Foundational Subjects:
* Reading: Emphasis on phonics and memorization.
* Writing: Grammar, penmanship (cursive was crucial), composition.
* Arithmetic: Basic math skills, including fractions, decimals, and possibly some basic algebra depending on grade level.
* Spelling: Regular spelling tests and drills were common.
Expanding Knowledge:
* History: Often focused on national history and a Eurocentric worldview. World history was less common.
* Geography: Memorization of capitals, rivers, and other geographical features.
* Civics/Government: Teaching about the structure and function of government, often with a strong emphasis on patriotism.
* Science: Basic science principles, often taught separately as botany, zoology, physics, and sometimes chemistry. Labs were less common than today.
* Literature: Reading and analysis of classic literature, often focusing on moral lessons.
Other Subjects:
* Music: Singing and sometimes instrumental instruction.
* Art: Drawing, painting, and potentially other crafts.
* Physical Education: Often less structured than today, possibly focusing on calisthenics and team sports.
* Home Economics (for girls): Cooking, sewing, and household management.
* Manual Training/Shop (for boys): Woodworking, metalworking, and other practical skills.
Key Differences from Today:
* Less specialization: Subjects were often broader and less specialized than today.
* Rote learning: Memorization was heavily emphasized.
* Gendered curriculum: The curriculum often differed significantly for boys and girls, reflecting societal gender roles.
* Limited access to technology: There were obviously no computers or internet. Educational materials were primarily textbooks and blackboards.
* Less emphasis on critical thinking and problem-solving: While these skills weren't absent, the emphasis was less than what we see in modern education.
It's important to remember that this is a generalization. The specifics would have varied considerably depending on factors mentioned earlier. Rural schools, for example, often had fewer resources and a more basic curriculum than urban schools.