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May 12, 1440
Printing Press
The printing press was invented by Johannes Gutenbeg in 1440. The invention of the printing press can be credited not only for a revolution in the production of books, but also for the development in the sciences, arts and religion through the transmission of texts. Source: Mary Bellis http://inventors.about.com/od/gstartinventors/a/Gutenberg.htm -
Jan 1, 1500
Latin
During the 16th century, children learned Latin. Source: Children's literature http://guides.slv.vic.gov.au/content.php?pid=341416&sid=2863819 -
Feb 12, 1500
The 16th Century
This was a time of change, the beginning of the modern era of science, a time of great exploration, religious and political conflict, and extraordinary literature. Source:
Mary Bellis http://inventors.about.com/od/timelines/a/Sixteenth.htm -
Jan 1, 1516
Sir Thomas More
Sir Thomas More (1477 - 1535) was the first person to write of a 'Utopia'. 'Utopia'- perfect imaginary world that does not exist. Vital question: Can a perfect world ever be realised?
Questioned the European politics at that time. Source: Explore the 1500s http://www.bl.uk/learning/timeline/item126364.html -
Jan 1, 1526
The Tyndale Bible
William Tyndale’s Bible was the first English language Bible to appear in print. Most people in Europe were unable to speak Latin, therefore they were not able to understand the Bible directly. Believed that ordinary people should be able to read the Bible in a language they could understand. Strictly forbidden. Source: Explore the 1500s http://www.bl.uk/learning/timeline/item101093.html -
May 10, 1571
The Scholemaster
"The Scholemaster" is the earliest English language Latin Primer, written by Roger Ascham The book encouraged children to learn Latin which became a gateway to the classics Source:
Children's literature "http://guides.slv.vic.gov.au/content.php?pid=341416&sid=2863819" -
Jan 1, 1582
The First Dictionary
Richard Mulcaster’s guide to learning was first published in 1582. English was looked down upon by scholars It was written as an attempt to make the English language and culture more respected and accessible. Sources: Explore the 1500s http://www.bl.uk/learning/timeline/item102976.html -
Children Were Viewed in a Different Manner
Shanna: By the 17th century, children were being recognized as a distinct group. They were no longer thought of simply as miniature adults. Instead, it was believed that childhood was a key stage in development when special nurturing was required. Some even believed that children were born evil and people needed to "beat the devil out of them" -
"Orbis Pictus"
Shanna: "Orbis Pictus" is widely known as the first picture book for children. Essentially, this piece is a children's textbook, containing teachings on a wide range of subjects. Some of these subjects included religion and human activity. The book is divided into 150 chapters illustrated by a series of prints that are explained further in the text. The book was originally published in Latin and German, but it was later translated into other languages such as English, Italian, and French. -
A Token For Children Teo
Throughout the course of this novel, religion and amd moral lessons were presented. Throughout this novel children die in their early years. This relates to this century's genre because it teaches children information, moraly and religiously as well as entertains them. -
The Pilgrim's Progress Jordan
The Pilgrim's Progress is about the journey of a man seeking salvation on a pilgrimage towards Heaven. He encounters many obstacles that test his faith and many characters that are useful in showing him the difference between right and wrong. This book was an example of the moral (right and wrong), educational and relgioius ( on his way to heaven) themes throughout the time period. -
Children Should Read for Pleasure
Shanna: It was suggested by John Locke that children should read for personal enjoyment. Initially, the general public did not agree with this notion. A number of authors, however, were in agreement with Locke. As such, they made an effort to create books that were both entertaining and educational. -
Some Thoughts Concerning Education Jordan
By: John Locke. This was the most important piece of literature throughout England's education system. It differs from most modern story books because it reads more like an instruction manual on education, rather than a story. -
Children Were Able to Attend School
Shanna: Usually, boys from wealthy families would attend grammar school. Girls also went to school, but focused on skills such as embroidery and music rather than academics. Children from poor families were often required to work as soon as they had the ability to do so. Eventually, charity schools were founded that allowed more children to be educated. -
Families Were Becoming Larger
