[cynwoody]

I learned to read before the phonics methodology. It was rote memorization of words using the Dick and Jane text books. Is that similar to sight-words?

Yes.

At what point did you become aware of the sounds associated with letters and digraphs, such as how to pronounce the word ghoti? I.e, gh as in enough, o as in women, ti as in nation, etc. It's all so logical! Or the effect of a silent e?

[buckalfa]

In my case, even the word pronunciation were memorized without breaking the word out in syllable sounds(phonics). We were also taught rote memorization of word definitions (vocabulary). My 37 year old daughter started out rote then got switched to phonics. She can read any text phonetically, but has little or no comprehension of what she has read. I get stuck on pronouncing unfamiliar words but I also am well drilled on using the old Webster’s which aids my understanding. I appreciate your info!

[higgmeister]

At what point did you become aware of the sounds associated with letters and digraphs, such as how to pronounce the word ghoti?

That's cracked. I learned to read by seeing Dick and Jane run and I, to this moment, could never look at ghoti and read fish. LOL