Early American Education 4

The New England Primer was the first textbook printed in America. Originally published in Boston around 1690, it was reprinted frequently over the centuries, with millions of copies sold. Despite its name, it was used throughout the entire United States.

The primer was the equivalent of a first-grade textbook. It remained a standard text from which American students learned to read up through the beginning of the 20th century. It remains in print today, with hundreds of thousands still sold.

Many Founding Fathers believed the New England Primer to be important for students in their day. Thus, Samuel Adams reprinted it for students in Massachusetts, Noah Webster in Connecticut, and Benjamin Franklin in Pennsylvania.

That schoolbook contained numerous sections with religious and Biblical content. One obvious example is in the 1777 edition (which featured a picture of Founding Father John Hancock on the frontispiece). It taught the alphabet by using a rhyme based on Bible Teachings:

A---In Adam's Fall, We sinned all (Romans 5:12)

B----Heaven to find, the Bible Mind. (Deuteronomy 13:4 & Matthew 7:21)

C---Christ crucified, for sinners died. (Romans 5:8)

D---The Deluge drowned, the Earth around (Genesis 7

E---Elijah hid. By Ravens fed (I Kings 17:2-16)

F---The judgement made, Felix afraid. (Acts 24)

G--As runs the Glass, Our Life doth pass. (James 4:14)

H---My Book and Heart must never part (Joshua 1:8)

And so forth.

Content sourced from The American Story, The Beginning. David Barton and Tim Barton