American students study a wide variety of academic topics from kindergarten through high school.
Your child may feel frustrated if they think their classes have no bearing on life after graduation.
However, besides laying a foundation for college, many school subjects teach essential life skills students can benefit from for the rest of their lives.
Here are five valuable subjects you should encourage your child to make the most of in school:
1. Math
Math is a challenging subject for many students, partially because it’s very abstract. However, wrestling with difficult problems develops cognitive and problem-solving skills.
In many cases, math also engages a student’s creativity.
Research shows that studying math is physically good for your brain. It heightens neuroplasticity, or the brain’s ability to form new pathways for solving problems.
Neuroplasticity trains kids to encounter and resolve further information, making them stronger learners.
In addition to teaching problem-solving skills, math is also highly creative.
Studies have shown that math problems light up both the left and right sides of the brain, respectively associated with logical and creative thinking.
Even if your student isn’t going into STEM for college, studying math will sharpen their minds. If nothing else, the very act of struggling with the subject will bring personal growth.
2. English
English or language arts is another valuable subject that’s excellent for students’ social and emotional development.
Studies on the benefits of reading show it equips students to better understand themselves and their world.
Reading can help students evaluate and regulate their behavior, empathize with others’ needs and mature into kind, reflective adults.
Studies on reading for pleasure also show a correlation between reading outside the classroom and higher test scores in math, history and science courses.
It equips students to excel in multiple subjects by sharpening their observational skills and ability to focus.
Writing instruction is an essential part of language arts and also has many developmental benefits for students.
It requires students to clarify their thoughts, make complex connections, ask probing questions, and strengthen their mental and verbal communication skills.
Some students don’t like to read, and that’s OK.
However, research suggests that reading and writing lead to valuable mental and emotional growth. In and out of the classroom, it’s an investment of time that pays off for your child.
3. Foreign Languages
The study of foreign languages is not required or taken seriously in many American schools.
In contrast, in many European countries, learning another tongue is part of students’ required education.
Students who study foreign languages score higher in academic subjects like math and English.
It also strengthens memory and problem-solving skills. It expands students’ linguistic toolbox to better express themselves and understand life from multiple perspectives.
Speaking a second language also expands students’ future opportunities.
Linguistic skills make travel a safer and richer experience. The ability to communicate in another tongue also often influences students to stretch themselves by studying abroad.
Knowing a foreign language may also impact future job opportunities as the business world grows across national and linguistic boundaries.
However, even if students don’t use this skill for work, they’ll benefit from it in their personal lives.
4. Logic
Logic is an incredibly valuable subject that is unfortunately not taught in many American schools. If your child has the option to take a course in logic, they should.
However, if it’s not included in the academic curriculum, you should encourage them to study it on their own as supplemental material.
When students study logic, they learn to think clearly and make good decisions.
It teaches reasoning skills that help students see through fallacies and formulate solid arguments of their own. In the age of information overload, this skill can’t be emphasized enough.
Logic skills can protect students from being ripped off, strengthen their critical thinking ability and support persuasive reasoning – both verbally and in writing.
Logic skills are an essential tool for strong thinkers, writers and leaders.
The advanced reasoning abilities gained from studying logic apply to every field and will improve all careers. They can also significantly boost most students’ quality of life.
5. History
History teaches students to evaluate the intersection between humanity and time.
They learn that everything about their present lives – including their schoolwork – has been influenced by past generations.
At its best, history is much more than memorizing names and dates. It tells the stories of many different individuals and how they have built and responded to ever-changing societies.
History touches on morality, social identity, cause and effect, and the nature of humanity.
Understanding history gives students the tools to appraise current events and their potential impact on personal and public life.
As Winston Churchill said, “Those that fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat it.”
The benefit of historical study goes far beyond academic impact and forms an essential life skill, helping students understand the larger context of the world around them.
Learning for Life
It’s common for American students to feel like their classes are pointless, and the topics they study won’t impact anything other than their grades.
However, if kids are willing to engage and challenge themselves, their schoolwork will continue to benefit them for the rest of their lives.
Use this information to talk to your child about their classes, support their choices and help them see the long-term value of their studies.