Originally published in 1974. This is an enlightening guide to the teaching of reading in response to the desire to motivate children to read and write, and rapidly and permanently teach them these techniques. It gives an account of the modern methods of teaching these skills, based on the natural learning drive of play, the environment, and on the normal sequence of child development. The author shows parents what and how their children are being taught, and suggests ways in which they can develop their children's pre-reading skills before they go to school.

Review of the original edition:

"McKeown's common sense approach to the problems involved in learning to read, her very practical suggestions for solutions, and her emphasis on the harmful effects of forcing children into reading too early, make this book most useful contribution..." - Jean Hudson Reading