Like Ultramarina, I remember a phonics workbook in school. I didn't understand the purpose of it at all. It was just lists of words I already knew how to read. My mother told me that some kids learned to read that way and I should just do the workbook, so I did. But the question remains: if the child already knows how to read the words in the phonics exercise by sight, is she really learning phonics or is she just reading the words? I know I just read the words.
I do believe there is value in learning rules for things. Because of my background as a reader, I didn't need to learn grammar or rhetoric in order to write. I did need to learn them in order to teach writing.
At any rate, I ordered "Uncovering the Logic of English" (the adult trade book, not the textbook) yesterday. I think this is exactly what I need in order to develop the skills that will help me teach her strategies that she can use in her reading and writing. This thread has been HUGELY helpful to me. Thanks.
