Ah, school — where we learned valuable life skills like how to find the square root of a hypotenuse and why mitochondria are the powerhouse of the cell. But what about useful stuff?
We took to Facebook and asked people what schools should go back to teaching, and the responses are interesting.
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“Manners, common sense, actual useful stuff,” one commenter penned.
Embed from Getty Images“Not what they will never need unless they want to become a teacher of that subject,” they added. Honestly, can we teach kids that chewing with their mouths closed is a life skill? This might actually save us from future dining disasters.
“I saw that schools are going back to teaching phonics,” another user noted. “I remember that was an ongoing argument in the ’60s. Phonics vs. ‘sight reading.’ And the struggle continues.”
Embed from Getty ImagesIt seems that some battles are timeless.
“In addition to everyone else’s excellent ideas, I believe children should be taught sewing, cooking, woodworking, and art,” shared a commenter.
Embed from Getty Images“A higher standard should be aimed for from both students and teachers,” they added. Because nothing says ‘self-sufficiency’ like knowing how to patch up your jeans and make a meal without Googling it first.
“Shop classes, and especially auto shop!” someone enthusiastically suggested.
Embed from Getty ImagesRemember when students learned to fix a car instead of how to maximize their engagement on TikTok? What a time to be alive.
“My oldest granddaughter just went for working papers. A sign said they needed to be signed in cursive,” shared a concerned grandparent. “She said sort of. When she signed, she asked if she had to do my last name. How sad.”
Embed from Getty ImagesThe sad reality is that future generations might only be signing their names electronically.
“The basics of home-ec and shop, how to change a tire, how to have a checking account—life 101 class,” another wrote.
Embed from Getty ImagesBecause who doesn’t need a solid understanding of adulting before they can tackle calculus? Let’s get those life skills in the curriculum ASAP.
“Besides handwriting, teach geography!” a Facebook user weighed in. “I am shocked by how many don’t know where anything is!”
Embed from Getty ImagesWe might need to consider a map refresher course for anyone who can’t name the continents.
“Civics and economics,” another suggested.
Embed from Getty ImagesThese subjects could be game-changers. How about we teach kids how government actually works instead of leaving them to figure it out through memes and TikToks.
“Cursive, memory work, and poetry,” someone else added.
Embed from Getty ImagesImagine a classroom where students not only struggle with their penmanship but also memorize Shakespeare’s sonnets. Reviving these subjects might just help kids appreciate the art of language in a way that textbooks alone can’t capture!
“How about being able to tell time on an analog clock?” asked one frustrated commenter. “Seriously, kids these days look like they’ve seen a ghost.”
Embed from Getty ImagesYes! Let’s bring back telling time.
“The pledge of allegiance,” one user recommended.
Embed from Getty ImagesIt may seem old-fashioned, but instilling a sense of unity and respect for one’s country can go a long way in shaping character and community.
“Good manners, respect for their elders, and basic skills like sewing and wiring a plug,” wrote another.
Embed from Getty ImagesThese skills might not make it into a standardized test, but they sure do come in handy during family gatherings and when the lights go out.
“Let’s not forget multiplication and division tables,” someone chimed in.
Embed from Getty ImagesMastering these foundational math skills is crucial — because when the calculator dies, knowing your times tables could save the day!
