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It has been possible in the Second Reader to give more selections of a purely literary character than in the First. Among less familiar stories it has been thought wise to include a number of the old-time favorites, which are perennially fresh and charming to children.
Some of the stories are rather longer than those usually given for this grade. These have been found more interesting to pupils than the usual short and fragmentary selections. Any inconvenience which might arise from their length is removed by their careful division into sections.
The lists at the head of the lessons include all new words, except simple derivatives formed by the addition of one or two letters to the primitives. Pupils are taught the formation of these by simple exercises early in the book.
Some lessons may appear a little difficult owing to the number of words at the head of the selections. It has been thought better, however, to include every one of the new words. The teacher will exercise her own discretion as to assigning them for study. In actual use the book will be found no higher in grade than other books which omit word lists entirely or give only a few of the more difficult words at the head of each lesson.
The frequent language and phonetic exercises are varied and suggestive, and are devised so that the teacher can expand or contract them at will. Words which do not occur in the text of the reading lessons proper, are occasionally used in the phonetic exercises to give practice in combining familiar sounds.
The last pages are given to a list of words used in this book which were not in the First Reader. This will be valuable for review and for drill in pronunciation and spelling; it will also prepare the pupil for the use of a dictionary.