Please help an old curmudgeon understand. 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?