The Silent Readers: Sixth Reader

"The Silent Readers: Sixth Reader" by William D. Lewis, Albert Lindsay Rowland, and Ethel H. Maltby Gehres is an educational guide aimed at promoting silent reading skills, likely composed in the early 20th century. This reader seeks to enhance children’s ability to read quickly and comprehend the material, utilizing various reading selections that introduce diverse topics and styles. The focus is on developing efficient reading habits through practice and exercises emphasizing speed, comprehension, and the importance of silent reading in educational settings. At the start of this educational resource, the authors express the need for effective methods of teaching silent reading, contrasting it against the traditional practice of reading aloud in classrooms. They elaborate on the importance of acquiring reading speed and comprehension for academic success, highlighting the differences between oral and silent reading. Following an introduction to the concept, the opening selection about the Eskimo introduces students to aspects of life and survival in extreme conditions, setting the stage for a series of stories and informational texts designed to engage young readers and stimulate their interest in learning silently. This initial segment also establishes foundational principles for outlining and summarizing texts to aid comprehension.