School without computers

Yes, Joann it was a different world when I was a teacher. We used dictionaries, encyclopedias and chalk boards. At first little chalk boards for each student, then later the big ones you still see in some classrooms. We wrote everything by hand, no copy machines or printers, so I was very strict about penmanship. My first graders could write in perfect script by the end of the year, and were also good readers before I sent them on to second grade. It may seem that it was all very slow, but maybe if I had had a computer I would not have spent so many hours making all of the marionettes and stage settings for our little theater. That is something that I would not want to change, I loved making those things and my students will always remember our puppet shows. Computers are wonderful tools, but what really counts is what happens on the inside when we learn new things, and we managed quite well with our reading, writing, drawing and of course those special Friday plays as a reward for good work. Thank you for asking, I can tell you a lot more about teaching in the old days if you are interested.

Miss Fay Armstrong