10 Things Disappearing From Schools Today

Go to this link to read about them...http://mentalfloss.com/article/53144/10-things-disappearing-elementary-schools

1. Blackboards - We have one in our classroom and by next spring will have two large ones mounted in the play yard. We use them for school and the kids love drawing on them.

2. Recess - Kids NEED time to get out and run off some the pent-up energy they must store while sitting in a classroom. We take a morning recess, a long lunch recess, and then end our day by hitting the great outdoors when the weather is agreeable.

3. Cursive Writing - This one floors me. Our state no longer requires students be taught because they have decided that because of the digital age, no one has to sign their name anymore. Crazy!!! We teach cursive penmanship. And encourage old-fashioned letters and cards mailed (yes, the very slow way) to people. Much more personal! Much more enjoyable to receive!

4.  Wall-Mounted Pencil Sharpener - We are about to buy one of these. Nothing sharpens a pencil better. And the rotation action is really good for motor skills.

5. Paste - I can still smell the scent of my paste from school! We use more liquid glue, but am not fans of glue sticks. Just doesn't hold.

6 & 7. Film Projects and the 16mm Projectors - I'm thinking may still be better than DVD's. Little hands just reek havoc when trying to use DVDs. They scratch so easily! VCR tapes were a better choice maybe.

8. Pencil Sharpeners With Exposed Blades - I'm 50 years old and have never heard of a child getting hurt on a pencil sharpener.

9. Cigar Boxes - My Grandpa Cowsert always saved me one of his cigar boxes, still had the nail in the lid, to use for my school box. I thought recycling was supposed to be something we were encouraging? If he were still alive, I'd ask him for one for each of my little one's school supplies, too.

10. Mimeographed Copies - OK, this one I don't miss. In high school business class I remember using these things. Talk about messy! I admit, I like my printer/scanner.