I don't really remember exactly what method we used in first grade back in the early 80s. I remember memorizing some words and being cued on them. What I do re

I don't really remember exactly what method we used in first grade back in the early 80s. I remember memorizing some words and being cued on them. What I do remember is phonics in 3rd grade. I hated phonics and blamed it for not being able to spell because english is so inconsistent. It probably isn't phonics fault that I am terrible at spelling but I still remember hating phonics.