Image Grammar Ch. 1

• · Noden states that “writing is not constructed merely from experiences, information, characters or plots, but from fundamental artistic elements of grammar.” I have been wondering for a while when we were going to really dive into this element, rather than focusing on generating writing and creativity. Noden says that students can employ the five basic brush strokes (1. The participle 2. The absolute 3. The appositive 4. Adjectives shifted out of order 5. Action verbs) to learn “the art of image grammar.” My cooperating teacher really works on adjectives and action verbs with our students. We play “verb charades” and write descriptive paragraphs that elaborate on a simple sentence, such as: “The kitchen was dirty.” Mrs. Sukie always welcomes my ideas, because she wants to make grammar as interactive as she can. This book and its strategies will be a great help to me!
• · Strategy 2: Explore Images from Films of Best-Selling Novels is such a fun activity. I’ve found that students really get excited when you incorporate movies, internet, or gaming. I used a Youtube clip and did a project using Facebook in my class, which really excited them. I loved seeing my students that energized and eager to learn. I liked the example using Jack London’s “Call of the Wild,” because it is something I’ve read! Since my students will be reading Rick Riordan’s “Lightning Thief,” it would be really fun to use the new movie, “Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief.” I’m sad to see that it won’t be released until the summer, but I can always find a great clip from the theatrical trailer!