As one who was born in 1955, I experienced sight words with Dick, Jane, Sally, and Spot but the teachers in my small Kansas town were experienced enough to realize that was not going to get the job done for many students. There was lots of phonics and sounding out unfamiliar words for those struggling to read. I was fortunate that reading came easy and early. It’s only with the ability to remember back to those who struggled that I understand why taxpayers and parents need to take the “educators” off their pedestals to question methods and results.
Even then, Dick and Jane were pathetic compared to what my parents and grandparents were required to learn. At least they did teach us self discipline to supplement what we were taught at home.
I can't remember if I was taught sight words or not, nor can I remember any official phonics lessons ... I just know I started to read early and well, and loved it
These days they're more interested in teaching them Dick+Dick and Jane+Jane and in no time at all it will be Sally and spot.