Methods Used to Teach Early Reading and Writing in Turkey: Continuity and Change across a Century

The aim of this study was to trace the historical development of the teaching methods used for early reading and writing instructionin the Turkish Republic. Documentary evidence from Turkey’s National Ministry of Education was used as a primary source of data in the study. Interpretive historical techniques were usedto identify patterns in the dataover a 100-year period. Results indicate that eight periods of policy reform shaped instruction in reading and writing.