Artinha de Leitura by João Simões Lopes Neto (1907): a project for teaching reading and writing

Abstract: The main goal of this article was to analyze the primer composed in 1907 by João Simões Lopes Neto, natural of Pelotas, Brazil, one of the most important regional writers. We understand it as an artifact capable of revealing not only the author’s assumptions about early teaching reading and writing, but also a broader social project he conceived. Therefore, even though it was not published at the time it was produced, Artinha de leitura is a singular and important document that displays João Simões’ ideas on the teaching of reading and writing, as well as his civic and educational project. It also shows his adherence to the Spelling Reform of the Brazilian Academy of Letters, the main reason Artinha de leitura was not approved by the Council on Public Instruction of the State of Rio Grande do Sul.

Keywords:
history of education; teaching reading; initiation to reading; Rio Grande do Sul