Saxon Grammar and Writing Series

Name: Saxon Grammar and Writing Series
Brand: Hake Publishinghttp://www.hakepublishing.com/

by Hake Publishinghttp://www.hakepublishing.com/

ElaGrades 3–8

Saxon Grammar and Writing Series: Traditional Grammar-Intensive Program

Saxon Grammar and Writing Series is a comprehensive ELA curriculum for grades 3-8 that emphasizes systematic grammar instruction, sentence diagramming, and structured writing. The program uses Saxon's signature incremental approach with continuous review and spiraling of concepts across all levels.

Best for

Homeschooling families or traditional schools seeking rigorous grammar and writing instruction for grades 3-8, particularly those who value sentence diagramming and systematic skill-building through incremental review.

Evaluation Criteria

5 strengths · 1 concern · 2 neutral · 1 insufficient evidence

Text ComplexityStrength

The grammar and writing instruction is notably advanced and challenging for grade levels.

The program features 'very challenging' grammar instruction with 'advanced compared to many other third-grade courses' content including 'syntax and diagramming, predicate adjectives, relative pronouns, appositives' even in third grade

Direct InstructionStrength

The program provides explicit instruction through structured lessons, examples, and guided practice.

Lessons include 'instruction, examples, and exercises for grammar, punctuation, capitalization, and usage' with 'scripted instructions for the teacher or parent to follow' and clear instructional sequences

Retrieval PracticeStrength

The curriculum employs systematic review through its spiral approach and regular testing schedule.

The program uses 'incremental teaching and review approach' where 'new concepts are taught in small increments, building upon prior concepts in a spiral fashion' with 'review sets' that have students 'continually review previously learned concepts' and tests 'after about every fifth lesson'

Vocabulary BuildingStrength

The program includes structured vocabulary instruction with definitions, sample sentences, and etymology.

Each lesson includes 'vocabulary—a few words with definitions and sample sentences' and 'sometimes includes a definition of a Latin word that is the root of one or more of the vocabulary words'

Writing InstructionStrength

The curriculum provides comprehensive, structured writing instruction across multiple genres with self-evaluation components.

The program 'has a stronger composition component than many other comprehensive programs' with students learning 'paragraph writing as well as essay writing—persuasive, descriptive, and informative essays' and includes 'evaluation forms tailored to each writing assignment'

Whole Books Vs ExcerptsConcern

The curriculum does not include literature or reading components, focusing exclusively on grammar and writing instruction.

Cathy Duffy notes that 'Literature and reading are the only areas missing' from this program

Knowledge RichNeutral

The program includes some content integration but is not systematically knowledge-rich across domains.

Lessons 'sometimes integrate information about literature, history, geography, and character building' with the eighth-grade course bringing in 'U.S. history and government even more through examples, exercises, dictation, and journal topics'

Teacher TrainingNeutral

The curriculum includes teacher guides with answer keys and some scripted instruction but limited professional development materials.

Teacher guides contain 'tests and answer keys for all components' and 'scripted instructions for the teacher or parent to follow for the Grammar Meeting' but no mention of comprehensive teacher training or professional development

Systematic PhonicsInsufficient Evidence

The curriculum does not include phonics instruction as it focuses on grammar and writing for grades 3-8.

The program covers 'grammar, writing, spelling, punctuation, and vocabulary' with spelling learned 'primarily through the dictation exercises' rather than systematic phonics

Sources: cathyduffyreviews.com