Image Grammar : Using Grammatical Structures to Teach Writing

by Noden

For decades, scholars have urged teachers to integrate grammar and writing, yet few have provided teachers with enough strategies and materials to do so. With this ground-breaking book, Harry Noden meets this need in a unique way.

Genres: Education, Teaching, Writing, Nonfiction, School

214 pages, Paperback

First published September 30, 1999

Reviews

[Danielle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although this book provides some interesting lessons, it is left up to the reader to contextualize these lessons so they are appropriate for the classroom. Also, although I think these lessons would be great for a lot of visual learners, it is important to consider that not all of your students will be visual learners, and will need other ways presented to them to understand the concepts you are teaching.
This book focuses more on grammar to improve style rather than conventions and "correctness."

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just started this book today. It is quite interesting. Noden contends that good writers "paint" stories rather than "tell" them. He incorporates grammatical techniques in his description. Surprisingly engaging and fun to read. Includes a CD that has examples, lessons, etc.

I now have finished the book. What a great treasure! Not only for teaching, but for my own writing. Highly recommended.

[Cathleen Bott · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the opportunity to attend Noden's session on Image Grammar at the UCI Writing Conference more than once. This approach makes so much sense to me! Relating grammar to writing and encouraging students to look for examples in their reading is an effective way to improve student writing. The book comes with a CD but Noden also has a website with links to collections of photos and artwork to use.

[Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like the strategies at the end of each chapter. Not all make sense for my current classroom but some I can see myself trying. Some of the advice was very abstract and as such I found myself skimming some sections.

[Lance Greenlee · Rating 3 out of 5]

There sometimes seem to be two extremes of grammar.
The Warriner’s style teaches theoretical grammar isolated from other language arts skills like writing. This is now out of style. Today, on the other extreme, most English teachers say that they “teach grammar in context” which usually means that they end up not teaching it at all (“I do a mini-lesson every once in awhile).
Finally! Here is a book that offers two wonderful attributes: an approach between the extremes and a structure from which it is easy to develop a curriculum. For example, first have your students write a one– or two-page action story. Then use the next class period to show how a participle phrase introducing the sentence can add even more action to it. Now have them go back to the word processor and rewrite a few of those sentences. Don’t just lecture it-call on a few students and then worksheets - let the students try it.
The book comes with a CD-ROM containing ideas for lesson-plans and an uploadable picture gallery, which is the inspiration for the galleries on many of my classes’ pages. This course works well with Killgallon’s exercises.

[Kelli Perkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Noden’s book, Image Grammar: Using Grammatical Structures to Teach Writing, is a great resource for English teachers who are looking for ways to integrate grammar instruction into students’ writing. Noden breaks down grammar instruction into useable slices and gives hundreds of ideas for classroom application. The book also includes a valuable CD that offers digital resources and tools that are classroom-ready. A great time-saver for English or writing teachers teaching in K-12 schools.

[Mark Bratkowski · Rating 2 out of 5]

While I found myself essentially agreeing with Noden, and while I found some interesting ideas in this book, I just couldn't get into Image Grammar. I have used the brush stroke techniques in my classes before with success. Howver, I found myself being disappointed. I don't feel like I learned too many new "strokes" to use in my classes. The book was written in 1999, and it felt a bit dated; hwever, that serves me right for going cheap rather than buying the revision!

[Janice · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazingly easy tips for turning mediocre student writers into engaging new voices.

[Abby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really helpful as I prepare to teach my first semester long "Style Workshop" Lab for my developmental writers.

[Nikki]

Dr. Jim Blasingame at ASU gave this to me Monday when I described some of the research I've done with rhetorical grammar methodology. I'm excited to see what this text has to offer.

[Ronni · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wanted to like it more than I did like it. I mean, I liked it, but what I really like are the books where it's immediately evident to me how I can apply the ideas.

[Abha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really recommend this book. It helps me not only as a writer but also as a teacher.

[Micki · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great book for English teachers and writers.

[Kate Dalton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent descriptions of writing activities to enhance clarity and structure.

[Johndchrisman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book about improving writing through the use of imagistic language.