When you were back at your desk, you did your homework for the next day or you could use the time to read a book or to watch and listen to other students recite. This was a great introduction to the next higher grade or grades with subjects you would take during the next year or two.

As one interested in language arts, I completed high-school grammar before I left the 5th grade. No kidding! I worked ahead and did the material myself during my study-hall time.

Many of our textbooks had answer keys in the back or up on a central table, so many of us worked ahead in our areas of interest. The teacher saw to it that we stayed on grade level for those subject areas which we didn’t love as much.

Another factor: because the older students knew how much the younger ones admired them, these older students saw themselves as responsible for setting a good example — most of them, anyway. Those who acted out got disciplined immediately; sometimes, even their parents came in to, um, apply the discipline in front of the entire class.

Now I work with groups of homeschool students. I insist upon a least a four-year spread of grades so that some of the same principles apply. These students are thriving, and most are working well above grade level as they know how to “reach.”

Despite the bare-bones education he received, my father went on to serve his country in World War II, earn two college degrees and forge a successful career as a petroleum geologist and father of six children.

“Bare-bones education” gave us the many great men who went on to achieve great things. I believe that the one-room schoolhouse taught them responsibility, accountability, and time-management skills — all of which seem to be in short supply these days with our fancy-dancy educational system.

Glad you enjoyed the post. Like you, my wife began driving early — as early as fourth grade, she drove trucks and other farm vehicles while visiting her grandmother’s cotton farm in Southwest Oklahoma.