Historical information

The Royal Readers had been prepared especially for Victorian schools and featured some Australian content. The authors made great use of the natural world as well as incidents and common daily events to attract children to the stories. Teachers were encouraged to teach children not only the 'art of reading' but also a 'love of reading'. Illustrations were used effectively to attract children 'through the eye' to the stories and to help them understand same. They were used extensively in Victorian schools as well as in other states.
However, during the 1890s and especially the early 1900s, governments came under increasing pressure to change the reading books again because these books did not reflect the rapid scientific advances in the 1890s. Royal Readers date quickly when a new syllabus was introduced in 1905. Education materials were to be relevant to children's daily lives with a demand for greater local content. (info. from http://education.qld.gov.au)

Significance

This book as an example of school work in the early 20th century. It reflects the the way reading was taught, to young children in Victoria.
It reflects the changes in education in East Gippsland and is a useful comparison tool for literacy teaching.

Physical description

A small book with a blue fabric cover. It is titled Royal Readers No V1 and is a part of a series of Royal Readers.

Inscriptions & markings

inside cover - E.A. Stephenson, Longford.