New Primer Readers On Way To Schools

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30041, 28 January 1963, Page 10

New Primer Readers On Way To Schools

(From Our Own Reporter)

WELLINGTON, Jan. 27. Copies of new infant readers, conceived and produced in New Zealand, ate now being distributed to primary bs for use from the beginning of the year’s first term next month.

They will replace the English “Janet and John” series. used in primary schools since 1948. It is estimated that about 700,000 New Zealanders, ineluding the present generation of teacher training college students, learned to read from “Janet and John."

“So* Janet and John are not exactly to disgrace,” said Mr J U Ewing, chief inspector of primary schools, yesterday. "We think we have found something better, something which will fit to with our new intent reading syllabus. “We will supply no further ’Janet and John* readers But existing copies will remain to schools for use as

a supplementary reading until they wear out** About 40,000 copies of each of 12 titles in the new series have gone out to public and private primary schools under foe free textbooks scheme. About 50,000 copies at each were printed by the Government Printer. The undistributed balance to being kept to reserve. Later this year, the m<»e»Ston Department will distribute about 52.000 rept— of each of six forger, more advanced readers for older

primer pupils. They will come info use from foe beginning of 1084. There were s? JES 4 -

The department has a pamphlet for parents which will be distributed through the schools. It explains toe There are also vocabulary charts and a manual for each teacher.