Final answer:
The object used by Puritans to teach alphabet was the hornbook, and 'The New England Primer' played a crucial role in children's education, focusing on reading and religious teachings. This importance of literacy among Puritans was mandated by laws such as the Old Deluder Satan Law and was emphasized by leading figures like Cotton Mather.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Puritans and the New England Primer
The wooden object Puritans used to teach their children the alphabet is commonly known as the hornbook. However, alongside such tools, the Puritans also heavily utilized a book called The New England Primer for their children’s education. This book was critical for reading and religious instruction within Puritan society. Notably, it contained the alphabet accompanied by short rhymes, starting with the letter 'A' associated with the phrase 'In Adam's fall we sinned all' to help children remember the letters. This educational approach reflects the Puritan emphasis on reading skills, especially for understanding the Bible, which they deemed as essential for salvation and thereby a foundation for their schooling system, including the establishment of institutions like Harvard University.
The value Puritans placed on education is further illustrated by the Old Deluder Satan Law, which mandated elementary education to combat the perceived threat of ignorance being used by Satan to keep people from scriptural knowledge. Moreover, notable Puritan ministers like Cotton Mather and Richard Mather underscored the severe consequences of not educating children, thereby highlighting the community's dedication to literacy.