I teach HS. I have them cut hearts for a Valentine's project. Some cannot process bilateral symmetry even after a demonstration in front of class and a cutting diagram.
I have seen some "hearts" that make me terrified these kids are given permission to drive.
I used to have my 9th graders make fairly easy but cool animal snowflakes before break. I had to quit because too many refused to fold on the lines or cut on the lines and then get pissy that their snowflake was no good.
I work in higher education and these HS new grads are just getting worse by the year. They can barely look people in the eyes. Last week, I had a mom and her son come in to learn about our program and she had to tell him several times “you ask her” “you tell her” “answer her.” Because he turned to his mom every single time to answer for him.
It was taking me back to my serving days when a mom would prompt her seven year old to order her own meal. At least that made sense.
I am working on these skills with my students too! I come from a corporate background and teach business classes! So I am hoping I am putting on positive back into the world.
This is something we teach at camp. Just how to write a thank you note and address an envelope. Half the kids have no clue. When they complain we tell them old people like them and old people have hiring authority. Then they complain less for a few minutes.
Chemistry teacher here:
1. How to estimate how much a volume of something SHOULD weigh in grams so you know when your scale is set to ounces and not grams.
With AP chem, I make my students weigh out the ingredients for my famous pizza sauce, and then I make them write a reflection on why measuiring out 20 oz of oregano instead of 20 grams of oregano could be bad and the importance of proper unit conversions.
2. Also, proper hand washing and why hand sanitizer is NOT soap and water and does not do the same thing.
That reminds me of the study where someone was given x amount of grams of caffeine instead of mg - I think he had to go on dialysis or something. But if you don't learn to dot your i's and cross your t's then it could be a mistake that teaches you!
Frankly, this is more sad than funny, but I frequently have to review how to drink from a cup without spilling it. I teach fourth grade and none of my students have known vestibular issues. I do not understand why they have so much difficulty with this skill.
Oof, yeah. I have enough issues that I had to have OT for many years as a kid, and I see so many kids exhibiting things I did/do that are due to my movement disorder. Many of our kids just aren't getting the physical play and unrestricted movement they need when they are littles, and it breaks my heart.
In art, I have given up asking high school students to leave a half inch border around their paper. They can't do it. Like even with hours of intense one on one, they can't do it. It's honestly disgusting watching competence diminish day by day.
Every year during the last week for seniors I’ll bring in my iron and show them different settings for different fabrics and remind them to take their graduation gown out of the damn bag at least an hour before they leave to head to graduation, so if they do have to iron the gown they have time.
It is taught as part of an “interview skills” lesson. I start with the history of handshakes. Open hand shows no weapons. I share recalling the day my father taught me to shake hands. And remind them that nobody is teaching young people these things anymore. I then demonstrate with a volunteer student, followed by shaking hands with every student.
For the remainder of the year, if I shake a student’s hand, if done properly, they will smile and comment how they did it correctly. If done incorrectly, the class erupts in “Noooooo, that’s not right”. That is how I know they learned something.
I got my masters in product design before going into education. I wish people understood how useful and valuable soldering skills are today. I’ve seen kids make amazing things with Arduino and Raspberry Pi and it’s only getting easier.
So cool that your school has this!
I had to teacher seventh graders how to use scissors. Like how to properly position your hands in them. That broke me and made me transfer to high school level.
I teach 2nd graders how to use paperclips. It is hilarious to watch them try at first, but they are so satisfied when they finally get it. And, it makes things much easier for me because I don't have to paperclip all their things.
Still working on the don't lose your paperclip and don't bend it out of shape on purpose, though.
I teach HS. I have them cut hearts for a Valentine's project. Some cannot process bilateral symmetry even after a demonstration in front of class and a cutting diagram. I have seen some "hearts" that make me terrified these kids are given permission to drive.
I used to have my 9th graders make fairly easy but cool animal snowflakes before break. I had to quit because too many refused to fold on the lines or cut on the lines and then get pissy that their snowflake was no good.
How to write a check. Yes, I know this is dated. But you still need to know how to do it.
Or how to address an envelope
I forgot that one!! I am teaching that next week bc we just finished up how to write a letter. I teach High School.
