Saxon Phonics & Spelling

Name: Saxon Phonics & Spelling
Brand: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

ElaGrades K–2

About This Curriculum

Saxon Phonics & Spelling is an explicit, multisensory phonics and spelling program for grades K–2 that integrates phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, spelling, and handwriting instruction using structured literacy approaches aligned with the Orton-Gillingham methodology.

What makes it unique: Incremental, spiral approach with built-in multisensory learning; unique coding system (breve marks, macrons, syllable markers); designed specifically to support students with dyslexia; combines phonics, spelling, and handwriting in one integrated program.

Saxon Phonics & Spelling: Structured Literacy Program for Early Grades

Saxon Phonics & Spelling is an explicit, multisensory phonics and spelling program for grades K–2 that integrates phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, spelling, and handwriting instruction. The curriculum uses structured literacy approaches aligned with the Orton-Gillingham methodology to teach foundational reading skills.

Best for

Teachers seeking explicit, systematic phonics instruction for grades K–2, particularly those working with students who need structured literacy approaches or have reading difficulties

Evaluation Criteria

2 strengths · 2 concerns · 1 neutral · 4 insufficient evidence

Direct InstructionStrength

Saxon Phonics & Spelling employs explicit instruction methods consistent with structured literacy and Orton-Gillingham approaches.

Program described as 'explicit' and using 'structured literacy approaches' which align with direct instruction principles

Systematic PhonicsStrength

Saxon Phonics & Spelling provides explicit, systematic phonics instruction using structured literacy approaches aligned with Orton-Gillingham methodology.

Program explicitly described as using 'structured literacy approaches aligned with the Orton-Gillingham methodology' with systematic phonics instruction

Knowledge RichConcern

The program appears to focus primarily on foundational reading skills rather than systematic domain knowledge building across content areas.

Description emphasizes phonics, spelling, and handwriting instruction without mention of content-rich texts or domain knowledge

Text ComplexityConcern

EdReports found the program does not meet expectations for text quality and complexity alignment to grade-level demands.

EdReports Gateway 1 rating of 'Does Not Meet Expectations' for Text Quality & Complexity

Writing InstructionNeutral

The program includes handwriting instruction as part of its integrated approach to early literacy skills.

Description explicitly mentions 'handwriting instruction' as one of the integrated components

Teacher TrainingInsufficient Evidence

As a structured literacy program using Orton-Gillingham methodology, teacher training materials are likely included, though specific details are not provided.

Orton-Gillingham approach typically requires teacher training, but specific professional development components not detailed

Retrieval PracticeInsufficient Evidence

Information about specific retrieval practice and spaced review components is not available in the provided materials.

No specific mention of retrieval practice, spaced review, or assessment strategies in program description

Vocabulary BuildingInsufficient Evidence

The program's focus on phonics and spelling may include vocabulary development, but specific vocabulary instruction approaches are not detailed.

Program description mentions phonics and spelling instruction but does not specifically detail vocabulary building strategies

Whole Books Vs ExcerptsInsufficient Evidence

As a phonics-focused program, Saxon Phonics & Spelling likely emphasizes decodable texts and passages rather than whole books for early reading instruction.

Program description indicates focus on phonics, spelling, and foundational skills rather than literature or whole book reading

Sources: edreports.org