Just a sample of one of the trainings I go to as a teacher

A lot of posts recently seem to lean towards wanting the schools to teach real life lessons,, I've tried to explain that at times we do. Here is a training I'll be helping out at, I think it is an important one and will serve our students in the future if put to good use.

1.29.2010 SAVE THE DATE!
FREE Teachers workshop
Las Cruces Farm and Ranch Museum
4100 Dripping Springs Rd • Las Cruces, NM
7:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.
This teachers workshop will focus on the concepts and principles involved in
managing personal finances. You will learn how to help students become better
decision makers in today’s economy. Topics such as budgeting, saving, investment,
debt management and the importance of economic and personal finance education
will be part of the program. Free classroom activities and materials will be provided.
Please visit www.nmjumpstart.org for additional information.

 

A lot of what is seen as never being used is actually used. It may not be used in the same manner though; for example critical thinking. A student may learn critical thinking doing math problems that seem to make no sense at the time, but it teaches the student how to look beyond the obvious and work for the answer.
No I don't see regular subjects being done away with, I'd hate for that to happen. I realize a lot of students are not taught at home what they should be, such as how homes are run, groceries are bought, meals are planned etc, but to ask the schools to do it isn't really feasible. Home Economics is still taught, and most of that is covered in those classes along with how to manage a checkbook and bank account.
I try and integrate everything I can into my classes. When I teach fractions I use recipes that they have to reduce or double, triple, etc. so they can actually see and understand why they need to know what 1/3 plus 1/8 is. If they have to find a common denominator to turn 1/3 cup of flour plus 1/8 cup of flour into 8/24 plus 3/24 equals 11/24 it makes more sense to them and they see it in use.
I try to get parents to come into the class and show how everyday lessons fit into their work day and how they can use what they learn at home also.