We didn't really have widespread phonics in the UK when I was at school. We did a load of things that looked a bit like phonics but going through it with my fir

We didn't really have widespread phonics in the UK when I was at school. We did a load of things that looked a bit like phonics but going through it with my first daughter showed me how effective it really is. She picked it up really quickly, learned to read early —admittedly with a lot of support from me in lockdown— and can now, at 7, polish a proper book off in a couple of days. Far further ahead than me at 7. Her spelling is pretty creative at times, which isn't surprising given that English is the literal bastard child of several competing lingual styles, but that's really not important for a seven year old. So I was already completely sold, then my 3 year old sat next to me just yesterday and started sounding out words she was hearing, and writing them down. All I'm really saying is I don't understand how this is even a question any more. It's silly that we have to legislate for it, but if people are going to neglect children for whatever unknown ends, why not.