At the risk of sounding like a seasoned parent reminiscing about the good old days, it’s hard not to notice how much school curriculums have changed. After spending so much time helping our children with their schoolwork, it’s clear that some changes might not have been for the best. Times change, and priorities do, but some skills are timeless. Let’s dive into ten things schools used to teach that deserve a comeback.
Typing
With texting becoming a primary mode of communication, typing classes disappeared, assuming students would pick it up on their own. However, many students now use a hunt-and-peck method, significantly slowing them down. Touch typing, once a staple, enhances cognitive automaticity, freeing the mind to focus on content rather than just finding keys.
Teachers are noticing that students without formal typing skills struggle, sometimes taking up to ten minutes to type a simple Google search. Touch typing isn’t just about speed; it’s about cognitive efficiency, allowing students to concentrate on their thoughts and ideas.
Cursive
While most writing is now done on keyboards, cursive stimulates neural pathways in the brain, enhancing mental acuity. MRI scans show that cursive activates regions involved in thinking, language, and working memory, unlike keyboarding. Taking notes in cursive helps students process and reframe content, improving retention.
Cursive also builds physical and spatial awareness through repetition of pen pressure and angle, aiding in sensory skills and muscle memory. For children with dyslexia or attention deficits, cursive can be easier than printing due to its fluid motions. Plus, being unable to read cursive renders one functionally illiterate in historical documents and personal correspondence.
Shop
Shop classes have nearly disappeared due to a focus on standardized testing and college preparation. These classes taught valuable skills, from using tools to household maintenance and auto repair. They provided an artistic outlet and introduced students to trades like carpentry and metalworking.
The trades are crucial, yet students are often steered away, even if their skills align. Shop class also boosted self-esteem for those who struggled academically, showing them the value of hands-on skills. It’s a reminder that not everyone needs a college degree to succeed.
Latin
Once a staple for college admission, Latin declined due to a focus on subjects deemed more relevant to national defense. However, Latin roots are found in 60% of English words and 90% of scientific vocabulary. Studying Latin enhances English literacy and math skills by decoding language structures.
Latin prepares students for other languages by teaching grammatical structures and logical thinking. It also benefits students in science, medicine, and law, where Latin-based jargon is prevalent. Far from being a dead language, Latin unlocks a deeper understanding of language and logic.
Cooking
Home Economics, including cooking, declined as schools focused on college prep. Yet, while not every high school grad needs college prep, almost everyone needs home prep. Cooking teaches essential life skills, promoting healthier eating habits and reducing reliance on processed foods.
Cooking classes also instill skills like budgeting, meal planning, and understanding nutrition. Millennials, often criticized for unhealthy eating habits, could greatly benefit. Cooking promotes ownership of food choices and is far less expensive than eating out.
Interpersonal Communication
With increased screen time, interpersonal communication skills have suffered. Constant digital interaction has shortened attention spans and reduced face-to-face interactions. This makes it harder to read emotions and understand non-verbal cues like eye contact.
Employers value good speaking skills, yet many candidates lack them. Speech and etiquette classes, once common, are now rare. Learning manners, eye contact, and conflict resolution are essential for personal and professional success. Communication skills are not just about talking; they’re about connecting.
Civics
Civics, once a staple, declined after the 1960s. Today, many Americans lack basic knowledge about their government. Surveys show that a significant portion can’t name the three branches of government or would fail a U.S. citizenship test.
Understanding civics is crucial for informed participation in democracy. It teaches the Constitution, Bill of Rights, and the importance of public involvement. Without civics, citizens are less equipped to engage in political discourse and decision-making.
Driver’s Education
Driver’s education shifted from public schools to private companies, becoming less accessible and consistently regulated. Graduated licensing laws and high costs have reduced the number of teens getting licenses, especially among the poor.
Bringing driver’s education back to schools ensures standardized, experience-based instruction. It can also include practical skills like changing a tire and checking oil. Learning in groups allows students to benefit from each other’s experiences, promoting safer driving habits.
Play
Even in kindergarten, play has been squeezed out for rigid, test-driven instruction. However, research shows that play-based learning enhances emotional and social maturity, leading to better long-term academic results.
Unstructured and guided play develops essential life skills like emotional regulation, empathy, and language skills. Prioritizing play ensures that children develop into well-rounded individuals, not just test-takers.
Logic or Critical Thinking
Critical thinking courses taught students *how* to think, not *what* to think. They learned to question assumptions, analyze arguments, and avoid groupthink. These skills are crucial in a world of misinformation and polarized opinions.
Without critical thinking, generations uncritically accept information, adopt fashionable mindsets without considering repercussions, and punish alternate viewpoints. Bringing back logic courses empowers students to become informed, independent thinkers.
In conclusion, schools have stopped teaching many valuable skills and subjects. From practical life skills like cooking and typing to cognitive enhancers like cursive and Latin, and essential civic knowledge, it’s time to reconsider what’s truly important in education. By bringing back these forgotten subjects, we can better prepare students for a well-rounded, successful future.
What do you think? Which of these subjects do you believe should make a comeback? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
