@chryuop
Well, I partly agree with you. Of course, in my opinion and obviously in yours, the best way to learn the common meanings and remember them by recognition, is to read and look after in a dictionary. But I think, if you really want to learn the kanji by heart, so that your're able to write them down, you'll have to learn them properly by writing and using them. Unless, you have a good photographic memory. Otherwise it's still a good practice to read, no doubt about that! Especially for compounds.
But, like I said, that's only my opinion...
