the thought. Teachers are earnestly recommended to pursue a similar or more thorough course with others. The "Phonic Analysis" is believed to be more than usually thorough, exhaustive, and reliable. Like that for the Fifth and Sixth Readers, it was prepared by Professor Thomas Metcalf, of the Illinois Normal University. The "Directions and Explanations" contain an exposition of elocutionary principles believed to be fully adequate to the needs of those who are to use the book. They are expressed in language sufficiently simple. The compiler acknowledges himself under obligations to many writers and publishing firms for permission to use material of theirs as selections for reading. Among these it is proper to mention Messrs. Ticknor & Fields, of Boston, publishers of "Our Young Folks," and Alfred L. Sewell, of Chicago, publisher of " The Little Corporal.” NORMAL, ILL., March 1, 1867. R. E. I.-Elementary Sounds-Vowels and Consonants defined. II.-The Names of Letters seldom the same as their Sounds. III.-Writ- ing by Sound. IV.-The Name-Vowels._V.-Italian A, Broad O, and Long Double 0. VI.-Tilde E, and Long Flat A. VII.-The Common Short Vowels. VIII.-Accent-Short Italian A at the Beginning or End of a Word. IX.-Short Italian A accented. X.-Short Double O. XI. The Four Diphthongs. XII.-The Vowel-Consonants. XIII.—The Liquids. XIV. and XV.-Cognate Consonants.-XVI.—The Aspirates. XVII.-Double Consonants. El or En at the End of a Word. XVIII.-C and G Soft-Ch--Plurals in th...... ..12-25 12. The Same Subject Continued,.. 19. The Bluebird,. 22. My Bird's-Nest,. 63. How the Indian Corn Grows,. 65. The Inequalities of Fortune,.. 66. The Battle of Fort Donelson,... 67. The Same Subject Continued,.. 71. The Graves of a Household,. 78. A Story of an Apple-Tree,.. 80. Speak Gently to the Erring,. 83. The Same Subject Continued,. 85. How Big was Alexander, Pa ?.. 86. The Turning of the Leaf,.. HOW THE BOOK SHOULD BE USED. GENERAL SUGGESTIONS TO TEACHERS. 1. Follow the directions given in the " Phonic Analysis." 2. As soon as the pupils master that Analysis, give them practice in phonically analyzing portions of the reading lessons. 3. Let the pupils learn thoroughly the "Directions and Explanations," and give them repeated and careful practice upon the "Exercises for Elocutionary Drill." One of the objects of this Drill is vocal culture. 4. Make a constant application of these "Directions and Explanations" to every selection read. 5. Look carefully over the "Questions" and "Remarks" appended to the different selections, and see that the pupils get a thorough appreciation of the meaning of every thing they read. 6. Let all the Drill be ACCURATE. The frequent repetition of a wrong pronunciation or an improper intonation only confirms the power of a bad habit. 7. Let all the work be done with LIFE, ENERGY, ENTHUSIASM. and 8. The TEACHER, in order to succeed, MUST HIMSELF THOROUGHLY MASTER WHAT HE PROPOSES TO TEACH. |