Learning to mastery is stressed throughout, no guesswork allowed. Writing the phonograms and Ayres' spelling words reinforces the visual and kinesthetic ways of learning. Again, mastery and automaticity is the standard. Learning the basic elements of writing and reading is the key. Later the Ayres list reinforces and expands on these basics.
Comprehension follows last.
This fits very well into the Trivium. A 3rd grader who has spent 2-3 years with WRTR should be able to read any text at the high school level. He may not understand what he is reading - but he has the basic tools to help develop comprehension as the years go on. WRTR is a much more comprehensive program than 100 Easy Lessons. The Extended Ayres List will take your child through a 9th grade spelling level.