How come American academics teach the three "R's" when.....?

Question

only one of the R's they refer to star with R? Reading, Writing and Arithmetic??? What the.....? Doesn't this just confuse the kids more??

Answer 1

The three "r's" is kind of a humorous saying. Of course, they don't all start with r. The saying is to make fun of our rural roots, when many students learned in one-room schoolhouses from teachers who were barely literate themselves. It refers to a very meager education, with just the basics and no frills, and is often said in a broad parody of a western accent.

Answer 2

I'm not sure most kids even know they are being taught the "three Rs"! It's not like the teacher says "Alright, class, today we will learn all about the Three Rs." I've always thought of it as one of those cute sayings, right up there with "he was as frightened as a long-tailed cat in a room full of rocking chairs."

Answer 3

It just helps kids remember what they are since all 3 sounds as if they begin with an "R." It's not meant to teach them how to WRITE the words, but rather just remember them based on sound.

Answer 4

I think it definately confuses kids. I never "got" it. That's why kids have trouble spelling ;)

Answer 5

reading, righting, and rithmetic.