[sjmjax]

Not opposed to teaching phonics. But, it takes more than that. English is a composite language with many pronunciation irregularities.

Lead & Lead: to guide & a soft heavy metal. Same spelling - difficult pronunciation.

Different spellings but same pronunciation:

To, too, two

Which & Witch

Whole books are written dealing with these inconsistencies.

[familyop]

"Not opposed to teaching phonics. But, it takes more than that. English is a composite language with many pronunciation irregularities."

Yes. I was started with whole words and did fine. My parents moved me to a another school during the second grade, and phonics was the method there. It was strange, and the children sounded like they were slow while learning to read a little late.

[familyop]

My first grade class started with the “Dick and Jane” series.