LANGUAGE ARTS: HAKE/SAXON REVIEW
Language Arts: Hake/Saxon Review
Hake/Saxon Grammar and Writing: A Comprehensive English Language Arts Series with Rigorous Curriculum and Mixed Reviews
Grammar and Writing is a comprehensive English language arts series for grades 3-8, offering a rigorous curriculum covering grammar, writing, spelling, punctuation, and vocabulary. The program emphasizes fundamental language concepts through daily practice and weekly spelling tests. It includes a writing workbook for each grade level, guiding students through various writing tasks. The eighth-grade book is recommended for high school students preparing for college board exams. The series exceeds state standards and is available in four components for schools, with an optional online eBook. Homeschool edition is also available, adapting to a softcover format.
Most reviewers praised Hake/Saxon Grammar and Writing for its thoroughness, rigor, and clarity. They found the curriculum to cover a wide range of topics and skills, leaving no gaps in learning. They also appreciated the structured and sequential approach, with examples and exercises.
Some reviewers criticized Hake/Saxon Grammar and Writing for its repetitiveness, dullness, and cost. They felt the curriculum was too old-fashioned and boring, especially for older or more advanced students. They also complained about the price and quality of the materials.
Some reviewers also mentioned some minor issues, such as occasional errors, typos, and inconsistencies. They suggested that the curriculum could be improved by updating the graphics, adding more color, and providing more support and guidance for parents.
Here's a list of concepts to consider:
- Integration of Grammar and Writing: One of the notable features of Hake/Saxon Grammar and Writing is its integration of grammar and writing skills. This integrated approach can be beneficial as it helps students see the connection between grammatical concepts and their application in writing.
- Systematic Approach: The curriculum is known for its systematic approach to teaching language skills. This structured method can be advantageous for both students and teachers, providing a clear progression of topics and concepts.
- Focus on Language Skills: The curriculum is designed with a focus on building language skills. This likely includes attention to grammar rules, punctuation, sentence structure, and other foundational elements of effective communication.
- Workbook Format: Hake/Saxon Grammar and Writing may use a workbook format, which can be convenient for both students and teachers. Workbooks often provide exercises and activities for students to practice and reinforce the concepts they've learned.
- Potential for Independent Learning: The systematic and workbook-based nature of the curriculum may lend itself well to independent learning, allowing students to progress through the material at their own pace.
- Teacher Support: Like many homeschooling curricula, Hake/Saxon Grammar and Writing provides support for teachers or parents. This includes teacher guides, answer keys, and other resources to assist in the instructional process.
- Reviews and Feedback: Before choosing any curriculum, it's advisable to seek reviews and feedback from other homeschooling parents who have used the Hake/Saxon Grammar and Writing materials. This can provide insights into the effectiveness and suitability of the curriculum for different learning styles.
- Assessment and Evaluation: The Writing Lessons approach, assigning letter grades to every writing assignment is unnecessary. The focus is on providing tools for self-evaluation, with teachers assessing and guiding revisions for improvement.
- Price and Accessibility: Assess the cost and accessibility of the curriculum, including whether it fits within your budget and is readily available for purchase.
Links to External Reviews
CONCLUSION
Overall, Hake/Saxon Grammar and Writing seems to have a positive reputation among homeschooling families, but it may not be the best fit for everyone. You may want to consider your own preferences, goals, and expectations before deciding whether to use it or not.
Language Arts: Hake/Saxon Review