Introduction:

• Definition of key reading theories to be discussed: Whole Language, Balanced Literacy, Structured Literacy.
• Whole Language emphasizes learning whole words and phrases in meaningful contexts.
• Balanced Literacy combines phonics and whole-language theory.
• Structured Literacy is highly explicit and systematic in teaching literacy components.

Early American Education:

• Informal education methods prevailed in early American history.
• Importance of teaching reading due to the significance of biblical knowledge.
• New England Primer (1690) popularized the phonics approach to reading.

Horace Mann and Common Schools:

• Horace Mann, "Father of the American education system," advocated for common schools. ...