McGuffey, First Reader

At the end of my daughter's kindergarten class (she was 5) I was told by her school that she would probably start reading in first grade. Half way through first grade, I was told she was a little slow and not picking up things as fast as she could. At this point, I stepped in and taught my daughter to read using "Noah Websters' Blue Backed Speller" and "McGuffey's Readers." "McGuffey's Readers" are a delight. I read the books cover to cover and loved every single story contained therein. These two literary tools [the Readers and the BB Speller] were how America learned to read for 150 years. And after *wasting* 18 months listening to reading "specialists" in public schools, *I* taught my daughter to read in under 6 weeks. She is now in her sophomore year of college (honor student, too) and is a prolific reader. I *highly* recommend McGuffey's Readers for any parent who wants to teach their child to read. And the fact that these books remain popular 150 years after their first publication is an amazing testament to their value, worth and practicality. Speaking as an architectural historian, there's another bonus to the McGuffey's Reader: They provide a precious and fascinating keyhole peak into a bygone time. Plus, the stories are very moral and leave a strong [good!] impression on young minds

My dad taught me to read using this book well before I ever started school. By the time I did get to Kindergarten I was already reading and writing and was always several skill levels ahead of my classmates. My reading comprehension was also very advanced. Now that I am expecting my own child I hope that by using this book he/she will have the same early appreciation for school and learning and reading that I did!

I was first introduced to these astounding books by accident. While browsing through the campus bookstore I noticed this wonderful book and purchased it for my newborn son's later use. When he turned three I started reading to him from this book and in a very short time he was beginning to pick up the pronounciation, and could follow the story lines. This was sixteen years ago. My son is now in college, doing quite well, and using a partial scholarsip he recieved for achademic excellence. Throughout his school career he was lauded for his outstanding reading ability. His ability can be traced directly back to McGuffy. I strongly recommend this book and the others in this set to any parent who wants to take part in opening the world of reading to their children.

My dad taught me to read with this book when I was six. He took this step when he found out that the public schools were not getting the job done. As a result of McGuffey's Reader and that early intervention, I was reading 3-4 grades ahead of my school mates all through school. A really splendid resource for anyone concerned with their child's education.

The Revised McGuffey's series is an excellent tool for developing reading comprehension, and because the stories are also short, they can be used as copybook exercises for improving handwriting skills. Includes many examples of beautiful 19th century artwork. Also, these hardcover textbooks are an extremely good value when you consider what you are getting.