Add life skills classes to school that will benefit children in the future. Learning how to write script was removed. They should learn how to handle money, how to save money. They should be taught skills that will help them in the real world. Not all children have a home life where they are taught these things. Learn how interest rates work, learn the process of how to take out a loan especially in regards to college. Learn the process how to buy a house or a car.
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It is crazy because some of these things they don’t learn until high school if they are learned. They also should learn about real life laws, etc too
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Bring shop class back! Teach kids how to use their hands and become adept and confident at using tools
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I work in a technical high school and I would love to see a “life skills class.” This is vital for these kids - esp bc most are coming from backgrounds where they’re already not obtaining parental support. As a pe & health teacher I try to add these into the curriculum but the state can pull or add anything they like. In CT it is difficult because our state is run by liberals — is anyone else in this field and how can we move it into action?! I currently do curriculum writing for the state in my field and I feel this is the only way I can have ANY say.
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I believe that “Communication” should be a required course throughout all of grade school. It begins in Kindergarten with identifying emotions in one’s self as well as others. And it evolves over the years into 12th grade where students should be able to engage in civil, intellectual debate without emotion or stress of any kind.
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I homeschool my kids and use Ikigai as the target model for post-elementary education.
Ikigai is a Japanese concept that refers to a person’s reason for living, or what brings a sense of purpose and fulfillment.
It’s made up of 4 core areas that we help our kids explore and identify:
- What you love
- What you’re good at
- What the world needs
- What you can be paid for
This seems like common sense curriculum for a thriving society but isn’t remotely explored or taught in public school.
I also believe that no matter what you become in life, communication skills are essential. The quality of your communication will determine the quality of your life.
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Cursive writing was important and MUST be brought back!
Even working parents can (and should) teach their children life skills.
strong textThis is a huge one. It everything is technical but life skills are needed.
LIfe skills is good old fashioned Home Economics, but an updated aimed at both boys and girls with the sexism removed. Seasoned citizen here: starting in middle school and continuing through high school, girls were required to take home economics. We learned nutrition, sewing, cooking, child care, budgeting, family hygiene, care of clothing, simple home repairs, and first aid. For example, we were taught to set up a weekly menu with the associated food budget for a family of 6, and how to cook all the meals on the list. Boys learned auto mechanics, wood shop, metal shop, and mechanical drawing. Kids loved these classes!
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When I was in middle school in the 90s we had economics… we learned to sew and cook that is it and not even cook things that would be beneficial we learned how to cook international cuisines and it was a half semester class not even a full year. School should play a part in preparing children for success not just reading from a textbook.
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Perhaps the most important life skill we can teach our children is how to balance their current lifestyle desires with their future lifestyle requirements, so that they are adequately prepared to live the kind of lifestyle they are envisioning for their future.