Do you remember half of the stuff you learned in school? Do you remember what Asian country was never a victim of imperialism? Do you remember why Louis XVI got involved in the American Revolution? Of course not! But, you do remember what they talked about in Sex Ed class, right? My son was telling me recently about some of the things they have been talking about in his health class. Other than the usual sex stuff, they talk about some good things. They talk about drunk driving, sexting, drugs, and other real life things. He even told me that the teacher explained one day why their moms can sometimes be 'on edge' by the end of the day and not to take it too personally. I think this is great. These are the things that the schools should be teaching more regularly. Unfortunately this class only lasted a couple of months. I think that more of this should be taught in our schools. Things like this should be taught throughout the entire year. This is the real life stuff. The stuff that means something. The stuff that they will can put to good use. Yes, I realize that we all have to know how to figure out percentages and all that for real life. But, more of these social issues need to be concentrated on in schools for more than just two months. Maybe a subject called 'Real Life'? I mean seriously, how many of you have put to use your knowledge of the number of signatures that are on the declaration of independence? What do you think?
The American Revolution or drunk driving?
Posted by Dalia (Generation X Mom) Labels: parenting, school, teens
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9 opinions:
A lot of the stuff is useless. I would file that as all the stuff I can't remember. But there is a lot that I think of as my daughter asks questions and I tell her "I learned that in school." I'm full of factoids about American Indians and what causes earthquakes. Knowledge is never wasted.
I guess I like the idea of kids being taught "how" to think rather than "what" to think at a high-school level. It is probably then a question of what will help them more - practical, real-life "how to think" situations or more theoretical, academic situations. I like the idea of learning the "real-life" stuff as long as it is not too prescriptive (e.g. lists of "rules" without critique) instead of debate about why certain actions are socially appropriate/ inappropriate. Does that make sense?
P.S. what is "sexting"?
One thing I can say it is wonderful that your son comes home and tells you what he learned in health class. Now that's good work as a parent. Keep it up!
We've lost several students in drunk driving accidents. I think the dangers of dui should be pounded into their heads from the time they should speak. And when they hit high school, they should be required to volunteer at a rehabilitation center, so they can see what's happened to the survivors of these horrendous wrecks...
Yes! I think every school should have a class where you learn to change a tire, balance a checkbook, etc. Great idea.
It's cool that your son talked to you about what he learned in school. Some children wouldn't do that. :-)
Thanks for visiting me on my SITS day!
I agree that social issues should totally be dicussed in school. I don't remember what was taught in my sex ed class though. Maybe because I'm too old now. LOL
I think you are really onto something here. There definitely should be a class taught at the high school level that prepares kids for life after school...simple things as how to apply for a job, how to take care of your car, how to cook and do laundry. I mean, I think many of us assume the parents teach their kids that stuff but they don't. My husband never learned how to do the laundry or cook!
Thanks for stopping by my blog...hope you'll be back again soon!
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