The phonic method of teaching has many great advantages; so also has the indispensable word method; and the much derided alphabet method is too valuable to be neglected. It is evident that the system of greatest efficiency in teaching reading is that which seeks to utilize and harmonize all the devices that have proved to be of most worth in all…

This textbook is a first reader that includes exercises on phonetics and word-building, word grouping, introduction of phonic elements, the grouping or indentation of sentences, nursery rhymes, and the letters of the alphabet. Footnotes and references are provided for teacher's guidance.