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Changing the kind of work sounds like a good idea, and even if you don't see immediate results, it might eventually spark their interest. Doing something novel with your presentation of the material might also help. I sometimes donned a bright purple wizard hat with bright yellow stars, used an odd voice, and called myself "The Writing Wizard" when introducing a new concept. I said Mrs. Ortiz had invited me, etc. and really hammed it up. My seventh graders did the usual eye rolls, etc. but when asked a question by the writing wizard, they were more forthcoming and eventually bought into the silliness. I'd say things like, "Oh, you'd better write this in your notebook. I know Mrs. Ortiz can be particular and she'll want you to remember this," or as I walked around the room, "Oh my goodness. Mrs. Ortiz told me you were excellent note-takers, but I am quite impressed with the neatness of these notes! You'll be able to study and show her how much you know. And she will be so impressed she might invite me back!" I made sure to visit as the writing wizard rarely and for no more than about 15 minutes so students didn't get tired of it. They made jokes about it, told on the wizard for changing a procedure etc. when I "returned". It was fun and helped with my motivation as well as theirs.

I also found that changing the physical space by rearranging the furniture, a new seating arrangement, etc. often helped.

In addition, using public recognition of classes can liven things up. I'm not a fan of competition in the classroom for a variety of reasons, but putting notes on the board when a class does something noteworthy can work well. For example, "Period 2, super volume on the conjugation rhythms today!" or "Period 4, thanks for the firm handshakes when you greeted me at the door!" Dating the notes and leaving them on the board for a couple of days allows other classes to see them and gives the recognized group some time to shine. It is usually possible to find something noteworthy about every class over the span of a week. I recommend using this strategy unexpectedly  so the group knows that what they did really stood out.