How ludicrous is it to talk about the "three Rs"?

Question

Reading, Writing and Arithmetic! Yeah, three Rs! (I'm now doing a Harry Hill style sideways glance to the camera). What message does this send to the kids we are supposed to be educating? Can't we call these subjects "fundamental skills" or something?

Answer 1

that's readin' ritin' and 'rithmatic to you.

Of all the things about our educational system I rag on, that one doesn't especially bother me.

It's ironic, I suppose -- being semi-literate and all.

But it gets the job done, as far as communicating what is meant. It's a handy expression that's taken on a life of its own.

You'd have to continually explain what 'fundamental skills' means, whereas, when you say '3 r's' everyone knows exactly what you mean.

The advantage of your way would be that then people might rethink what the most important things are or should be included in 'fundamental skills' -- but then it would end up meaning something different.

Answer 2

Two of the three "R's" don't start with the letter R.

Answer 3

I thought that the three R's you learn in school was the recycling thing...lol that is just screwed up !~!!