1607-1776
Religious Emphasis in Reading
It was during this time period that the Church of England moved from Catholicism to Protestantism. There was a concern that everyone learn to read in order to know the scriptures for themselves and not be mislead by someone preaching a slanted version of the Bible. Schooling focused on making sure children were thoroughly grounded in their religious faith, centering around The Lord's Prayer and the Ten Commandments.
The Early Settlers were deeply religious and came to America for religious freedom. The standardized reading textbook was the New England Primer. Children memorized many passages of the Bible and were quizzed orally. The main purpose for learning to read was so that children could read the Bible.
The Early Settlers were deeply religious and came to America for religious freedom. The standardized reading textbook was the New England Primer. Children memorized many passages of the Bible and were quizzed orally. The main purpose for learning to read was so that children could read the Bible.