post
BLOG AND NEWS

Imagine a Better Writer

May 23, 2019
 
 

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, organization, 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 foundation 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 prime minister,” 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 ‘prime minister’?”

 

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 organized. Your child’s teacher may have suggestions or tools for organizing paragraphs. Many graphic organizers (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 visualize 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 Centers.

 

Sydney Chatswood (02) 9410 1006; Sydney Double Bay (02) 9328 7119.

 

Connect with us
Lindamood-Bell Academy provides personalized instruction in a positive learning environment. All students can experience success with our one-of-a-kind school. Learn more with our Virtual Open House! Follow the link in our bio, @lindamoodbellofficial.
.
.
.
#lindamoodbellacademy #privateschool #personalizedlearning #customizedlearning #lindamoodbell
Imagine what your child could accomplish with improved reading skills and new confidence! Get started today—with in-person or live online instruction. Follow the link in our bio, @lindamoodbelloifficial.
.
.
.
#googlereview #fivestarreview #lindamoodbell #testimonial #tutor
Lindamood-Bell helps students catch up or get ahead in reading, comprehension, and math.
Our evidence-based instruction is effective whether you attend in person or live online. Get info at the link in our bio, @lindamoodbellofficial
.
.
.
#lindamoodbell #tutor #testimonial
Lindamood-Bell Academy can be ideal for students diagnosed with dyslexia, ADHD, and other learning challenges. We develop foundational skills and offer a full K-12 curriculum. Enroll now! Follow the link in our bio, @lindamoobellofficial.
.
.
.
#LindamoodBellAcademy #LindamoodBell #EnrollingNow #privateschool #PersonalizedLearning #Dyslexia #ADHD
🎧New Podcast Episode🎧
Dr. Ronda Beaman(“Dr. B”) discusses Fit2Learn, a new addition to Lindamood-Bell Academy. Research shows the value of movement in learning, retention, and academic success. Fit2Learn aims to provide engaging, high-quality fitness classes emphasizing and reinforcing Lindamood-Bell instruction. Listen now at the link in our bio, @lindamoodbellofficial.
.
.
.
#lindamoodbell #lindamoodbellacademy #podcast #testimonial
We're dedicated to helping individuals of all ages catch up and get ahead in learning. Contact us for a personalized plan to help your student have a great school year. Follow the link in our bio, @lindamoodbelloifficial.
.
.
.
#googlereview #fivestarreview #lindamoodbell #testimonial #tutor
Our evidence-based instruction is effective whether you attend in person or live online! Students everywhere can gain new skills and confidence—and have a successful school year. Get info for your student at the link in our bio, @lindamoodbellofficial
.
.
.
#lindamoodbell #tutor #onlineinstruction #testimonial
We are honored by the success of our amazing students! ✨
.
.
.
Imagine what your student could accomplish with improved reading skills. Get started today—with in-person or live online instruction. Follow the link in our bio, @lindamoodbellofficial.
#lindamoodbell #testimonial
Lindamood-Bell Academy can be an ideal setting for students previously diagnosed with dyslexia, ADHD, and other learning challenges. Now enrolling! Follow the link in our bio, @lindamoodbellofficial.
.
.
.
#LindamoodBellAcademy #LindamoodBell #privateschool #PersonalizedLearning #Dyslexia #ADHD
Lindamood-Bell helps students catch up or get ahead in reading, comprehension, and math.
Our evidence-based instruction is effective whether you attend in person or live online. Get info at the link in our bio, @lindamoodbellofficial
.
.
.
#lindamoodbell #tutor #testimonial #dyslexia
Join us on October 5th for a Lindamood-Bell Academy Virtual Open House!
Learn about the personalized school experience your child could have this year.
✓ Evidence-based programs
✓ Individualized curriculum
✓ In-person or live online
👉Details and RSVP at the link in bio, @lindamoodbellofficial
Lindamood-Bell Academy can be ideal for struggling readers. We develop foundational skills and provide individualized curriculum. Our evidence-based instruction closes the gap between performance and potential. Now enrolling! Follow the link in our bio, @lindamoobellofficial.
.
.
.
#LindamoodBellAcademy #LindamoodBell #EnrollingNow #privateschool #PersonalizedLearning #Dyslexia #ADHD
New Podcast Episode!
New Podcast Episode! Administrators from a large, urban school district describe their experience partnering with Lindamood-Bell to establish a Learning Center on Campus (LCOC). The LCOC model features direct instruction for students. Lindamood-Bell instructors are on-site, providing evidence-based literacy interventions. Listen and subscribe at the link in our bio, @lindamoodbellofficial
.
.
.
#lindamoodbell #teachersofinstagram #podcast
Our learning centers help students go back to school with improved skills and new confidence! Your child can get started today—with in-person or live online instruction. Get info at the link in our bio, @lindamoodbellofficial.
.
.
.
#lindamoodbell #testimonial
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