New England Primer

1790 - 1850

The New England Primer replaced the hornbook around 1790. The New England Primer is considered the first basal reader and was the first textbook to be used in the 13 original colonies. It was based on strict religious teachings. New England Primer contained religious questions and answers, alphabet and scripture, verses, rhymes, and stories. It combined the alphabet with both scripture and a picture as a means for learning.