Shanna: In the 18th century, families were quite large since extended families would typically live together. During this time, children were emerging as individuals with much more importance to the family. Gone were the days when children were to be seen, but not heard. Additionally, large families provided social security for the children. -
Enlightenment and a Population Boom
Shanna: During this time, both philosophy and science became more prominent in society. Due to advancements in science, healthcare improved significantly leading to a decline in the death rate. In addition, the birth rate increased since many people were getting married at younger ages. Migration also affected the population. These factors contributed to a significant population boom. -
James Janeway
One of the most famous early moralizing books for children was James Janeway's "A Token for Children". The earliest edition was published by T. Norris and A. Bettesworth in 1709. -
Isaac Watts and "Divine and Moral Songs for Children"
Shanna: Author Isaac Watts believed that an effective way to teach children theology and morality was through song. "Divine and Moral Songs for Children" is a collection of songs that teach children how to have good character and how to be 'moral'. Some of the songs illustrate examples of 'immoral' behaviour such as swearing or lying. By conducting these teachings through song, it was believed that young children, in particular, would be able to better absorb information. -
Thomas Boreman
Thomas Boreman was the first publisher and book sellar to specialize in books for children. His first book was "A Description of three hundred animals", 1730, which he wrote himself. "A Description of a great variety of animals and vegetables" followed in 1736 and "A Description of some curious and uncommon creatures" in 1739. -
John Newbery and “A Pretty Little Pocket Book”
Shanna: British author, John Newbery, wrote “A Pretty Little Pocket Book” and it is often referred to as one of the earliest children's books. The book contained many simple poems that were intended to help children learn and remember the alphabet. Newberry was a firm believer in allowing children to become educated in a manner that was still entertaining. As such, each copy was sold with either a ball or a pincushion. Illustrations were also included to entice children. -
Emile; or on Education Teo
By: Jean-Jacques Rousseau. This book is a "formal explanation on the nature of man. It discusses political and philosophical questions regarding the individual’s relationship to society." This book describe a system of education that will enable the “natural man” to live within a corrupt society and specific tips for raising children in the time period. -
John Newbery and "The History of Little Goody Two-Shoes"
Shanna: Written by John Newberry, "The History of Little Goody Two-Shoes" was the first children's novel. The novel tells the tale of an orphan named Margery Meanwell who only has one shoe. She has a good work ethic and is virtuous. As a result, she is able to obtain a complete pair of shoes and marries a rich man. The novel is often thought of as a variation of Cinderella. Children are taught to develop strong values and that in doing so, they will earn what they want in life. -
Anna Laetitia Barbauld and "Lessons for Children"
Shanna: "Lessons for Children" was written by Anna Laetitia Barbauld. Barbauld worked as a school teacher at Palgrove Academy and was quite influential during the Romantic movement in both the 18th and 19th centuries. Through her work with children’s literature, Barbauld tried to make writing easier for children to understand. Additionally, she popularized informal conversations in literature. Barbauld inspired several other female authors such as Maria Edgeworth and Sarah Trimmer. -
Anna Laetitia Barbauld and "Lessons for Children" Continued
Shanna: "Lessons for Children" contains a series of conversations between a mother and son. Each section of the book was geared toward a specific age group. The variance in difficulty was revolutionary, as it finally acknowledged the fact that children progress through a series of reading stages. The book begins by explaining more basic concepts such as days and seasons. Sometimes information would be shared through simple narratives. Later on, it discusses more complex ideas. -
John Aikin / Anna Laetitia Barbauld and "Evenings at Home"
Shanna: "Evenings at Home" is another key work by Anna Laetita Barbauld in collaboration with John Aikin. It is a collection of fictional stories, including fairy tales, fables, and dialogues. Similar to the work of John Newbery, this story educated readers in an entertaining manner. Information was presented in a variety of forms so that children could understand. The dialogue used made each story seem familiar to young readers. This book influenced children's literature in the 19th century.