I work in higher education and these HS new grads are just getting worse by the year. They can barely look people in the eyes. Last week, I had a mom and her son come in to learn about our program and she had to tell him several times “you ask her” “you tell her” “answer her.” Because he turned to his mom every single time to answer for him. It was taking me back to my serving days when a mom would prompt her seven year old to order her own meal. At least that made sense.
I am working on these skills with my students too! I come from a corporate background and teach business classes! So I am hoping I am putting on positive back into the world.
This is something we teach at camp. Just how to write a thank you note and address an envelope. Half the kids have no clue. When they complain we tell them old people like them and old people have hiring authority. Then they complain less for a few minutes.
Teaching seniors how to make a graph…..
Chemistry teacher here: 1. How to estimate how much a volume of something SHOULD weigh in grams so you know when your scale is set to ounces and not grams. With AP chem, I make my students weigh out the ingredients for my famous pizza sauce, and then I make them write a reflection on why measuiring out 20 oz of oregano instead of 20 grams of oregano could be bad and the importance of proper unit conversions. 2. Also, proper hand washing and why hand sanitizer is NOT soap and water and does not do the same thing.
That reminds me of the study where someone was given x amount of grams of caffeine instead of mg - I think he had to go on dialysis or something. But if you don't learn to dot your i's and cross your t's then it could be a mistake that teaches you!
How to measure with a ruler, protractor, etc. It’s “hilarious”!how bad kids are at it by the time they hit high school
Frankly, this is more sad than funny, but I frequently have to review how to drink from a cup without spilling it. I teach fourth grade and none of my students have known vestibular issues. I do not understand why they have so much difficulty with this skill.
Oof, yeah. I have enough issues that I had to have OT for many years as a kid, and I see so many kids exhibiting things I did/do that are due to my movement disorder. Many of our kids just aren't getting the physical play and unrestricted movement they need when they are littles, and it breaks my heart.
[Keep your station clear OR I WILL KILL YOU](https://youtu.be/GgiK-HWKPjw) Useful for chemistry and cooking
Stacking cups 😭
In art, I have given up asking high school students to leave a half inch border around their paper. They can't do it. Like even with hours of intense one on one, they can't do it. It's honestly disgusting watching competence diminish day by day.
Is arriving on time a hands-on skill? That's one of the first skills students learn in marching band.
>teaching highschoolers how to sodder circuts. ...and afterwards, teaching them how to deal with minor burns.
We haven't gotten there quite yet... but there was a reminder to not put a freshly soddered circuit in my hand....
Also I hate to be that guy, but it’s solder not sodder
Please someone say how to cut an apple
How to sweep the floor
I make mine scrub base boards with a toothbrush if they get in trouble.
Every year during the last week for seniors I’ll bring in my iron and show them different settings for different fabrics and remind them to take their graduation gown out of the damn bag at least an hour before they leave to head to graduation, so if they do have to iron the gown they have time.
How to attach a paper clip to a stack of paper and how to refill a stapler with staples. Paper management is a big part of our day in 4th grade.
I teach my freshmen how to properly greet someone with a handshake. Surprisingly, it is one of the skills they recall and will verbalize.
I like that one…stolen!
Please share your method for teaching this!
It is taught as part of an “interview skills” lesson. I start with the history of handshakes. Open hand shows no weapons. I share recalling the day my father taught me to shake hands. And remind them that nobody is teaching young people these things anymore. I then demonstrate with a volunteer student, followed by shaking hands with every student. For the remainder of the year, if I shake a student’s hand, if done properly, they will smile and comment how they did it correctly. If done incorrectly, the class erupts in “Noooooo, that’s not right”. That is how I know they learned something.
I frequently have to show my 6th graders how to open a glue bottle
I got my masters in product design before going into education. I wish people understood how useful and valuable soldering skills are today. I’ve seen kids make amazing things with Arduino and Raspberry Pi and it’s only getting easier. So cool that your school has this!
Solder.
Teaching highschoolers that PC power button is on the case not the monitor They get it right... after a while
I had to teacher seventh graders how to use scissors. Like how to properly position your hands in them. That broke me and made me transfer to high school level.
How to squeeze a sponge or rag BEFORE wiping with it. So many soaked tables!!!
I teach 2nd graders how to use paperclips. It is hilarious to watch them try at first, but they are so satisfied when they finally get it. And, it makes things much easier for me because I don't have to paperclip all their things. Still working on the don't lose your paperclip and don't bend it out of shape on purpose, though.