13 Ways School Was Different in the ’80s

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Ah, the ’80s—a decade of big hair, bright colors, and a school experience that feels like a different world compared to today. Let’s take a nostalgic trip down memory lane and explore 13 distinct ways that education in the ’80s set itself apart from the present day.

1. Naptime: Kindergarten was a half-day affair, complete with a mandatory nap. Teachers understood that keeping 20 kids focused for four hours straight was a tall order. So, we had our cozy mats, dim lights, and the unspoken rule that getting up was not an option. Naptime was sacred.
2. Latchkey Kids: We strolled to and from school all by ourselves, proudly sporting our house keys around our necks. Once home, we indulged in Twinkies, watched TV, and chatted on our corded phones without a care in the world—homework? What’s that?
3. Homework Load: If you had a heavy day, you might face two whole pages of homework. A math problem and a writing assignment could easily bring on tears. It was a simpler time, and workload was manageable.
4. Hair Culture: The girls’ bathroom was a hub of activity as we armed ourselves with hair picks and canisters of Aquanet. Bigger hair was the mantra, and yes, we even had cordless curling irons. Safety concerns? Not in our vocabulary—if you burned yourself, well, that was just part of the experience.
5. Physical Education: Ah, PE. It was all about dodgeball and Red Rover, where getting hit was a rite of passage. Team selections were brutal, and if you weren’t among the first picks, you learned to accept your fate—like me, always chosen last.
6. Hot Lunch: Lunchtime meant actual hot meals prepared by someone who went by the name Alice, the lunch lady. She served up delicious food with a side of dessert, and you definitely didn’t want to end up on the wrong side of her spatula.
7. Cold Lunch: If you were lucky enough to have a parent who packed you lunch, you either had a shiny metal lunchbox or a brown paper bag. The lunchbox was a social status symbol—Strawberry Shortcake meant you were in, while a brown bag meant you were not.
8. Fashion Divides: The schoolyard divided kids into two distinct groups: Kmart kids and non-Kmart kids. If you weren’t wearing Guess jeans or Esprit, you were likely ignored by the “in” crowd. Social hierarchy, defined by clothing.
9. Milk Options: Lunch also meant the option to buy milk, where a dime for a carton was standard. If you were less fortunate, a sad little blue card marked you as someone who needed help—a stark reminder of social standing.
10. Self-Esteem: Back then, self-esteem wasn’t a priority. You either had it or you didn’t, and no one was about to hold your hand and help you find it.
11. Curriculum Standards: By the end of kindergarten, knowing the entire alphabet and writing it down was nothing short of genius. We were all waiting for the IQ test results.
12. Marble Games: We played marbles without a second thought about safety. It was a simpler time, where risks were taken without fear of consequence.
13. Discipline: Getting sent to the Principal’s Office was akin to a death sentence. Spanking was a common form of discipline, and the threat of it loomed large over us.

So there you have it—a snapshot of schooling in the ’80s. While I still can’t master team sports, the memories remain vivid. For more fascinating insights into parenting and family life, check out this other blog post.

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Summary

The school experience in the ’80s was marked by unique features—mandatory naps, latchkey lifestyles, and a more laid-back approach to homework and self-esteem. From hot lunches to fashion divides, these differences highlight how much has changed in education and parenting over the decades.