Grammar

What would you say is appropriate for fourth grade grammar? I was a fourth grade language arts teacher prior to having children of my own, so it seems ironic that I am posing this question. In the classroom, I taught the required parts of speech and types of sentences, etc., but I was mainly concerned about my students’ ability to use English correctly in their speech and writing ( usage and mechanics).

Alas, I am now mother to a creative fourth grader who loves to read and write. I have not been correcting her written narrations too much, other than a misspelled word or a missing word. Her narrations are exceptional. She often uses dialogue in her writing, yet has not fully grasped the correct mechanics of quotation marks. I was thinking of using copywork and gentle explanations to teach her the correct way to include quotes. In fact, I really feel that at this stage, copywork and explanations of mechanics and usage is a better use of our time than learning nouns, verbs, etc. Am I being too practical? Is there a reason for teaching parts of speech and syntax at this age? If it is beneficial to stretch her thinking and understanding, then I will consider it. Otherwise, could all the actual grammar wait a few years? (I’ve seen arguments for both sides, but am interested in the opinion of seasoned CM teachers.).

Thanks!

Jennifer