Foreign pedagogical ideas, subjected to careful study and criticism from public figures, scientists, teachers of Russia, contribute to the development of russian methods of teaching reading in the second half of the XIX -- early XX centuries. The issue of borrowing Western pedagogical ideas was widely discussed in the works of prominent thinkers…

Provides a broadened historical perspective on literacy instruction in Russia by focusing on the development of the Russian "bukvar," the first text typically placed in the hands of Russian children as they begin schooling. Discusses origins of the bukvar; religious, social, and cultural influences; pedagogical and scientific influences;…