The new england primer

A classic!

The New England Primer is a historic elementary school primer that was widely used in the American colonies, particularly in New England, from the 17th to the 19th centuries. It was first published in 1690 and was a standard textbook for children in the region for over a century.

The primer was designed to teach children the basics of reading, writing, and arithmetic, as well as moral values and Christian principles. It was a comprehensive textbook that covered a range of subjects, including:

  1. Alphabet and phonics: The primer introduced children to the alphabet, phonics, and basic reading skills.
  2. Arithmetic: It taught children basic arithmetic operations, such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.
  3. Reading: The primer included a selection of stories, poems, and passages for children to practice their reading skills.
  4. Moral lessons: It taught children moral values, such as honesty, kindness, and obedience, through stories and examples.
  5. Christian principles: The primer emphasized Christian values and principles, such as the importance of prayer, the Ten Commandments, and the life of Jesus Christ.

The New England Primer was notable for its use of simple, clear language and its emphasis on moral education. It was also known for its illustrations, which featured woodcuts of biblical scenes, animals, and everyday life.

Some of the most famous features of the New England Primer include:

  1. The alphabet song: The primer included a song to help children remember the alphabet, which is still familiar today: "A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, M, N, O, P, Q, R, S, T, U, V, W, X, Y, Z, Now I know my ABCs, next time won't you sing with me?"
  2. The "ABCs of Sin": The primer included a section on the "ABCs of Sin," which listed various sins, such as "A, Adultery" and "B, Blasphemy," to teach children about the consequences of sin.
  3. The "Catechism": The primer included a section on the "Catechism," which was a series of questions and answers about Christian doctrine and morality.

The New England Primer was widely used in American schools until the mid-19th century, when it was gradually replaced by more modern textbooks. Today, it is considered a historical artifact and a valuable resource for understanding the educational practices and values of early America.