Phonics Plus Dolch Words: Fishing Rod and Fish

 

This is a continuation of my post yesterday.

Diana Black Kennedy    Educational Therapist, Speaker, Author – Answer to another question

If you teach them phonics, then what is your argument?

The reason having them memorize the dolch words as one full chunk is problematic because memorizing words as one chunk is not the most efficient way to teach kids to read--it is sort of like giving the man a fish rather than teaching them to fish. Not to mention that if words are learned as one whole chunk rather than through repeated decoding means that they are recalled less efficiently because there are less connections to the words. If a word can be decoded it should be taught through decoding. Even words that are irregular generally are only semi-irregular. It is more powerful to teach kids to decode the parts they can and focus their energy memorizing the parts that are irregular.

Luqman Michel:

I think we are closer in practice than it may appear. I do teach phonics — accurate letter sounds, systematic decoding, awareness that letters often represent more than one sound. But alongside that, I also teach rote memorization of high‑frequency words (Dolch list).

Why? Because children need both the fishing rod and some fish in the basket early on. Phonics equips them with the rod, but memorizing high‑frequency words gives them immediate access to 60% of print. That early fluency builds confidence, reduces frustration, and keeps them engaged while phonics skills are still developing.

It’s not about replacing decoding with whole‑word memorization. It’s about complementing phonics with direct mastery of words that appear constantly in text. Many of these words are not fully decodable for beginners, and waiting until decoding catches up risks disengagement. Rote practice ensures children can read connected text sooner, which in turn strengthens comprehension and motivation.

So my argument is not “phonics versus memorization.” It is that phonics plus Dolch words together create a faster, clearer path to literacy. Teaching both gives children the tools to decode and the confidence to read meaningfully right from the start.

Read the sample pages on my book found on Amazon. LINK

 

It is free of charge. I have explained in detail how I teach using phonics, rote memory of Dolch words, how to read new words from syllables kids have learned. etc.

I doubt you will have further questions but if you do, please ask.

Note now added: I believe that Diana does not know what I mean by rote memory. Like most teachers who debate on social media she thinks memorising words is by visual memory.