Back to the Good Old Days
Remember elementary school? From taking care of classroom pets to playing hopscotch, it was a simpler time—one that we probably all wish we could relive one more time. But even though we can't relive the past, we can at least still reminisce about the memories it left us. Ready for some nostalgia? Here are 20 things we all miss about elementary school.
1. Storytime
Remember storytime on the carpet? As soon as we gathered around in front of the teacher and were told to "criss-cross applesauce," we were already in position. And not only were we read stories, but oftentimes, we also got to choose which book we wanted.
2. Show-and-Tell
Show-and-tell might have made some of us nervous when we were young, but you likely look back fondly at all the items you'd brought to the classroom, whether it was a new pencil case or a favorite toy. This little dedicated block was never a dull time.
3. Recess
Recess might have only been 10-15 minutes long, but that didn't stop us from trying to stretch out playtime as long as possible. From swinging on the monkey bars to going down slides and hopping on the swings, we were always having fun. Plus: recess snacks!
4. Lunch
What was better than recess? Lunch, of course! We had time to enjoy bigger meals (string cheese and Lunchables, anyone?) and then even more time to go out and play. Whether it was Rainbow Tag, Four Square, or Grounders, lunch was always a blast.
5. Themed Classroom Parties & Spirit Days
From Halloween parties to wacky hair day, there was no shortage of dress-up events in elementary school. Valentine's Day, for example, probably had you writing each of your classmates' names on individual cards with a chocolate taped on it. And when it was someone's birthday, everyone got to celebrate!
6. Watching TV & Movies
Those who grew up in the '90s and early 2000s will likely remember the TV cart. Whenever you saw it in the classroom, you knew you were in for a treat: it was either going to be Bill Nye the Science Guy or a movie. Either way, you were pumped.
7. Sports Day
Sure, sports day might have been stressful to some, especially when you were one of the younger kids in the group. But looking back at all the activities you got to participate in, the chants you had to shout, the treats that were handed out afterwards... It likely all brings a pang of nostalgia.
8. Field Trips
Field trips, whether it was to the aquarium or the pumpkin patch, guaranteed all-day fun—and no class! Sometimes a school bus came to pick us all up; other times, we were divvied up to ride in parents' cars. No matter how we got to the destination, we knew we were going to have tons of fun.
9. Back-to-School Shopping
You likely still went for your annual back-to-school shopping up until graduating from college, but the items on your list (and the experience in general) likely didn't feel the same as they did when you were in elementary school. Back then, you probably had a new backpack every year, along with new pens, markers, pencil cases, and notebooks.
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10. Stickers & Gold Stars
It wasn't just the smiley faces and stamps you'd get on homework that brought you joy—the stickers, gold stars, and candy treats were the real prizes. They were what motivated you to pay better attention in class and complete all your assignments properly.
11. Hot Lunch & Popcorn Day
Sometimes, you didn't have to bring your own lunch and recess snack—the school provided them! While this depended on whether your parents or guardian paid for you or not, you at least got to share with your friends.
12. Class Pets
Caterpillars, fish, hamsters, guinea pigs, rabbits, and even lizards were just some of the pets you probably had in the classroom in elementary school. You not only had the chance to take care of them yourself, you also got to see them get bigger and grow up alongside you.
13. Table Groups
Sure, sometimes you didn't get to sit with your friends (or your crush), but table groups still offered opportunities to make new pals. They also made classroom activities more fun because you got to collaborate in a group. Plus: remember customizing your own desk nametag?
14. Book Fairs
Even if you weren't a big reader growing up, book fairs were always a blast. They often featured other items as well, like bookmarks, notebooks, and stationery, so there was plenty to browse through besides hardcovers and paperbacks. And whenever book club flyers were handed out, you were probably flipping through for new gems to empty your piggy bank on.
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15. Little & Big Buddies
Remember having a big buddy to read to you, do crafts with you, and take care of you? That was what they were there for, after all—to make you feel comfortable at school. Then, when it was your turn to be someone's big buddy, you were making sure your little buddy felt safe, supported, and included.
16. Decorating Classrooms & Hallways
It might have been a teeny bit embarrassing to see your work hung on the bulletin boards in the hallway or taped to classroom windows, but looking back, it likely brings a flare of nostalgia at being able to contribute to decorating the space. From finger paintings to paper snowflakes, every season brought something different.
17. Friendships
The friends you made in elementary school were likely forged on sharing similarities (the same pencil case), playing together during recess and lunch (freeze tag), or being seatmates. And because you weren't old enough yet, the drama you experienced was probably over trivial things, and you likely went back to being best friends not even a few hours later.
18. Talent Shows
Show-and-tell was fun and all, but talent shows were the real big deal. They were basically show-and-tell but with added performances and presented in front of a bigger audience, often the entire school. Whether it was a skit or a song, these on-stage events were fun to participate in and watch.
19. Assemblies
Assemblies were technically boring to sit through, but oftentimes, we got to see cool presentations, guest speakers, and take part in performances ourselves. Plus, attending one at least meant no classes until the assembly was over, which was always a plus.
20. The Simplicity of It All
The thing we miss most about elementary school? The simplicity of it all. It wasn't that we didn't learn or do anything other than play, but it was a time in our youth when we could just have fun being kids. The most stressful thing we probably had to deal with back then was memorizing times tables and how to do division.
