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Word UpdatedUpdated JUNE 2008

ABECEDARIUS


An Alphabet Book

The abecedarius (alphabet book) dates from colonial times with The New England Primer(1683) which included the ABCs in rhyme. This served not only to introduce the letters of the alphabet but passed on the morals of Early America. Learning to read was taken seriously and little thought was given to making it interesting or fun. A warning in the primer says "He that ne'er learns his A,B,C/Forever will a Blockhead be."

By the end of the 19th century, the abecedarious began to reflect America's changing attitudes toward education and a more lighthearted attitude toward life in general. Alphabet books were still used to pass on moral values but the abecedarius was changing. In 1871, an ABC book was published that had humorous limericks for each letter. In 1882,The Shaker Abecedarious, included rhyme and rhythm to make reading instruction more enjoyable. In 1886, an ABC book of familiar rhyme "A Apple Pie" marked the transition from moralistic alphabet books to enjoyable, brightly colored books that made the ABCs fun to learn

The publication of alphabet books continues to grow and specialized alphabet books have increased in popularity. The internet also has information often listed as "From A-Z". ABC books help children learn their ABCs and contribute to visual literacy.

SOME SPECIAL ABC SITES

ABC Blocks

Cats From A-Z*** Christmas From A-Z *** Cows from A-Z
The Medieval World *** Native Americans from A-Z
Patriotism from A-Z*** Pilgrims From A-Z
Religions From A-Z *** Rivers in Europe from A-Z
Synonyms for A-Z *** Whidbey Island from A-Z

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THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

Map of United States

Alaska from A-Z *** Arizona From A-Z*** California from A-Z
Florida from A-Z*** Georgia From A-Z*** *** Hawaii from A-Z
Indiana From A-Z *** Kansas From A-Z *** Maine From A-Z
Massachusetts From A-Z *** Michigan From A-Z*** Minnesota from A-Z
Montana From A-Z*** New York from A-Z*** North Dakota from A-Z
Pennsylvania From A-Z *** Texas from A-Z
Washington From A-Z*** Wyoming from A-Z

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COUNTRIES

Map of Countries
Canada From A-Z*** Germany from A-Z *** Ireland From A-Z
Japan from A-Z *** Mexico from A-Z*** Slovakia from A-Z
United Kingdom from A-Z *** United States from A-Z

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CONTINENTS

Map of Continents
Africa from A-Z *** Antarctica from A-Z*** Europe from A-Z
Australia From A-Z *** South America from A-Z
North America from A-Z *** Asia from A-Z

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MISCELLANEOUS


The National Anthem *** Paul Revere *** Potluck Parties
Standing Bear *** Sacagawea
Sign Language Greetings & Phrases
United States Armed Forces *** White Wolves

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