Before smartphones, school was a completely different world. We filled our days with quirky, hands-on activities and found creative ways to entertain ourselves, connect with friends, and even bend the rules. From passing notes to using the school library in ways that had nothing to do with studying, our pre-smartphone habits defined an era of simpler, more analog fun. Here’s a nostalgic look at 12 quirky things we all did in school before everyone had a smartphone in their pocket.
1. Folding Notes Into Intricate Shapes
Passing notes wasn’t just communication; it was an art form. A simple “Do you like me? Check yes or no” message could be folded into a triangle, square, or even a complicated heart shape. Mastering these origami-like techniques was almost as important as the message itself. The thrill of seeing that folded note make its way across the classroom—carefully passed from desk to desk—was unmatched. And when you finally received one, the anticipation of unfolding it without tearing was like solving a tiny puzzle.
These notes weren’t just about their content; they were a symbol of connection. Whether it was a love confession, an inside joke, or plans for after school, passing notes felt like a secret rebellion against the structure of the classroom. Today, texting has replaced these physical exchanges, but nothing quite compares to the tactile joy of slipping a perfectly folded note into someone’s hand.
2. Decorating Your Locker Like It Was Your Personal Shrine
Back when lockers were more than just places to store books, we treated them like mini apartments. Photos of favorite celebrities, friends, and crushes covered the inside door, often framed with magnetic mirrors or tiny light-up decorations. You might’ve had a combination of posters, stickers, and cutouts from teen magazines—basically a vision board of your pre-teen dreams. And let’s not forget about accessorizing with fun magnets or tiny shelves to keep everything organized.
Lockers were a way to express your personality in a way that Instagram profiles are now. The care and creativity that went into decorating them reflected who you were, or who you wanted to be, during those formative years. It’s a lost art in today’s backpack-focused, digital age.
3. Playing Mash During Class
MASH—Mansion, Apartment, Shack, House—was the ultimate fortune-telling game. All you needed was a piece of paper, a pen, and a friend willing to decide your future. We’d list potential spouses, careers, cars, and numbers of children, then use a random number to cross off options until we landed on “our destiny.” The results were often hilarious and completely ridiculous, but that was part of the charm.
This simple game could turn a boring lecture into a burst of laughter. It wasn’t just about the results but the fun of imagining these outlandish scenarios with your friends. Today, apps might simulate fortune-telling, but nothing compares to scribbling out “you’ll marry the lunch lady and drive a tricycle” on a piece of notebook paper.
4. Playing With Those Giant Rainbow Pens
Those chunky pens with multiple ink colors were more than just writing tools—they were status symbols. Clicking between red, green, blue, and black ink was oddly satisfying, and having one meant you were instantly cooler. But let’s be honest, you rarely used them for actual schoolwork. Instead, you spent most of your time clicking all the colors halfway down at once to create a pen jam.
These pens embodied a kind of playful innovation that felt magical at the time. Today’s students might have high-tech tablets and styluses, but there was something uniquely delightful about those slightly impractical, brightly colored pens.
5. Using Paper as a Playground
Paper wasn’t just for taking notes; it was a tool for games and creativity. From paper footballs to fortune-tellers, our notebooks doubled as entertainment hubs. With a flick of a finger, you could launch a paper football across the desk, scoring imaginary points in the most boring classes. And who didn’t try their hand at making paper airplanes during a slow day?
These simple games brought joy and camaraderie, turning ordinary classroom supplies into a source of endless fun. While today’s distractions come in digital form, there’s something irreplaceable about the creativity and simplicity of transforming paper into playthings.
6. Creating Binder Doodles and Graffiti
Your binder wasn’t just a school supply—it was a canvas for your artistic expressions. Doodles of hearts, band logos, and your initials intertwined with your crush’s name covered every inch. Some students got really creative, drawing intricate designs or even full-blown comics during class. Trapper Keepers were especially popular, with their bold covers practically begging to be personalized.
This habit wasn’t just about passing the time; it was about making something uniquely yours. In an era before social media, decorating your binder was a way to showcase your interests and individuality. Now, with digital devices replacing notebooks, this charming tradition has become a thing of the past.
7. Passing Around Burnt CDs or Mixtapes
If you had a friend with a knack for making mixtapes or burning CDs, you were in luck. Trading these handmade compilations was like exchanging a piece of your soul. Each CD came with carefully chosen tracks and sometimes a hand-decorated cover featuring doodles, song titles, or inside jokes.
Sharing music this way was about more than just the songs—it was about bonding. Whether it was the latest radio hits or deep-cut tracks that felt like secrets, these CDs captured the spirit of the time. Today, playlists on streaming platforms lack the tangible, personal touch of those physical compilations.
8. Playing Heads Down, Thumbs Up
Rainy days or free time in class called for the ultimate game of suspense: Heads Down, Thumbs Up. With your head on the desk and thumb raised, you’d wait for someone to tap you. The excitement of trying to guess who it was felt like a high-stakes mystery.
This simple game brought the whole class together and created moments of shared laughter and playful competition. It’s a reminder that even the most basic activities can feel magical when you’re a kid.
9. Obsessing Over Gel Pens
Gel pens weren’t just a writing tool; they were a statement. From glittery inks to metallic hues, these pens turned any piece of paper into a masterpiece. If you owned a rainbow set, you instantly became the go-to person for borrowing pens during art projects or note-sharing.
These pens made even the most boring assignments a little brighter. While digital devices now dominate school supplies, the sheer joy of picking the perfect gel pen color is something today’s students will never fully understand.
10. Spending Hours Perfecting Your Cursive
Before typing became the standard, cursive writing was an art form. Teachers emphasized perfect loops and flowing connections, and students competed to see who had the fanciest handwriting. Passing notes in elegant cursive felt extra special, like you were writing a secret letter from another era.
Though cursive is rarely taught today, it was once a rite of passage. The hours spent practicing it may seem unnecessary now, but it added a sense of beauty to even the simplest written words.
11. Using the School Library as a Hangout Spot
The library wasn’t just for reading—it was a social hub. Whether you were sneaking in some chat time with friends or perusing the latest magazines, the library was often more about fun than academics. And let’s not forget the thrill of finding the perfect book to skim during a boring study hall.
Libraries provided a unique mix of quiet rebellion and genuine interest. In a time before smartphones, it was a place to connect with others or escape into a world of stories, making it a cherished part of school life.
12. Turning Lunch into a Mini Carnival
Lunch was a highlight of the day, and we didn’t just eat—we got creative. From trading snacks to playing games with milk cartons, the cafeteria was a place where anything could happen. Let’s not forget the thrill of attempting to stack trays or flick bottle caps across the table in an impromptu tournament.
The cafeteria was a microcosm of creativity and camaraderie. While today’s students might spend lunch scrolling on their phones, we used the time to connect, play, and create memories that still make us smile.
School before smartphones was filled with quirky rituals and hands-on fun. These small but meaningful habits brought us together, sparked creativity, and made even the dullest days exciting. While times have changed, these memories remind us of the charm of a pre-digital world.
