How the
RULE of 3 Works
Traditional approaches to language learning position vocabulary and grammar as discrete skills that are taught separately. The RULE of 3 organizes the components of language and literacy as an interconnected system of communication. This integrated learning approach intertwines the strands of language and literacy into a multi-faceted system with 3 steps: REHEARSE, ANALYZE, and PRODUCE.
REHEARSE is grounded in research which proves that a focus on words and their meanings has the highest correlation with school success across subject areas.
Language learners may enter school with a word gap. Research shows that this word gap can lead to an achievement gap. The REHEARSE part of the RULE of 3 closes the word gap. It enables students to master academic vocabulary, multiple-meaning words and idiomatic expressions.
REHEARSE integrates the 3 key elements of oral language development.
Vocabulary
The REHEARSE component of the RULE of 3 or RAP expands students’ academic vocabulary. Students REHEARSE the words kinesthetically, snapping or clapping out letters as they spell the words. They learn the meaning of words through visuals which highlight words’ multiple meanings. They finally apply the meanings of words in paired conversations using questions with open-ended responses.
Grammar
As a part of oral language development, grammar instruction focuses on how words are put together in sentences. Students ask and respond to open-ended questions.
Narrative
In addition to completing sentence frames, students learn through animated story sequences in which elements of the English language grammar are highlighted through sentence imitation and narrative recall.
ANALYZE is based on research which shows that learning the meaning of words is crucial to phonics-based learning.
The phonological model in traditional teaching focuses on sounding out words, whether or not the students know the words’ meanings.
New research shows that learning phonics is not just sounding out words—it’s a cognitive process that relies on visual, auditory, tactile, and kinesthetic learning. The RULE of 3 uses multiple modality cueing systems to unite meanings and sound patterns of words.
ANALYZE incorporates phonological skills and phonemic awareness.
Phonemes
After learning a word’s meaning in REHEARSE, students figure out and find evidence for the sounds that make up that word. Rather than repeating sounds in isolation, students learn all 44 English language phonemes together using charts and animated sound sequences.
Phonics
Phonics, along with word meaning, is taught through a multi-sensory method. After students know the meaning of words, they use pictures and motions to find the evidence for the phonetic sound-spelling patterns. Students become actively engaged in identifying and blending the sounds to create words.
Sound Patterns
Instead of focusing on sounds in isolation, students become constructors of their own phonics learning as they analyze the sound patterns that make up words. Phonics games are used to reinforce their understanding of these patterns.
PRODUCE is based on research which confirms that paired conversations and paired reading activities improve academic outcomes.
Students who engage in paired conversations and paired literacy activities show increased academic growth in both language and literacy. The PRODUCE part of the RULE of 3 develops grammar, syntax, literacy and writing skills.
PRODUCE has students engage in conversations as well as reading and writing activities. Students apply what they learned in the REHEARSE and ANALYZE parts of the RULE of 3.
Questions
Students engage in paired conversations using the words they have learned during the REHEARSE and ANALYZE phases. Students ask and respond to open-ended questions, to which there is no one right answer.
Responses
Response patterns engage students in critical and divergent thinking. Students also engage in reading and writing activities using the ANALYZE charts to create sentences that require opinion, narrative and informational writing.
Comprehension
As students become more proficient in oral language, vocabulary and grammar they easily master the literacy skills necessary to access the core curriculum.