ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

History of education

Before a long time ago, when there were not many schools, people learned important things from their families and communities. They learned how to hunt and gather food, how to build shelter, and how to interact with other people.

Later, in ancient civilizations like Greece and Rome, wealthy families could send their children to schools to learn reading, writing, and math. These schools were often private and exclusive to the wealthy.

In the Middle Ages, churches and monasteries became centers of learning. Monks and priests taught young people how to read, write, and understand religious teachings.

During the Renaissance, people became more interested in art, music, and literature, and these subjects were taught in schools. Universities were also created, which allowed people to study many different subjects and become experts in specific fields like medicine or law.

In the 1800s, governments around the world started to create public schools for all children. This meant that all children could learn basic subjects like reading, writing, and math, even if they were not wealthy.

In the 1900s, schools became more focused on teaching practical skills for modern life, like typing, driving, and using computers.

Today, schools continue to evolve and change as we learn more about how children learn best. Different countries have different systems for education, but the purpose of education has always been to help people learn important skills and knowledge to improve their lives and the world around them.