The 1970s were a time of change, experimentation, and unique cultural shifts, especially in the world of education. Schools back then operated a little differently, with customs and routines that may seem foreign or even bizarre to today’s students. From the kinds of technology to the way teachers interacted with their students, the school experience in the ’70s was unlike anything we know now.
Discipline was a bit more hands-on, fashion had its own quirky rules, and the idea of what “classroom comfort” looked like was entirely different. Kids didn’t rely on smartphones or laptops to do their work, and a visit to the principal’s office was a lot more daunting. So, let’s take a trip down memory lane and explore 20 things that were completely normal in schools during the 1970s, but would leave most students scratching their heads today. Here are 20 school traditions from the ’70s that aren’t around anymore.
1. Longer recess periods
Recess was an important part of the school day, with many schools offering 45 minutes of outdoor playtime. Kids were encouraged to socialize, play sports, or explore the playground during this time. Today, most high schools don’t have recess.
2. Corporal punishment
Teachers and principals were often allowed to physically discipline students who misbehaved. Just about everyone in the ’70s knew what it was like to get a ruler to the knuckles.
3. Student dress codes, often including girls wearing skirts or dresses
While some schools still have dress codes, they are generally uncommon. In the ’70s dress codes were strictly enforced, with girls required to wear skirts or dresses and boys typically wearing slacks. Casual clothing like jeans was often prohibited, especially in high school.
4. Boys and girls had separate gym classes
Physical education classes were often segregated by gender, with boys playing sports like basketball or football and girls participating in activities like gymnastics or dance. This separation was typical in many schools until the late 1970s and early 1980s.
5. Lessons over the radio
If there was an outbreak of sickness in the ’70s, the only way students could get their education was through the radio.
6. Typing classes on typewriters
Many schools offered typing courses to help students learn how to use typewriters. These classes were often seen as a necessary skill for future office jobs before the widespread use of personal computers.
7. Tape recorders used for educational purposes in language classes
Language teachers often used tape recorders to help students practice pronunciation and comprehension. This was the primary audio technology in classrooms before CDs and digital tools became common.
8. Kids walking or biking to school alone without adult supervision
Many children in the 1970s walked or biked to school by themselves, sometimes for miles. It was considered perfectly safe, and parents had fewer concerns about letting their children travel independently.
9. Teachers writing on chalkboards instead of whiteboards
Does anyone else miss the crisp sound of chalk on a chalkboard? Chalkboards were the standard for teachers to write notes, explain problems, or share lessons with the class.
10. No computers or personal electronics in the classroom
Computers were not a part of everyday school life, and most classrooms had little to no technology. If technology was used, it was typically in the form of film projectors or overhead projectors.
11. School dances were live
High school dances were a big event, often featuring live bands or record players spinning vinyl records.
12. No air conditioning in most classrooms
Air conditioning was not a common feature in most schools during the 1970s. In warmer months, classrooms could get hot and stuffy, and fans were used to circulate air.
13. Health checks, like scoliosis screenings, being done at school
Schools often conducted health screenings, such as checking for scoliosis, hearing, and vision tests. Other than tests for lice, this doesn’t happen much anymore.
14. The use of mimeograph machines to print handouts
Teachers used mimeograph machines to create copies of worksheets and handouts for students. The machines had a distinctive purple ink and were noisy, with the paper often smelling like the ink.
15. Mandatory penmanship lessons to improve handwriting
Handwriting was taken very seriously, and penmanship lessons were part of the curriculum. This is something that students still need, but don’t have access to.
16. Schoolyard bullies not being as monitored or prevented by teachers
Bullying was often overlooked or considered a normal part of growing up. Teachers and administrators did not always intervene unless the situation escalated, and there was less focus on anti-bullying programs.
17. Students using slide rules in math class
Before calculators were widely available, students used slide rules for advanced mathematical calculations. These devices require a certain level of skill and knowledge to use effectively.
18. The teacher often disciplined students in front of the class
Teachers were more likely to discipline students publicly for misbehavior, using methods such as writing lines, staying after class, or even corporal punishment. Today, detention is the main mode of punishment.
19. No cell phones, so students used payphones or the school office to call home
If they wanted to go to a friend’s house after school, students relied on payphones or the school office to contact their parents.
