There are the 3R’s and then the 3 R’s. The first set of 3R’s are the traditional ones—reading, (w)riting, and (a)rithmetic. These have defined the basics of academic study for quite a while. In after-school, these 3 R’s are very important. However, afterschool has another set of 3 R’s that it operates by as well—relationships, relevance, and rigor. These three R’s are the guide to how to help young people practice the three academic R’s. In the after-school space, between project-based learning and service learning, youth can practice and apply the academic skills learned during the school day by working in a cooperative group with other youth on a project that makes sense to them and requires them to use higher level thinking skills. This type of learning experience puts the 6 R’s front and center. So, in your program, consider the experiences that you are providing young people and be sure that you utilize the different strategies of disguised learning to engage the youth.
