Whole language is word memorization. Phonics is breaking down the word by recognizing phonograms. It really depends on the child. When I was a kid I taught myself to read through word memorization. When my mother read to me I began to memorize what she said with the word she pointed out. I have no recollection of this. This is what she has told me. I also never remember actually learning to read. In my mind I have just always read. My son, while in public school, was taught this way. In 1st grade I pulled him out because he couldn’t read anything and hated reading. I had him tested for dyslexia, but he was diagnosed with “sight word aversion”. If that is even a real thing, I don’t know. He can’t memorize words. He must learn phonically. We started using All About Reading that year. He is know finishing up the 3rd level. I am amazed at the word breakdown skills he has. Unlike me he can read a word he has never seen before, because he can breakdown syllables and phonograms. He is also better at spelling that I was in school. I feel like you should do whatever is best for your child. My 4 year old daughter has started memorizing words that we read. I feel like she will be more like me in reading, but I will try phonograms on her first. I feel like whole language can be the fast track to reading, but I am not sure it is the most comprehensive way to teach children to read. Sight words do have there place, but I do feel they should be kept at a minimum.
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