Public-domain ebook
by Roessler, Erwin W. (Erwin William); Remy, Alfred
Language: en2,105 downloads on Project Gutenberg
Subjects
In: Language Education·Children's Instructional Books·Language & Communication
Public-domain ebook sourced from Project Gutenberg #15353.
A First Spanish Reader is a pedagogical textbook designed for beginners, compiled by Erwin W. Roessler and Alfred Remy. The opening pages explain that most selections are either original or adapted, with only a few changes made to suit novice learners. It outlines a detailed teaching method: the teacher reads each sentence, students translate new words, then the class repeats the passage chorally. Home study involves repeated aloud reading, copying, and minimal translation to encourage conversation. The work is organized into a long list of short readings, ranging from classroom dialogues and geography lessons to poems, folk songs, and proverbs, each accompanied by vocabulary questions. The structure emphasizes systematic practice, classroom interaction, and reinforcement through recitation and written summaries.
The language is straightforward and instructional, reflecting late‑19th‑ or early‑20th‑century language‑teaching conventions. Its tone is that of a teacher’s manual, with clear, didactic explanations and frequent prompts for student participation. Readers who enjoy methodical language instruction, historical approaches to language learning, or a glimpse into early Spanish curricula will find this volume engaging, especially those studying Spanish as a foreign language and appreciating a structured, example‑rich resource.
The opening · free to read
With one or two exceptions, many changes have been made in the selections taken from Spanish authors in order to adapt them to the needs of the beginner. The greater part of the reading material, however, is either original or adapted from other languages. The questions are intended to aid the pupil in the preparation of his lessons. Teachers may alter or amplify these questions as they see fit.
Suggestions as to the method of treating the text may seem impertinent to some. The authors however merely wish to suggest a method which they have successfully employed:
I. Regular preparation of the advance lesson should be made as follows:
a. Reading of the text by the teacher, a sentence at a time. Each sentence to be translated by a pupil after the new words have been explained by the teacher, in Spanish if possible.
b. A second reading by the teacher, followed by chorus reading of the class.
II. At home the pupil should read the text aloud several times and copy the text once or twice, then study it carefully.
III. In the recitation, translation should be reduced to a minimum, thus allowing a maximum of time for conversation based upon the text. There should also be considerable blackboard work consisting of the questions and answers that were given orally. Repetition of answers by the entire class as well as chorus reading are also profitable. After the reading selection has been thoroughly mastered, oral and written resumes should be given by the pupils.
The authors wish to thank the firm of A. P. Schmidt of Boston for permission to reprint the songs Bolero and Me gustan Todas. They are especially indebted to Dr. Manuel Barranco for many valuable suggestions and for assistance in proof reading.
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