post
BLOG AND NEWS

The Imagery-Language Connection: Writing Tips

May 17, 2018
 
 

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 ‘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 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: 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
Our unique approach develops the imagery-language foundation for math. Students of all ages can catch up and enjoy math for the first time. Learn more and get started at the link in our bio, @lindamoodbellofficial.
.
.
.
#lindamoodbell #testimonial #math #dyscalculia
Lindamood-Bell Academy is a school where every student can thrive! We develop foundational skills and provide a personalized learning experience—in person or live online. 
Enroll now and enjoy 25% off one month of tuition! 
🌟 Learn more and get started today! Follow the link in our bio, @lindamoodbellofficial.
.
.
.
#lindamoodbellacademy #lindamoodbell #privateschool #personalizedlearning
📖🐾 Roan & Sammy’s Incredible Journey!
In the December issue of Real Simple, Ruth Gentry shares how Sammy, a disabled rescue dog, became a source of strength and support as Roan worked to overcome dyslexia. With Lindamood-Bell instruction and Sammy by his side, Roan’s confidence has soared—and now he reads to Sammy every night!
✨ Watch Roan read from the Real Simple article about their inspiring story! Follow the link in our bio, @lindamoodbellofficial.
.
.
.
#lindamoodbell #dyslexia
🎧 New Podcast Episode 🎧
Discover how Lindamood-Bell’s online instruction transforms learning. Alyson shares how her young daughter made big strides in reading and spelling, while Paul Worthington, our Director of Research and Development, highlights data showing students thrive online just as they do in person.
🎙️ Listen now, follow the link in our bio, @lindamoodbellofficial
.
.
.
#LindamoodBell #podcast #testimonial
Lindamood-Bell Academy is a school where every student can thrive! We develop foundational skills and provide a personalized learning experience—in person or live online. 
Enroll now and enjoy 25% off one month of tuition! 🌟Learn more and get started today! 
Follow the link in our bio, @lindamoodbellofficial.
.
.
.
#lindamoodbellacademy #lindamoodbell #privateschool #personalizedlearning
This Thanksgiving, we’re reminded there’s always something to be thankful for—and at Lindamood-Bell, we’re especially thankful for you!
There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing a student’s joy when they achieve something they once thought impossible—like proudly reading their first story. Moments like these inspire us every day.
Thank you for being part of the Lindamood-Bell family. Wishing you a holiday filled with joy and gratitude!
With gratitude,
Your friends at Lindamood-Bell
🎉 Learning Success Just Got More Affordable!
Help your student build essential reading and comprehension skills with small group instruction—now available at over 40% savings compared to one-to-one instruction.
📚 Available in-person or live online, our proven approach delivers real results.
👉 Learn More and Get Started Today! Follow the link in our profile, @lindamoodbellofficial.
.
.
.
#lindamoodbell #tutor
Take advantage of special savings on Winter Break instruction!
👉 Visit our website for details and to get started today.
Lindamood-Bell helps students of all ages catch up, overcome learning loss, or get ahead. Our individualized instruction builds skills and confidence, setting students up for lasting success.
Don’t miss out—contact your local learning center today to learn more! Follow the link in our bio, @lindamoodbellofficial
.
.
.
#lindamoodbell #tutor #testimonial
Lindamood-Bell Academy can make a difference for your child!
Every one-to-one or small-group class is live and interactive, whether in person or online. Students feel successful right from the start.
Enroll now and enjoy 25% off one month of tuition! 
🌟Learn more and get started today! 
Follow the link in our bio, @lindamoobellofficial.
.
.
.
#LindamoodBellAcademy #LindamoodBell #privateschool
📚 Attention Educators!
Many students struggle with reading comprehension even when their decoding and vocabulary skills are strong. The missing piece? Concept imagery—the ability to create a mental “big picture” from language.
Explore our latest blog for insights and practical strategies to help your students succeed in comprehension and critical thinking.
👉 Read more in our latest blog post, follow the link in our bio, @lindamoodbellofficial.
.
.
.
#lindamoodbell
Help your child catch up, conquer learning loss, or get ahead—our individualized instruction can set them up for success!
Contact your local learning center today for special savings on Winter Break instruction!
👉 Visit our website for details and to get started today! Follow the link in our bio, @lindamoodbellofficial
.
.
.
#lindamoodbell #tutor #testimonial
❄️ Don’t miss our Winter Wonderland Learning Savings!❄️
📚 10% OFF instruction during Winter Break!
Help your child catch up, conquer learning loss, or get ahead—our individualized instruction will set them up for success and confidence in the New Year.
👉 Visit our website for details and to get started today! Follow the link in our bio, @lindamoodbellofficial.
Lindamood-Bell Academy can make a difference for your child!
Every one-to-one or small-group class is live and interactive, whether in person or online. Students feel successful right from the start.
Enroll now and enjoy 25% off one month of tuition! 
🌟Learn more and get started today! 
Follow the link in our bio, @lindamoobellofficial.
.
.
.
#LindamoodBellAcademy #LindamoodBell #privateschool
Our evidence-based instruction is effective whether you attend in person or live online! Students everywhere, including those with learning difficulties such as dyslexia, can gain new skills and confidence—and have a successful school year. Contact your local learning center today for special school year savings! Follow the link in our bio, @lindamoodbellofficial
.
.
.
#lindamoodbell #tutor #testimonial
Request Information

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

* required

Schedule a Learning
Ability Evaluation

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

* required