The “5 Rs” of early education

Article at a Glance

• Reading, rhyming, routines, rewards, and relationships help young children develop the social, language, and emotional skills needed for healthy brain development.
• The first 1,000 days of life are particularly important because it provides the foundation for future development.

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Brain development is like building a house: having a strong foundation matters! From the moment we are born we start to develop simple connections that are the building blocks for more complex development later. That is why the first 1,000 days of life are so important—it is the foundation for future development.

As parents we can help our children develop the social, language, and emotional skills needed for healthy brain development.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) have outlined the “5 Rs” of early education to help parents give their children a healthy start and prepare them for academic success in the future.

According to the AAP, the 5Rs are:

• Read together every day with your child
• Rhyme, play and cuddle with your child every day
• Develop Routines, particularly around meals, sleep, and family fun
• Reward your child with praise for successes to build self-esteem and promote positive behavior
• Develop a strong and nurturing Relationship with your child as the foundation for their healthy development