Bored Panda

What better way to start the year than with a story that makes us stop, think, and laugh a little about our tech-filled lives. Bored Panda by Mike Bender, illustrated by Chuck Dillon, was the perfect springboard for our class iPad time agreement.

In the story, Panda’s world goes dark when the power goes out. No wifi. No “Panda Pad.” Just… boredom. At first, nothing seems fun without a screen, but then he ventures into the forest and tries painting, photography, and even sculpting. Slowly, he realises that joy can come from using our imagination and trying something new.

In our world where screens can so easily become the centre of everything, this book reminded us that technology is a tool, not the whole adventure. My students were so inspired that they have started finding creative, screen-free ways to have fun—by choice.

Sometimes the best connection is the one you make without a device.