A Parent of One of Your First-Grade Students Writes You

Essay

A parent of one of your first-grade students writes you the following email:
Dear Brian's Teacher,
I am worried about Brian's ability to learn to read because he tells me that he does not practice flash cards in school too much. I thought that being able to read sight words was the most important goal in teaching beginning readers.  I remember spending lots of time when I was in school practicing sight words on flash cards. Why is this no longer happening in first grade?
Sincerely,
Mrs. Martin  
Write a response to Mrs. Martin to explain your philosophy about teaching sight words. Be sure to include a theory or research study in your reply.