Mixed Bag Enterprises, LLC.

Showing phonetic words all the time with pictures enables the learner to memorize the words associated with the pictures, thereby DECREASING the ability to phonetically sound out the words. If your child is learning words through pictures that are not (non-phonetic) sight words then the first learning gap has been created. It limits their ability to phonetically spell, break down sounds and blends, root words, and is the first step in having comprehension gaps. Many of the programs that advertise teaching your child to read early are teaching your child to SIGHT READ not actually read (meaning breaking down words phonetically). Yes, there are some words that do not have phonetics associated but be leery of having your kids memorize words and how they look with pictures. Have them play games with letters and building words.

Per Stanford University's study, "that there is no need to memorize what can be read" (McCandliss & Noble, 2016).