Hope my experience may help ...
My daughter 3.5 yr. When she was about 2, we started her english training with Phonics (letterland- the most famous in Phonics). Since then, she had participated Phonics twice a week for 6 mths ... But then we stopped .... why? B'cos we found that Phonics is not really helpful for kids in such a small age. As u know, phonics is purpely memorise and it is no fun at all. She just totally forget what she had learnt after class and seems like wasting money. I think it may be better when she gets older (e.g 4-5 maybe?)
On the country, oral class seems to have more fun as it is more interactive. I think nobody disagree that we want to increase child's interest in English rather than scare them off in their first touch ... so I opt to Oral class than Phonics ...
Can some other parents share with their thoughts ?