Today I’m reblogging another fascinating chapter of Sally Cronin’s newest book – The R’s of Life. This article encompasses factual information on literacy and changes in education systems through the years. A fascinating read!
Reading, Riting and Rithmatic
When I was handed over at the tender age of four years old to Mrs Miller, the infant class teacher, I could already read to a basic level. With two older sisters, I was lucky enough to know my letters, and had already enjoyed a number of fairy tales and other illustrated children’s books.
In those days the aim of early education was to give you a solid grounding in the Three R’s which included Reading, Riting and Rithmatic. Obviously spelling was not part of the offering! I would say that based on my memories of the time, we spent the next two years, reaching the required standard in those three subjects, before moving onto basic geography, history and biology.
I also seem to remember, that there were not many children who by the end of primary school, had not reached a reasonable level across most subjects; enabling them to move onto secondary education. Nearly sixty years later, I find myself wondering at the numbers quoted for illiteracy in the UK and US indicating that education has not progressed as far as it should.
The Literacy Trust states that one person in six in the UK is living with poor literacy. Continue Reading
Source: The R’s of Life – Chapter Seven – Reading, Riting and Rithmatic = Reasoning | Smorgasbord – Variety is the spice of life
DGKayewriter.com 
Debby, this was a great way to feature another part of Sally’s book. I am saddened at the number of illiterate people in the UK.There shouldn’t be obstacles to reading. I am not sure what the U.S. statistics are, bit I fear they may be higher. . .
On a much lighter note, my Mom whose name is Rosalie married my Dad named Robert. She taught English, Spanish and World Lit. I was named Robin. They could have stopped the r’s, but they decided my two brothers would follow as Randall and Richard. (Randy and Ricky) Can you imagine trying to yell a name, and going through all the r’s till you got it right?! 🙂
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Wow Robin, that’s quite a family. And coincidentally, my two brothers names are the same as yours! Although I’m a D supposedly taken the initial to be named after my grandmother Dorothy because my older 2 cousins were already Dorothys, lol. 🙂
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Forgot the “p.s.” they announced the births, each as part of the “Three R’s.”
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🙂
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I am sure I was is those statistics too 🙂
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Wow Sue! 🙂
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My wonderful Aunt Kathleen couldn`t read or write, I think she might have been dyspraxic the same as me, but with seven children to look after my Granny had her hands full.
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It’s surprising to learn about many in the last era in particular who weren’t afforded the luxury of learning how to read. Many as kids had to help out with little ones at home and didn’t get very far in school because of those situations.
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Great offering from Sally. I’ve enjoyed the parts I’ve read on her blog. Mega hugs all ’round.
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She certainly is a wise woman. 🙂 ❤
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