Dear Heloise: I read with interest the letter from the retired history teacher in Colorado and had some thoughts:

1. Regarding cursive handwriting, it’s true that students will wind up typing most of their schoolwork on a laptop. But without learning proper cursive penmanship, they will have great difficulty developing a unique signature for legal documents. I guess they will all rely on electronic signatures?

2. Students forget so much over the summer. Rather than getting rid of spring and fall breaks, I would propose shortening summer vacation to six to eight weeks, as is usual in Europe and Japan, where educational outcomes are much better.

3. I agree wholeheartedly about teaching geography. Our world is so interconnected by trade, travel and climate. Learning about our neighbors on this planet might go a long way toward fostering understanding and reducing conflict. It’s hard to make the world a better place when you don’t know anything about it!

4. Also, I agree about the age-appropriate teaching of sex education. Too many kids learn things the hard way because many parents are uncomfortable with the subject.

5. Solidify the basics early on and get those kids to read, read, read! There is no better prep for standardized tests later on.

Thanks for your gracious hosting of thoughtful discussion. — Brenda, in Arkansas

FREEZER STORAGE

Dear Heloise: I was unable to remember what things were in the back or bottom of my refrigerator’s freezer. So I carefully measured and purchased plastic bins, then labeled them as “meat,””vegetables” and “miscellaneous.” I can easily pull out the bin and find what I’m looking for now. — Bev Hurst, Ventura, California