This Manual provides the foundation for a reading and spelling course which avoids use of the phonic method. Instead of teaching the word as a whole and afterward subjecting it to phonic analysis, this Synthetic Method takes the sounds of the letters for the starting point, and with these sounds lay a foundation firm and broad, upon which is built whole families of words for instant recognition. The method may be taught by the printed letters or by script, with the preference for the former. The design of the Manual is to guide the inexperienced teacher in her daily work. The simplest language has been chosen; such expressions as she would use in explaining to first grade pupils. Includes the explanatory manual; "The Johnny Story," to be read aloud and associate the sounds of the letters with objects suggested in the story; Songs; and Suggestions for First Grades and for Higher Grades.