Every teacher knows that the early years of reading instruction set the foundation for successful lifelong literacy. But what does it take to build confident, capable readers from the start?
Enter Saxon Reading Foundations: a refreshed K–2 reading program designed to meet the needs of today’s classrooms. With a new name, new content, and a new digital platform, the program offers a more accessible, engaging, and research-backed approach to foundational literacy.
Let’s explore what’s new in Saxon Reading Foundations and how these updates reflect the most current science of reading research.
Saxon Reading Foundations and the Science of Reading
The science of reading represents a body of research drawn from cognitive science, linguistics, and education. It tells us that learning to read is not a natural process; it must be taught explicitly and systematically.
At the heart of this research is Scarborough’s Reading Rope, which illustrates how skilled reading develops through the intertwining of:
- Word recognition: phonological awareness, decoding, and sight recognition
- Language comprehension: vocabulary, background knowledge, and more
Saxon Reading Foundations is designed to strengthen the word recognition strand while laying essential groundwork for language comprehension.
What’s New in Saxon Reading Foundations
Phonological and Phonemic Awareness
The updated program integrates phonological and phonemic awareness instruction into all Kindergarten lessons and the first 70 lessons of Grade 1. Key enhancements include:
- A research-based Scope and Sequence
- A new Phonological Awareness Review Deck for Kindergarten
- The “I Do / We Do / You Do” gradual release model
- Articulation Support visuals on Spelling Cards to guide sound production
These updates help ensure students are equipped with the foundational skills needed for accurate decoding and fluent reading.
Phonics Instruction
Phonics remains a cornerstone of Saxon Reading Foundations. The program features:
- Incremental, multisensory instruction based on Orton-Gillingham principles
- Letter Tiles and Review Decks to reinforce sound-symbol relationships
- Handwriting integration to support letter formation and sound mapping
- Lessons broken into small, digestible increments to reduce cognitive load and support mastery
Fluency Development
Fluency is more than speed, it’s about accuracy, expression, and comprehension. The updated program includes:
- Fluency Readers (Levels A–C) with fully decodable text aligned to instruction
- Fluency Passage Masters for teacher-led practice and assessment
- Opportunities for repeated reading, modeling, and independent practice
These tools help students build confidence, automaticity, and the fluency needed for deeper comprehension.
Vocabulary and Morphology
Vocabulary development is supported through both explicit instruction and embedded practice:
- Daily use of Affix Cards to review prefixes and suffixes
- New Morphology Extension Lessons in Grade 2
- Practice sheets aligned with the Scope and Sequence to reinforce decoding and encoding
This approach bridges phonics and vocabulary, helping students unlock the meaning of unfamiliar words through word structure.
Comprehension Support
While the program emphasizes foundational skills, it also supports comprehension with:
- “Understanding the Story” sections that follow decodable texts
- Comprehension questions built into worksheets and assessments
- A focus on main idea, inference, and vocabulary development
These features ensure students are not just reading words but understanding them.
Updates That Support Teachers
Saxon Reading Foundations is designed to simplify implementation while supporting strong, research-based instruction. Key supports include:
- Built-in scripting and modeling to reduce planning time
- A clear Scope and Sequence for consistent pacing
- Differentiation tools for small-group and individualized instruction
- Progress monitoring to track student growth and guide adjustments
Saxon Reading Foundations isn’t just a new name; it’s a powerful, updated tool for bringing the science of reading into everyday practice. With enhanced instructional routines, a reimagined design, and flexible digital tools, this new edition is ready to support educators and students alike.
