What Are The “R’s of Learning”?
Each month we’re sharing a blog created by our Early Literacy Coordinator, Lisa Davis, focusing on the importance of early literacy, building literacy in your home, and helping your child read.
Just when you thought you knew about the “R’s of Learning”-more have been added. Of course it all began with the 3R’s: Reading, ‘Riting, and ‘Rithmetic…and those are still tried and true skills we all need.
But now we have the 5R’s: Read, Rhyme, Routines, Reward, and Relationship!
Before you throw your hands up and say that’s really 8R’s (we know I’m not the math coordinator!!), we do have one simple yet powerful way to do all these…
You guessed it!
Reading aloud with our children can take care of all these at once!!
“How?” you may ask.
#1-Read. Choosing the book, holding the book, turning the pages, talking about the pictures, explaining new words, making silly voices, asking questions!! (You knew this would be my favorite!)
#2-Rhyme. This one may seem “too easy.” Rhymes are silly, and non-sensical…right? Nope! Rhymes help children hear the similarities and differences in words. Children have a sense of mastery when they can rhyme “box” with “fox”! They are learning to be wordsmiths in the most fundamental way.
#3-Routines. How can books help with routines?? Y’all know this answer! There’s something comforting about knowing that the end of the day will bring a storytime! All of our days are busy and filled with unexpectedness. For children, that can be a challenge. Routines help them anticipate what their days will be. Having a few minutes (hopefully 15-20) to share a story relaxes them, settles them into bed, and gives you both valuable, uninterrupted time together.
#4-Reward. A great way to build self-esteem and promote positive behaviors is to praise children. Seems easy enough! When you read a story, you can encourage your child to point, talk, share, and think about “what if.” When you see and hear all the wonderful things those little minds are coming up with, praise is a pretty easy reaction!
#5-Relationship. Honesty, we’ve already covered this one in all the others. All along the way, you’ve been giving your time and attention…the foundation for a relationship. You are your child’s first and lifelong teacher. Show him/her the importance and enjoyment of learning!!
So that wasn’t too bad! We even included some of the original Big 3R’s! It wouldn’t be too hard to ask your child to draw a picture of where the story happened (‘Riting). Maybe you could throw in a question or two about counting items on a page or a word problem. For example, two trains leave two different stations at the same time…you’ll be on your own with this part (‘Rithmetic)!
Remember to read with your child every day!
It’s that important.
Lisa Davis, Early Literacy Coordinator
Check out a Little Free Library near you where you can take a book or share a book. There are more than 70 in Onslow County!
Visit our Story Walks at the Parks. A Story Walk has pages of children’s books mounted on posts that line a path. They combine early literacy with physical activity in a natural learning environment. Each park features a different story every month. Visit them at:
- Onslow Pines Park – 1244 Onslow Pines Rd, Jacksonville, NC 28540
- Hubert By-Pass Park – 220 Hubert Blvd, Hubert, NC 28539
- Deppe Park – 5472 New Bern Hwy, Maysville, NC 28555
- Steed Park – 278 Francktown Rd, Richlands, NC 28574
- Stump Sound – 1771 NC-172, Sneads Ferry, NC 28460