Comparing Schools Then and Now

By Lori Friesen

Imagine a school where children from different grades are all in one room learning together. In this schoolhouse, there’s only one teacher.

Students are doing their work on mini blackboards using chalk. There's no electricity and no running water.

The room is heated by a stove with wood that kids have carried from home.

The walk to school for many children was very long and difficult. Before the school day even starts, they’re exhausted! This is what school looked like for children in the 1800s.

Schools today are often large buildings with many different classrooms.

Teachers use technology like computers to help teach. Children use the Internet to help them learn in school and at home.

There’s indoor plumbing in schools now which means children don’t have to go outside to use an outhouse like students had to do 150 years ago.

Children today can get to school by public transit, cars, bikes, and even scooters!