This manual contains some of the history of the project "Initial Reading in Spanish for Bilingual Children," undertaken by the U.S. Office of Education in the spring of 1970. The objective of the project was to gather detailed information and to produce a descriptive analysis of the methodologies employed by teachers in the teaching of initial reading to Spanish-speaking children. The manual is based on research reports from four project sites in Texas, as well as on information gathered from videotapes made in Texas and Mexico. Subjects treated are "The Bilingual Child's Right to Read,""Initial Reading in Spanish for Bilinguals,""Pre-Reading Period," and "The Introduction of Letters." A bibliography, a list of book suggestions, and an index are included. (SK)