post
BLOG AND NEWS

Imagery-Language Connection for Writing Tips

Apr 13, 2017
 
 

Book reports, essays, and even short responses, can cause frustration, panic, and, sometimes, even tears for many school age students. And it’s no wonder. Writing is a complex task that requires a lot: good thinking skills, organisation, spelling, grammar and punctuation, as well as ease with a pencil, or keyboard.

 

Writing can be particularly difficult for students who have an identified comprehension weakness. A primary cause of language comprehension problems is difficulty creating an imagined gestalt. This is called weak concept imagery. This weakness causes individuals to get only “parts” of information they read or hear, but not the whole. So without the “big picture” idea for a passage or book she just read, a student will have a hard time coming up with a strong paragraph. Writing is imaged thought.

 

Students who can write well are putting words to the images in their mind’s eye. The imagery-language connection is key to good thinking and communication. Try using language that stimulates imagery as you coach your child through their next writing assignment.

 

Start at the Beginning

Make sure your child understands the writing assignment. To gauge understanding, read the directions together and pause to see if she can picture the key details. For example, if the assignment is, “Choose your favorite character in your book. Write a paragraph about why they would make a good president” you can ask your child questions about what she is picturing like, “How long are you picturing the finished assignment will be?” and “What are you picturing for ‘president’?”

 

Make a Plan

Before your child starts the next big writing assignment, work on a list of tasks to be completed. Use imagery-stimulating questions to ensure your child is understanding the purpose and goal of each.  A book report might entail:

 

– read book

– take notes

– write outline

– write the first draft

– read my draft and edit

– write final

 

Work together to estimate how much time each task will take; and get them onto a timeline or calendar. Just like adults, kids prefer to check off smaller tasks as they go, rather than returning to one big daunting project.

 

Outline

Outlines are a great way to get ideas organised.Your child’s teacher may have suggestions or tools for organising paragraphs. Many graphic organisers (e.g. the “hamburger” method) are acceptable, as they reflect a classic paragraph structure:

 

A topic sentence / main idea

Detail #1

Detail #2

Detail #3

Conclusion: A closing sentence that links the details.

 

To get the most out of outlines, engage your child by using language that prompts imagery. Asking questions may help spur new ideas. For example, “What do you picture the pig is doing all day?”  

 

Writing & Editing

Your student can follow her outline for keywords to use for writing the paragraph. Throughout the writing process, encourage your child to be connecting language and imagery. When writing, we are creating an image in the mind of the reader.

 

Give feedback about whether you can visualise her writing.  For example, “Wow! I could really picture the red fox you described.”

 

When editing, encourage your child to find and correct words she may have misspelled.

 

We hope these tips for writing help your family throughout the school year! Nanci Bell, author of Visualizing and Verbalizing for Language Comprehension and Thinking, wrote, “Many students with language comprehension weakness may also have poor writing skills because they lack the imagery for the gestalt (whole). Attempts to teach them to write are hampered by their weakness in the nonverbal code of imagery. While often good in spelling, punctuation, and grammar, they still can’t write.”

 

If you’d like more information on language comprehension weakness and writing, please contact our Learning Centres at:  Melbourne (03) 9815 2949; Sydney Chatswood (02) 9410 1006; Sydney Double Bay (02) 9328 7119.

 

Teachers can explore our workshops that develop the imagery-language connection: Workshops Schedule.

