Emily White School was not and did not smell it used to be like decades ago. No one had been buzzed by a smartphone in their pockets, no portals overseen by computers telling them of their every assignment. There was a feel of the rhythm that was steady and personal as classrooms were lined with chalkboard, wooden desks and it felt personal. Friendships developed on the basis of actual chats, lunches and post-school strolls. To Boomers school was not only about the subject matter and tests, but it was an experience in its own right; created by simple routines and memorable minor details.
Chalkboard Days
Blackboards were filled with nice handwriting, chalk dust was floating in the air, as teachers worked. To clean the board, was to tap the erasers in the airing, and see the white clouds go by. Such noise and smell became a routine in classrooms.
Handwritten Report Cards
Marking was done manually in workbooks and the grades on envelopes. Coming home with that envelope was serious and even nerve-wracking. Early checking marks were not logged in.
Walking to School
Most students were walking day in, day out. The trip involved chatting and story telling in the neighborhood and then the bell struck. It was included in social life.
The Family Landline
It was simple to call a peer and dial the telephone number of the house and speak to the parents. There were brief and concise talks. There was a lack of privacy and the importance of manners.
Film Projector Moments
The educational cinema had to be rolled in a projector and the lights were to be dimmed. The room was filled with the soft clicking sound. It seemed like a special occasion when you were watching a film.
Strict Dress Codes
Shoes and clothes were expected to be neatly ironed and polished. It was a common practice to conduct uniform check in most schools. discipline was represented by appearance.
Cursive Practice
There were hours of practice of looping letters among students. Writing was viewed as an art of hard work and nurturing. Daily learning did not involve typing.
Library Card System
Books contained paper cards which were hidden in small pockets. When borrowing them, you had signed your name. Punctuality in the delivery of books was important.
Real Playground Games
Recess consisted of running, skipping the rope and playing tag. Imagination helped children to come up with games. None of them checked a phone during a break.
Morning Announcements
News was transmitted using loudspeakers. We all stopped and shook our ears. It was the only means of getting key news.
Folded Paper Notes
Little scraped notes were passed among friends across desks. A detention is possible in case of being caught. It was the primitive form of texting.
Wall Maps and Globes
Large maps displayed on the walls were used in geography classes. Globes were used by teachers to describe countries and oceans. Learning felt hands-on.
Metal Lunch Boxes
Lunch boxes made of metal were carried with pride and were colored. They were durable and commonly had popular characters. Lunch was a social experience.
After-School Freedom
After doing homework, children would go out and play till the sun sets. The activities were fewer and more fun were unstructured. Night seemed more protracted and easy.
School Assemblies
Whole schools crowded into a single hall to have announcements and performances. Memories were made by speeches and talent shows. Those were the moments when everybody was present.
