Spelling Test

The other day while in the car my 6 year old said, "Mom, do you spell 'gum' 'G-U-M'?"

"Yes, that's right." I replied.

Then he said, "So do you spell 'come' 'C-U..."

I started to slam on the breaks and scream "NOOOOOO!" But luckily before I could, my 8 year old interrupted laughing, "no, it's C-O-M-E."

Whew. Good thing the 8 year old was there.

Why do they learn how to sound out words anyway?!?!