Reading: We drilled and learned words before putting them into sentences. Over and over and over. I was bored to tears and then got in trouble for daydreaming. When I taught, phonics had been introduced, thank goodness. Nowadays, kids text and I can't read those messages. Do you read cache pages so that you will know to bring your crib notes for this puzzle solution with you to wp1?
Writing: We learned grammar and spelling by drill and big red marks in the margins of our weekly essays, along with tests that had to be passed for promotion. My most recent dictionary is already falling apart. When I taught, kids were automatically promoted and then given remedial training. Nowadays, kids seem to use computers and expect those to correct their errors, although promotion is again based on testing. Can you write cohesive cache pages?
Arithmetic: We learned math by rote. No reasoning - just drill and memorization. I can still recite my multiplication tables. When I taught, math was to be understood. Some of my grandkids don't know math; they just use calculators. Can you change decimal degrees to minutes and decimal minutes?
Discipline: In my mind the matter of discipline and physical touching may have undergone greatest change. In my school days it was "Spare the rod and spoil the child." We weren't spoiled and I still shudder thinking about how the active boys dreaded the rod. Lack of attention got you knuckle raps on the head. Poor penmanship earned you ruler slaps on the knuckles. When I taught, corporal punishment had gone out of style and we were allowed to hug kids and give loving encouragement. Active boys thrived in my classes. Now, I understand, hugging is no longer allowed in most schools and physical touching is not permitted. This hurts, but I certainly don't want to return to the era of using rods.
I think I had the best of all worlds while I was teaching. Share thoughts about this in your log if you want to.
This cache is not at the stated coordinates. They would bring you back to school. You can go there if you like for inspiration.
The first stage of this cache may be found at:
N 46 . blue black yellow yellow black
W 122° purple blue . yellow dark-green purple
