Teaching Expertise

I still remember my home economics class—learning how to sew on a button, balance a budget, and even cook a simple meal. Those lessons weren’t just fun; they were life skills that I’ve carried into adulthood. Today, though, many of these subjects have disappeared from the classroom, and teachers are asking for them to come back. In a world focused on test scores, technology, and digital literacy, it might be time to revisit the hands-on and practical subjects that gave us skills for life—not just for school.

Cursive Writing

Cursive writing was once a rite of passage for students, but over the years, it’s faded from many school curriculums. However, teachers are starting to notice the absence of cursive and how it affects students’ learning. Research shows that cursive writing activates more areas of the brain than typing or printing, improving cognitive development and motor skills. Dr. David Sortino discovered that cursive writing helps to stimulate brain synapses, strengthening the connections between the left and right hemispheres​. A 2014 study at Indiana University also found that students who practiced handwriting displayed enhanced neural activity, especially in areas associated with literacy development​(Deep Roots at Home).

One teacher shared, “I started my 5th graders on cursive this year, and I can already see improvement in their handwriting and focus.” This only reflects how quickly teachers can observe the benefits of cursive writing in the classroom. It emphasizes that the benefits—improved handwriting and focus—are not just theoretical but visible in real-world classroom settings.

However, the challenge is how to integrate handwriting instruction into modern curricula without sacrificing digital literacy. Schools can consider balancing handwriting with keyboard skills, recognizing that both support different cognitive processes. Studies have shown that students who write by hand are better at retaining information, while typing improves speed and accuracy in digital communication.

Home Economics

Home economics, or “life skills” classes, were a staple in many schools until recent decades. These classes taught students essential skills like cooking, sewing, budgeting, and personal finance—skills that are now more important than ever as young adults leave school without knowing how to manage money or prepare healthy meals. A 2021 survey by FINRA found that only 34% of Americans could correctly answer four out of five questions about financial literacy, showing the gap in life skills education​(Deep Roots at Home).

One teacher expressed the need to bring back this subject, saying, “Home ec classes taught me practical skills I still use today—kids today need that foundation.” This comment points to the long-lasting value of home economics education. It highlights that the practical skills learned in these classes continue to benefit individuals well into adulthood, suggesting that current students are missing out on crucial life lessons.

Bringing back home economics would provide students with practical skills that are essential in adult life, from understanding nutrition to managing personal finances. In today’s world, financial literacy could even be taught using apps or budgeting software, combining traditional home economics with modern technology.

Typing and Keyboarding

In an increasingly digital world, typing and keyboarding have become essential skills. But many students still don’t learn how to type properly. While they are quick to navigate social media on a smartphone, formal keyboarding skills are often overlooked in today’s curricula, even though these skills are critical for success in almost every profession. Research shows that students who learn proper keyboarding techniques early are more efficient and accurate in their work, translating to better performance in school and the workplace​.

One teacher said, “With so much emphasis on technology, typing needs to be taught early to give students a solid foundation for their future.” This comment stresses the importance of formal typing instruction in today’s tech-driven world. It suggests that while students are surrounded by technology, they may not be equipped with the foundational skills they need to use it effectively, which is a gap that needs addressing.

However, finding time for typing instruction is a challenge, especially in schools where screen time is already being debated. Balancing traditional academic subjects with digital literacy can be tricky, but incorporating typing practice into other lessons—like using typing exercises for creative writing—could offer a solution.

Woodshop and Industrial Arts

Woodshop and industrial arts classes once provided students with hands-on learning experiences that taught practical skills and offered an alternative to more academic subjects. Today, those classes have all but disappeared, leaving a gap in vocational education that many teachers feel needs to be filled. A report by the Association for Career and Technical Education found that students who take vocational courses in high school are more likely to find gainful employment after graduation.

“We need more vocational classes back. Not every student is headed for college, and these skills set them up for success,” one teacher remarked. This highlights the importance of vocational education for students who are not college-bound. It emphasizes that hands-on skills not only prepare students for specific trades but also set them up for success in the workforce by providing practical, real-world knowledge.

Woodshop and industrial arts aren’t just for students entering trades; these subjects also build problem-solving skills, creativity, and confidence in working with one’s hands. As schools increasingly focus on STEM education, vocational training could be an excellent complement to technical learning, showing students how theoretical knowledge applies to real-world situations.

Sentence Diagramming

Remember sentence diagramming? It was the method that helped many of us understand the structure of language by breaking down sentences into their grammatical parts. While this practice might seem tedious, it was incredibly effective for teaching students grammar and sentence construction. Today, many teachers are calling for its return, arguing that students need a deeper understanding of how sentences work to improve their writing skills. According to the National Assessment of Educational Progress, only 27% of 12th graders in the U.S. write at or above the proficient level​.

“Diagramming sentences was one of the most effective ways I learned grammar. We need that attention to detail in writing again,” said one teacher. Understanding sentence structure strengthens writing, reading comprehension, and critical thinking. While diagramming may seem like an old-fashioned technique, it can be paired with modern writing instruction to help students develop stronger communication skills.

Civics and Government

Civics education used to be a cornerstone of American schools, teaching students how the government works, their civic responsibilities, and the importance of being an informed citizen. But as civics classes have become less common, there’s been a growing concern about the gap in students’ understanding of government and their role in society. According to a 2020 survey by the Annenberg Public Policy Center, only 51% of Americans could name all three branches of government.

One teacher lamented, “We used to teach students how the government works and what it means to be an informed citizen—now there’s a gap in that knowledge.” This undoubtedly draws attention to the absence of civics education and the consequences it has on students’ understanding of government and their civic duties. It reinforces the argument that schools need to educate students to be active, informed citizens.

Bringing civics back to the classroom could help foster a generation of more informed, engaged citizens who understand the importance of participating in democracy and advocating for their communities. This subject can also integrate modern civic issues, such as understanding social media’s role in politics and the impact of local governance on everyday life.

Conclusion

In a world focused on test scores and technology, we’ve lost sight of some of the subjects that once gave students the skills they need to succeed in the real world. Whether it’s cursive writing, home economics, or woodshop, it’s time to bring these classes back—not just to preserve tradition, but to equip students with practical knowledge that will serve them for life. Teachers know firsthand how these subjects help students develop critical skills, and it’s time we listen to them and rethink our educational priorities.

What would our schools look like if we prioritized life skills and practical learning alongside academics? It’s time to find out.