Recently, while sorting through, literally, piles (and boxes) of notes jotted down for potential future poems, my eyes fell upon a paragraph about education by one Neil Gaiman. By “googling” his name, I learned he is an award-winning contemporary English author of short fiction, novels, comic books, graphic novels and audio theatre.

In this found paragraph, he lists some necessary subjects that are not taught in any school. I must say, I found them to be a bit unusual, and they whetted my appetite to do further “googling.”

Kalen Bruce’s list, entitled “47 Things You Weren’t Taught In School (That Our Kids Need To Know)” was an eye opener, as well. It lists specific things that are necessary for a reality based life, from 1. “How To Budget” to 47. “Mental Health.”

So, here’s the August 2023 Poem Of The Month, “Important Things Not Learned In School.” I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it. Also, check out Kalen Bruce’s list of 47! You’ll be amazed!!

And, underlying all the suggestions to improve the education system or anything else, for that matter, remember that whatever the question, love is always the answer.

IMPORTANT THINGS NOT LEARNED IN SCHOOL

Many people have weighed in on the subject of education.
It becomes a hot topic every four years, or so.
Politicians spew promises: “More money is the answer!”
Yet, after the election, where does the money go?

Schools are not improved, and the kids’ preparedness for life
Falls short, by most everyone’s measure.
True education comes from life… from school and home;
From the streets; from social media; and even college lecture.

Robert Fulghum advised adults about how children learn:
“Don’t worry that children never listen to you;
Worry that they are always watching…” your every move.
How they walk and how they talk will give you a clue.

And George Carlin, that comedic hippy-dippy-do,
Suggested we “Don’t just teach [our] children to read.
Teach them to question what they read,” and even
“Teach them to question everything…” in order to succeed.

Neil Gaiman’s list of things not taught in school
Includes topics that are personal and not heard before:
One of his is learning “how to love somebody else;”
Followed by “how to be rich,” and “how to be poor.”

And other things on his list of equal uniqueness
Appear that can make someone stop, and see a link…
But that’s the main reason for education:
Learning how to, but not necessarily what to think.

There are many practical things not taught in school**
That would prepare a person for real life, if taught.
They range from “How to budget,” to “How to manage stress.”
The list is long, and most important — it is food for thought.

Important Things Not Learned in School