Do you remember looking forward to certain periods on your school timetable? Or those subjects that required us to bring special books, pencils, crayons and other materials to class?
Primary school was a different experience. Beyond learning how to read, write and solve mathematical problems, we were introduced to several subjects that taught us practical skills, creativity, good behaviour and how to understand the world around us.
Some of these subjects have been renamed, merged with others or changed in today’s school curriculum. Others are not as common as they used to be.
For this Throwback Thursday, let us revisit some of the subjects that made up our primary school experience.
1. Handwriting
Before computers and mobile phones became part of our everyday lives, handwriting was a big deal. We had special handwriting books where we practised writing letters, joining words and forming neat sentences. Teachers paid attention to how we held our pencils, the spaces between words and how neatly we wrote. A bad handwriting exercise could mean doing it all over again!
2. Drawing
This was one subject that allowed us to express our creativity. We drew houses, trees, flowers, animals, people and everyday objects. Some of us were naturally talented, while others struggled to make their drawings look anything like the objects they were meant to represent. We also learnt how to colour within the lines and use different drawing materials.
3. Nature Study
Nature Study introduced us to the world around us. We learnt about plants, animals, soil, water, weather and our environment. We could identify the different parts of a plant and explain their functions. It was an interesting way to learn about nature before we encountered more advanced science subjects.
4. Social Studies
We learnt about our families, communities, culture, relationships and society. The lessons covered topics such as good citizenship, cooperation, respect for others and our responsibilities as members of a community.
5. Agricultural Science
Remember learning about different types of soil, farm tools, crops and livestock? We were introduced to farming and the importance of agriculture. Some schools even organised practical activities where pupils planted seeds and learnt how crops grew.
6. Home Economics
This subject introduced us to basic household skills. We learnt about food, nutrition, personal hygiene, keeping our surroundings clean and taking care of our clothes. In some schools, pupils also had practical lessons involving simple cooking and sewing.
7. Civic Education
We learnt about our rights and responsibilities, national symbols, honesty, discipline and respect for authority. We could identify the Nigerian flag, recite the national anthem and explain why we should obey rules and respect other people.
8. Religious Studies
Whether it was Christian Religious Studies or Islamic Religious Studies, these lessons introduced us to religious teachings, moral values and stories. Some of us can still remember the Bible stories, religious songs and lessons about kindness, honesty and forgiveness.
9. Phonics
Before we became confident readers, we had to learn our letter sounds. A was for apple, B was for ball and C was for cat. We sounded out letters, learnt how to pronounce words and gradually developed our reading skills. Those simple exercises laid the foundation for our literacy.
10. Elementary Science
We learnt basic scientific concepts, from the human body and our five senses to electricity, water, light, heat and simple machines. These lessons helped us understand how everyday things worked and introduced us to scientific thinking.
11. Physical and Health Education
This was the subject that got many of us out of our seats! We learnt about exercise, personal hygiene, healthy living and physical fitness. There were also practical activities involving running, jumping, skipping and other sporting exercises. For some pupils, this was easily the most exciting period on the timetable.
12. Music
From learning nursery rhymes and traditional songs to singing the national anthem and school songs, music was another memorable part of primary school. Some of us learnt basic musical notes, rhythm and how to identify musical instruments. And of course, there were those singing competitions and performances during school events.
Looking back, it is interesting how much of what we learnt in primary school has stayed with us. Some subjects may have been renamed, merged or updated in today’s curriculum, but they formed an important part of our childhood education.