuck Dillon’s cartoons have appeared in numerous children’s publications, games, and online for over 35 years. He is a member and two time Silver Reuben recipient of the National Cartoonist Society. He is the illustrator of The Most Serious Fart and The Bravest Booger which were featured on Ryan Reynold’s Bedtime Stories with Ryan. Bored Panda, Mike Bender and Chuck’s new book, will be released April 29. Chuck was born and raised in Philadelphia surrounded by chaos and laughter but he currently lives with his funny family in rural Massachusetts where milk is delivered on Saturdays.

Stay connect with The Stellar Teacher Co!

More About Stellar Teacher Podcast:

Welcome to the Stellar Teacher Podcast! We believe teaching literacy is a skill. It takes a lot of time, practice, and effort to be good at it. This podcast will show you how to level up your literacy instruction and make a massive impact on your students, all while having a little fun!

Your host, Sara Marye, is a literacy specialist passionate about helping elementary teachers around the world pass on their love of reading to their students. She has over a decade of experience working as a classroom teacher and school administrator. Sara has made it her mission to create high-quality, no-fluff resources and lesson ideas that are both meaningful and engaging for young readers.

Each week, Sara and her guests will share their knowledge, tips, and tricks so that you can feel confident in your ability to transform your students into life-long readers.

Tune in on your favorite podcast platform: Apple, Google, Amazon, Spotify, Castbox, and more! If you’re loving this podcast, please rate, review, and follow!

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