Final answer:
The statement is false as both phonographic skills and a substantial number of sight words are necessary for good reading fluency and comprehension. Sight words help readers instantly recognize high-frequency words, while phonographic skills help decode unfamiliar words.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that good readers do not require a large storehouse of sight words if they have highly developed phonographic skills is false. While phonographic (phonemic) skills are essential for decoding unfamiliar words, having a robust bank of sight words contributes significantly to reading fluency and comprehension. This is because sight words often include high-frequency words that are not easily decodable and must be recognized instantly to maintain the flow of reading.
Additionally, effective reading strategies incorporate both phonics and the recognition of sight words. Research such as the Early Grade Reading Assessment has shown that a balance of these skills is crucial. Therefore, developing a sizeable storehouse of sight words is indeed beneficial, even for those with strong phonographic skills.
It's important to note that distractions, such as too many pictures in textbooks, can impede reading progress. This was observed among students who admitted to being easily distracted and treating textbooks with too many pictures like catalogs or magazines, thus affecting their reading abilities. In this light, a balance in instructional design is also vital to support both engagement and learning.