Grammar, tell me it's OK

[ArwenA]

Despite the fact that I've been doing this for years I'm freaking out that I'll fail my kids if they don't have a grammar curriculum for grades 1st and 2nd. I teach basic rules in a loose and informal way so there not missing out totally but it seems like everyone else has a grammar curriculum for that age. Am I completely nuts?:confused:

[moki4]

I am using Growing with Grammar for my 6 yr old. It includes 1st/2nd grade. It is fairly simple. It covers subject/verb (we are in 1st grade currently). She really LIKES to do this...fun for her. But, I have to be right there reading the directions. She is a good reader but intimidated by the directions:confused:
It is also inexpensive. I like that.
And you are probably covering the curric. verbally.
HTH, Moki4

[OneRoomHomeSchool]

If your purposefully teaching the age appropriate grammar skills in your own way, I think your doing just fine. Some of us though, without a 'curriculum' (me) do not get around to things. :)

If I do not have a tanglible curriculum in our pile of books to use, it does not get done. You are not crazy if your able to do gentle grammar at a 1st/2nd grade level w/out a curric! I say kudos to you!

[Sophia]

then it's Rod & Staff, complete with extra worksheets and daily oral reviews:001_smile:

Prior to that, I just casually tell them where to put periods, capitals, etc.
I have tried using FLL and PLL, with the latter lasting longer than the former, but
they really disliked it and I was willing to let them wait since I know the party's over once third grade starts:D (at least in this house.)

Now, I do read to them alot in the early years, and once they begin to read on their own, they all become little bookworms.
From their reading, they're picking up on some grammar rules that are solidified with R&S.

So...as long as you're reading and they're reading, nah...you're not nuts:chillpill:

[4pillars]

I personally think that if you just talk about rules and such via copywork for grades 1 and 2 it will be enough. I just started doing grammar with my 8yo, 3rd grader this year, and it has been fine. I did start grammar in 1st with my older 2 and it just frustrated them and me! So, I am all for waiting a few years and then start with a gentle approach. We use Rod and Staff and I love it!

[FloridaLisa]

We don't use formal grammar until 3rd grade. Like you, in the earlier grades, grammar instruction is folded into reading, copywork, narration and some fun games.

Keep up the good work!
Lisa

[Donna T.]

If I could do it all over with my oldest son, I wouldn't do any grammar at all until third grade and then I'd place him in Rod & Staff's 2nd grade text. Before then, I'd do phonics (first grade), spelling (starting in 2nd) and copywork (starting gently in first grade) with alot of oral discussion of everything that we read (starting in K) plus some memory work (poems and Bible verses starting in K). That's what I plan to do with my younger son. My oldest son is in third grade but we've sort of already started his fourth grade year. I go by their ages rather than starting each fall. Anyways, he is burnt out on the parts of speech and basic mechanics. He's not ready for the more analytical work but he's bored with the basics because he's been hearing it for three years! I think it would have been better all around to have waited. I think if we had waited, it would be more interesting to him and he'd just enjoy it more.

[Ellie]

I don't think I ever did much official grammar with older dd (that would be the one with a BA in English Lit). I did one year of grammar (Easy Grammar, the first year it came out, when there was only one level) with younger dd (who aced all of her English classes in college).

Honestly, it never ocurred to me to do Official Grammar with children who were younger than 9. There are only 8 parts of speech, for goodness' sake. How many years does it take to learn them all???

[pixelroper]

It definitely is a personal choice. Looking back over the last few years, what seems to be the big advantage is memorizing the terms & lists. DD really isn't thrilled with grammar. If you are worried, maybe instead of doing a formal program just keep doing flashcards of the basics and lists such as the helping verbs.

[ArwenA]

You are so awesome! I feel like I've just had one of these: :chillpill: and the feeling is good. I'll just keep doing what I'm doing.:)