A Comparison of the Philosophy and of Teaching of Third Grade Reading According to Houghton Mifflin Company (McKee) the John C. Winston Company (Stauffer) and Ginn & Company (Russell) Basal Readers

Abstract

Presenting students with a variety of learning materials helps to engage their interest. In this study, the researcher evaluates three reading systems to determine which best meets class needs. The researcher begins by comparing the aims/philosophies of the different titles. The researcher then compares the content, focusing on program, illustration format, and organization. Finally, the researcher examines the series’ approaches to introducing new words, teaching word-attack and study skills, and compares the teacher’s editions. The author concludes that she will use the Houghton Mifflin texts with the above-average readers in her class, and the Ginn texts with the below-average readers. Average readers will continue to use the standard texts issued by the School (Scott Foresman).