3 Stages of Learning (IRS)

The Quran o'Phonics Reading Program incorporates the most effective early childhood learning principles and practices. One of these is the 3-Stage Learning Process, based on Maria Montessori's 3-Period Lesson.

Young children learn new concepts well, when a teacher follows these 3 stages:

Introduce - Recognise - Say (IRS)

3-Stage Learning Easy Reference Infographic

Learning Stage 1: The 'Introduce' Stage

In this stage, the teacher begins by clearly and concisely introducing the new concept to a child. See the Quran o'Phonics Teaching Guides for each Reading Level to know exactly how to introduce each new concept to the child for the first time.

In this stage, the child should be looking and listening carefully to absorb what is being presented. The child should not be asked to do or say anything. The teacher plays an active role in this stage and demonstrates the new concept in a clear, simplified and brief way. The teacher should only say what is necessary to avoid confusing the child with extra words.  

For instance, when teaching a new alphabet, the teacher points to the Arabic alphabet and says, "This is Taa."

Learning Stage 2: The 'Recognise' Stage

In Learning Stage 2, we check if the child can correctly identify or recognise the concept that was presented in the previous stage. The child is not expected to say anything at this stage either. But they are supposed to actively participate and do what they are asked to.

To test if the child can correctly recognise what was presented to them in Learning Stage 1, the teacher plans a range of activities and tasks for the second learning stage. We use instructions like, "Find", "Show me", "Point to", "Pick up" and so on at this stage. 

For instance, in Learning Stage 2, a teacher might display 3-4 alphabets and ask the child to bring her Taa, which had been presented earlier in the lesson that day. 

After several attempts, if the child is unable to recall the new concept that was presented, the teacher should go back and repeat Stage 1. 

Stage 2 should be the longest stage, where the child is listening to the teacher say the correct sound and is strengthening their mental association and understanding of the concept.

 Learning Stage 3: The 'Say' Stage

This is the shortest of the 3 Learning Stages. After the child has had lots of practice in Stage 2 of listening and identifying the concept, we finally ask them to name what they have learnt. We use instructions like, "What is this?" to encourage the child to pronounce or say what they have learnt.

For instance, in Learning Stage 3, a teacher might point to the alphabet Taa and ask the child, "What is this?"