Connect with us
Lindamood-Bell Academy is a great fit for many students, including children who struggle with reading. We develop foundational skills and provide a personalized learning experience—in-person or live online. 
Learn more at our upcoming Virtual Open House. Get details and RSVP at the link in our bio, @lindamoobellofficial.
.
.
.
#lindamoodbellacademy  #privateschool #lindamoodbell #covidslide #personalizedlearning #virtuallearning #remotelearning #dyslexia #dyslexic #testimonial #parentsofinstagram
Imagine what your child could accomplish with Lindamood-Bell this summer! 
Our unique sensory cognitive instruction results in years of learning gain in just a few weeks—attend in person or live online. 
Enroll soon for special savings—details are at the link in our bio, @lindamoodbellofficial. 
.
.
.
#lindamoodbell #tutor #dyslexia #dyslexic #adhd #tutor #testimonial #summerslide #summerslump #covidslide
Join us this summer—our learning centers are hiring now!
We’re seeking energetic, positive individuals who want to make a difference for students.  The Clinician(Tutor) role includes paid training in our evidence-based approach. View our open positions and get started! Link in our bio, @lindamoodbellofficial.
.
.
#lindamoodbell #nowhiring #hiring #summerjob
Our free webinar is now available on-demand. Get information about summer instruction at our learning center. We help students of all ages catch up or get ahead in reading, comprehension, and math in a matter of weeks. Watch now at the link in our bio, @lindamoodbellofficial.
Educators: Lindamood-Bell for Schools can help you mitigate learning loss and accelerate recovery in MATH. Our unique approach is proven effective with disadvantaged learners and students in special education. Visit our website to learn about workshops and professional development that can help you make a difference. Follow the link in our bio, @lindamoodbellofficial.
Searching for the perfect school where your child can learn and thrive? Our positive school environment sets the stage for academic success! Lindamood-Bell Academy features personalized learning and real-time interaction with instructors and classmates. Whether they attend live online or in person, students are engaged with learning and have ample opportunity to socialize. 
🗣️Hear from our students—NEW VIDEO at the link in our bio, @lindamoodbellofficial.
Lindamood-Bell Academy is a great fit for many students—especially those struggling with reading. We develop foundational skills and provide a personalized learning experience—in-person or live online.
Enroll now for 2023-24 and receive 50% off a month of tuition. Get details at the link in our bio, @lindamoobellofficial.
.
.
.
#lindamoodbellacademy  #privateschool #lindamoodbell #covidslide #personalizedlearning #virtuallearning #remotelearning #dyslexia #dyslexic #testimonial #parentsofinstagram
This summer, students of all ages can catch up or get ahead in learning—and go back to school with confidence. Our evidence-based instruction results in years of growth in a matter of weeks! Register for a free webinar about Lindamood-Bell Summer Learning. Follow the link in our bio, @lindamoodbellofficial.
.
.
.
#lindamoodbell #covidslide #summerslide #summerslump #dyslexia #dyslexic #testimonial #tutoring #tutor #tutors
📣Now hiring for summer! 📣
We’re seeking energetic, positive individuals who want to make a difference for students.  The Clinician(Tutor) role includes paid training in our evidence-based approach. View our open positions and get started! Link in our bio, @lindamoodbellofficial.
.
.
#lindamoodbell #nowhiring #hiring #summerjob
Lindamood-Bell Academy is an accredited K-12 school where every student can thrive! We develop foundational skills and provide a personalized learning experience—in-person or live online. Enroll now for the 2023-24 school year and receive 50% off a month of tuition. Get details at the link in our bio, @lindamoobellofficial.
.
.
.
#lindamoodbellacademy  #privateschool #lindamoodbell #covidslide #personalizedlearning #virtuallearning #remotelearning
Imagine what your child could accomplish after a few weeks with Lindamood-Bell—
Enroll soon for special savings on Summer Instruction! 
Watch the entire new testimonial and get info at the link in our bio, @lindamoodbellofficial. 
.
.
.
#lindamoodbell #tutor #dyslexia #dyslexic #adhd #tutor #testimonial #summerslide #summerslump #covidslide
Our learning centers are hiring! Learn more about the Clinician(Tutor) role and get started at the link in our bio, @lindamoodbellofficial .
.
.
.
#job #jobvacancy #nowhiring #hiring #hiringnow
Imagine what your child could accomplish after a few weeks with Lindamood-Bell—
Enroll soon for special savings on Summer Instruction! 
Watch the entire new testimonial and get info at the link in our bio, @lindamoodbellofficial.
New Podcast Episode!
Many states have passed laws to standardize how schools identify and help students with dyslexia. Lindamood-Bell for Schools Director of Development, Dave Kiyvyra, is joined by Dr. Andrea Stolar, Director of Special Education for Chicopee Public Schools in Massachusetts. They discuss how schools align literacy instruction with dyslexia legislation and the Science of Reading. Listen & subscribe at the link in our bio, @lindamoodbellofficial
Request Information
Menu
Loading ...

Request Information

When you complete our form, we'll send you to our digital information packet and reach out to you shortly.
You may also call us at

Choose at least one option. *
* required

Schedule a Learning
Ability Evaluation

Please fill out the form and we will be in touch to schedule an evaluation.

* required
Chat with a Live Representative