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McGuffey Readers are created
In the mid to late 19th century is around the time basal readers were first created. At this time in history, students were being taught in one room schools, with many ages being in the same room, taught by 1 teacher. Textbooks were a rare commodity. William McGuffey, was a teacher during this time who was asked to create a series of books for primary students. The McGuffey Readers were created with a phonics based approach & were filled with stories of strength, character, goodness & truth. -
Dick & Jane Series
Written by William Scott Gray and May Hill Arbuthnot, the Dick and Jane series, otherwise known as the "Curriculum Foundation Readers " were published by the Scott Foresmann & Company in the 1930's. These focused more on sight words, or reading the whole word, and lacked a complete, phonics based approach. They have been widely criticzed. -
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Modern Day Basal Readers
In the 1950's the modern day basal reader came into the picture. When working with basal readers, students are divided into groups according to their reading abilities. The set includes books for students, a teacher's guide, and some predetermined activites. -
"Why Johnny Can't Read"
In 1955 Rudolf Flesch wrote "Why Johnny Can't Read." In it, he criticizes the methodology of the DIck and Jane series. He argues for the use of phonics and for more multiculturalism. -
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Moving Away from the Basal Reader
The future holds us moving away from basal readers and more towards workbooks, trade books, and "experimenta programs." Research shows that almost anything teachers do beyond a basal reading program significantly improves reading comprehension. Based on Flesch and Harste's research, we can argue that basal hindered progress in literacy. Overall, a variety of teaching methods is proven to work best with our students.
