Tag Archives: 19th Century

Free 19th Century Readers by James Baldwin

June 16, 2014 The Good Goat Momma 2 Comments

James Baldwin was published during the turn of the century was a teacher, writer, and was a man of Christian faith. He wrote over 50 books including readers, adapted stories for young children, history text, literary analysis, classic literature, and apologetics. Read more About James Baldwin.

The first set is the only complete set, which means the other books were not found or have a price tag. I will continue to search for them and add to the list. I have noted special characteristics of each set or book.

I have listed them in sets, in order of edition. This is somewhat misleading because many of the books were for 12-16 months use, so a book would be used for longer than our modern grade levels, in some cases. Most times the level’s name was simply indicative of coming after the one preceding it. Because of this I tried to find readers of the same publisher and author. Some series are not as complete as others, usually meaning that the missing book had a price tag on it. I will update as I find missing books from a series.

Find out where your child should begin reading by having them read, either silently or aloud, and asking some basic comprehension questions or asking your child to retell a story after reading a short piece. Use the reader that is appropriate, moving forward in the series.

Some readers will have phonics lessons for the little ones and oration lessons for older students. Others have spelling lists, language instruction, and exercises, or questions to check comprehension. I will make a note at the introduction to each set to indicate any special features.

The Baldwin Primer I just love this little book with color picture, beautiful cursive, music, and hands on activities. It’s a perfect beginning reader!

Baldwin School Reading by Grade: First Year

Baldwin School Reading by Grade: Second Year

Baldwin School Reading by Grades: Third Year

Baldwin School Reading by Grades: Fourth Year

Baldwin School Reading by Grade: Fifth Year

Baldwin School Reading by Grade: Sixth Year

Baldwin School Reading by Grades: Seventh Year

Baldwin School Reading by Grade Eighth Year

These have so much to offer. They include a variety of genres, along with exercises requiring response to the literature(expression), phonetic exercises(in the back of the book) and spelling exercises.

The Bender Primer

Baldwin and Bender’s Fourth Reader

Baldwin and Bender’s Fifth Reader

Baldwin and Bender’s Sixth Reader

Baldwin and Bender’s Eighth Reader

These also include a variety of genres, along with exercises requiring response to the literature(expression), phonetic exercises(in the back of the book) and spelling exercises. The teacher’s manual imparts better understanding to the exercises in the readers. I do wish to find the complete set.

Reading with expression: a teacher’s manual to accompany …

Reading With Expression Sixth, Seventh, and Eighth Years

Finding Free Textbooks on Google Books

February 3, 2014 The Good Goat Momma 2 Comments

When I first started looking through Google Books, what a chore! My search results were huge. It took hours muddling through and discarding all that disappointed. And I wondered, ” How do I find full texts? How do I find FREE texts.” After all, that is my goal. A friend mentioned the Advanced Search option, but it was not obviously placed. It could have been 3:00 a.m. I could have looked right over it.

When in doubt search Google with your search terms. So, I opened Google and typed the words, “Google Books, advanced search.” Imagine my surprise when I found http://books.google.com/advanced_book_search. The other options is to go to Google books, type in the name of the book or a key word. When your results pop up, click on the link “Search tools”. A group of four additional links will display below. Click on “Any books” and a menu will reveal “Free Google ebooks”.

I was in search of some science textbooks. I wanted free. I wanted a full text, not a sample. The first search will not eliminate all samples or copies at cost, but will push most of what you desire to the front of the list.

I would first start with a topic, science. You might have a tighter topic, electricity, for example. When I’m looking for my younger children, I might add the words “children”, “little ones”, “for boys and girls”, or “beginners.” These, I have chosen based on previous searches I have done for the 19th century publications. These words are not always needed. We certainly don’t use those with textbooks today, but remember today’s textbooks will not be available for free as their copyrights are still intact. Next, choose “Full View Only”. You may narrow the search further by choosing “Books” and omitting “Magazines.” The rest of the search options will further narrow your search. I hate to miss out on a hidden gem so I keep it fairly broad after choosing “Full view only.”

I like the 19th century schoolbooks for beginning readers especially. Many are written narrative style, but all are written with a wit and charm you just can’t deny. If you are looking for your middle school or high school age scientist. You’ll find that the science is practical, hands-one, and relevant. You can find the intended age group in the preface of most books.Your children will love them!

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