This book attempts the discussion of two very important problems in primary education. First, the oral work in the handling of stories, and second, the introduction to the art of reading in the earliest school work. The very close relation between the oral work in stories and the exercises in reading in the first three years in school is quite fully explained. The oral work in story-telling has gained a great importance in recent years, but has not received much discussion from writers of books on method.

Following this "Special Method in Primary Reading," a second volume, called the "Special Method in the Reading of Complete English Classics in the Grades of the Common School," completes the discussion of reading and literature in the intermediate and grammar grades.

Both of the books of Special Method are an application of the ideas discussed in "The Principles of General Method" and "The Method of the Recitation."

Still other volumes of Special Method in Geography, History, and Natural Science furnish the outlines of the courses of study in these subjects, and also a full discussion of the value of the material selected and of the method of treatment.

At the close of each chapter and at the end of the book a somewhat complete graded list of books, for the use of both pupils and teachers, is given. The same plan is followed in all the books of this series, so that teachers may be able to supply themselves with the best helps with as little trouble as possible.

CHARLES A. McMURRY.

CONTENTS

PAGE
[CHAPTER I]
The Reason for Oral Work in Stories1
[CHAPTER II]
The Basis of Skill in Oral Work16
[CHAPTER III]
First Grade Stories47
[CHAPTER IV]
Second Grade Stories75
[CHAPTER V]
Third Grade Stories103
[CHAPTER VI]
Primary Reading through Incidental Exercises and Games137
[CHAPTER VII]
Method in Primary Reading173
[CHAPTER VIII]
List of Books for Primary Grades190