Okay. Things are different today than they were in the past. You knew that already? Good. Because it is true. It is
Thursday, July 24, 2025 and I saw a photo that popped up as a memory on social media and that's what got me to thinking about my version of 'The Way We Were'. The top photo is of my 5th grade class. I am on the top row and counting left to right, I am number 5, the one with the little black dot. (Our teacher, Mrs. Vera Fitts was one of the best.) The bottom photo is of a typical 5th grade class in 2025. How much has changed during this interval of time? Very much indeed! In 1956, you could spend $710 of buying power whereas in 2025 you would need just under $8400 to equal the $710. De-segregation of schools was a new work in progress in 1956 whereas it is the law of the land in 2025. The
littles in my class focused on learning traditional subjects like math, science, and literature, using methods like lectures and rote memorization. The curriculum could be strict with limited room for deviation or creativity. There was a significant emphasis on learning facts and rote memorization. In 2025 fifth graders emphasize hands-on, experiential learning that fosters critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Modern teaching methods like project-based learning and group work are designed to engage students and promote critical thinking skills. Technology? This is where it gets crazy. In our class we used ditto machine copies and something called the blackboard. Today's kids use all types of computing devices to do their lessons, make presentations, and even take tests. Discipline? Very, very strict up to and including corporal punishment in my day while today's disciplinary profile reflects positive reinforcement and constructive methods. I'm gagging a little on that one. Look how well the new system is working? And, let me be clear. I did have first hand knowledge of the corporal punishment system and believe me were they to have asked my mom she would have told them to get with it. Why? Because she followed a very similar plum tree switch approach. I'm not knocking kids today. I have grands and greats that are a part of this advanced learning world. The bottom line is they are kids. We were in 1956 and they are today. They need direction and guidance. At home and at school. I quickly add they need to be taught the Bible and the first place they need to see it being studied and used in everyday life is in their home. That, my friend, would be a good start in helping turn our country around. This will date me, but, I immediately thought of the Kitty Wells classic country song, 'Dust On the Bible'. The chorus had these words:
Dust on the Bible, dust on the holy word
The words of all the prophets and the sayings of our Lord
Of all the other books you'll find, there's none salvation holds
Get that dust off the Bible and redeem your poor soul ~
I was blessed to have been given a set of early 1900's Compton's Illustrated Encyclopedias. Those books were my Google. The better off kids in our class had World Book. Good for them. The wording and style was quite different and when I used my handed down research materials, well, many of the teachers were a little stymied even thinking I must be pretty smart. How funny is that? I read where one young fellow got tired of hearing his grandpa complain saying, "You young people rely too much on technology," so he unplugged his life support. Another grandfather observed to his grandson how his generation needed to pull themselves up by their own bootstraps. The kid responded, "But your generation could afford boots." One fellow confessed to his wife, "I am so scared because the next generation is surely doomed." She asked why he felt that way and he responded, "Because we are the ones who will be giving them advice." I close with this quote from an older person: "We made learning so much easier for the younger generation. They now have schools with smart devices, digital textbooks, and online courses. We even reduced the planets down to eight." Okay. That's enough fooling around for one day. I do remind my readers. The skip key for any and all of the contents of my blog is readily available. You will not hurt my feelings, that is, unless you happen to contact me and tell me that's how you get through what I write. Joking only. Hey! It's a busy world out there and we all are busy people. Sometimes I wonder why we are so busy but that's another story for another day. Only God can help us regardless of our age and we need to reflect that truth as we live out the life He has given to each of us as individuals. That would be a good start. For me too! Amen.
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