18 Forgotten School Rituals from the ’80s Kids Loved
These 18 forgotten school rituals from the 1980s reflect daily moments and routines that shaped how kids experienced school life during that time.
- Sophia Zapanta
- 5 min read
School life in the 1980s was shaped by small but meaningful rituals that created structure and memories for students. Many of these customs have disappeared due to changing rules, new technology, and updated education standards. This list looks back at 18 specific rituals that kids from the ’80s will remember but are now mostly gone.
1. Saying the Pledge of Allegiance
DIREKTOR on Wikimedia Commons
Each morning, students stood at their desks, placed a hand over their hearts, and recited the Pledge of Allegiance. This was a standard part of the school day across most public schools. It was done in unison and often led by a student over the intercom. Today, many schools have made it optional or removed it entirely.
2. Filmstrip Projectors
Rockclaw1030 on Wikimedia Commons
Teachers used filmstrip projectors to show educational slides one frame at a time. A beep would signal when the teacher needed to advance to the next slide. The lights would go off, and students sat quietly to watch. These were replaced by VHS tapes and later digital tools.
3. Handwriting Practice with Cursive
Andrea Piacquadio on Pexels
Learning cursive was a dedicated part of the school day. Students practiced writing loops, strokes, and full sentences in script. It was considered a basic skill and part of regular assignments. Cursive is now rarely taught in most schools.
4. Book Fairs with Paper Flyers
Tuan PM on Pexels
Book fairs were announced with colorful paper flyers sent home or handed out in class. Students circled the books they wanted and brought money to school in envelopes. These events were highly anticipated and filled the library with temporary displays. Many schools now do online versions or have fewer in-person fairs.
5. Playing Dodgeball in Gym Class
Jwoodlee3 on Wikimedia Commons
Dodgeball was a standard gym class game that encouraged quick reflexes and team play. Foam or rubber balls were thrown to eliminate players from the opposite team. It was competitive and sometimes rough, but most students looked forward to it. Many schools banned dodgeball for safety reasons.
6. School Assemblies with Slide Shows
US National Archives bot on Wikimedia Commons
Assemblies often included slide presentations on topics like safety, health, or school events. They were held in the gym or auditorium and attended by the entire student body. These presentations were slow-paced but part of the routine. Today, slideshows have been replaced by videos or digital screens.
7. Collecting Stickers or Trapper Keeper Accessories
Javon Swaby on Wikimedia Commons
Students brought sticker collections or decorated their Trapper Keepers with themed inserts. These items were personal and reflected trends of the time. Sharing or trading stickers was a common activity during breaks. Digital devices have replaced many of these physical school accessories.
8. Mimeograph Worksheets
Brigade Piron on Wikimedia Commons
Teachers made copies using mimeograph machines, which produced purple-inked worksheets. The paper had a distinct smell and texture. These handouts were common for quizzes, spelling lists, and math drills. Copiers and printers eventually replaced mimeographs by the 1990s.
9. Singing Patriotic Songs in Class
Mennonite Church USA Archives on Wikimedia Commons
Music class or morning meetings often included group singing of songs like “America the Beautiful” or “My Country, ’Tis of Thee.” These songs were part of music education and school traditions. Students were expected to participate and learn the lyrics. This ritual has become less common in public schools today.
10. Fire Drills with Metal Bells
Victor I. Daniel on Wikimedia Commons
Fire drills were announced by a loud metal bell or buzzer. Students lined up quickly and walked outside in silence. Teachers carried clipboards and checked attendance once everyone was in place. Modern schools now use electronic systems and voice alerts.
11. Library Card Catalogs
Dr. Marcus Gossler on Wikimedia Commons
To find books in the school library, students used wooden drawers filled with index cards. The cards listed book titles, authors, and locations by call number. Searching through them took time but taught basic research skills. Digital catalogs have fully replaced this system.
12. Holiday Craft Days
Personal Creations on Wikimedia Commons
Classrooms often spent entire afternoons making paper decorations for holidays like Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Valentine’s Day. Students used construction paper, glue, and scissors to create themed crafts. These projects were hung up around the classroom. Many schools now limit holiday events for curriculum or cultural reasons.
13. Recess with Metal Playground Equipment
三沢 克年 on Wikimedia Commons
Schoolyards were filled with tall metal slides, jungle gyms, and merry-go-rounds. These structures were used every day during recess. While fun, they often lacked safety features like padding or guards. Modern playgrounds are now made from safer materials and are more regulated.
14. Class Pet Duties
John Stockla on Wikimedia Commons
Many classrooms had a small animal like a hamster, turtle, or fish as a class pet. Students took turns feeding it or cleaning the cage. It taught responsibility and was often a favorite part of the week. Today, fewer schools allow class pets due to health policies.
15. School Store for Pencils and Erasers
褒忠國中 雲端網 on Wikimedia Commons
Some schools had a small supply shop where students could buy basic supplies like pencils, erasers, and notebooks. It was often run by staff or older students. Bringing money to school for these small purchases was common. Most schools no longer operate these stores due to policy changes.
16. Lunchroom Milk in Cartons
DimiTalen on Wikimedia Commons
Milk came in small cardboard cartons and was offered in regular or chocolate flavors. Students would fold the top open and drink it with lunch. The sound of the cartons opening was part of the lunchroom routine. Some schools now serve milk in plastic bottles or have different options.
17. Morning Announcements Over the PA System
Harrison Keely on Wikimedia Commons
Each school day began with announcements over the intercom system. These included the date, weather, events, and reminders. Often, student volunteers would read the announcements. While still present in some schools, many now use digital platforms for communication.
18. Writing Notes and Passing Them in Class
Vanjpadilla on Wikimedia Commons
Before texting, students wrote paper notes to friends and passed them during class or between periods. Notes were folded in different styles and often saved for later. Teachers usually collected them if they were caught. This habit ended as mobile phones and messaging apps became widespread.