Spelling Books
Several historical examples of spelling books used in teaching spelling over the past few hundred years are available and portions will be used here in summary and as examples of methods used for teaching spelling over the years.
One of these old spelling books that many people will remember is McGuffey’s Eclectic Spelling Book, by W. H. McGuffey.
Originally published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc., this classic work on the subject of spelling was revised and updated over many years and provides a detailed look back at the historical methods of teaching spelling.
McGuffey’s Eclectic Spelling Book begins with a simple description of “The English Alphabet” and provides a detailed collection of spelling rules and hundreds of spelling lessons and spelling excercises that were designed to be used in the classroom setting.
