On Image Grammar

I just finished reading Image Grammar by Professor Noden. Going into the reading, I was a little unsure of what to expect. I have spent so much time in grammar classes that are strictly worksheets and more worksheets, and this had always been my view on how grammar should be taught. Thankfully, Professor Noden's book was so helpful! It provided me with a ton of innovative ideas for teaching grammar! One aspect about the book that I liked was that it provided numerous strategies at the end of each chapter. One strategy in particular I liked was Strategy 3: Travel into the Twilight Zone on page 62. This activity has students examine the opening sequence of the television show. Students examine the parallel structures and repetition that Rod Serling used. I like that at the end of the activity the students are given a template of the introduction and they have to fill in the blanks to create a parody. I think this is a fun and interesting way to teach and assess repetition and parallel structures. Instead of a worksheet, students get to create a parody to demonstrate what they have learned.

Another aspect that I liked about the book occurred in the opening section. At the beginning of the book, Professor Noden made an important statement about image grammar. He said, "One of the clearest ways to define brush strokes for students is by showing models and having them imitate" (5). I think this is by far the best advice about teaching image grammar. In order for students to fully comprehend the concepts that are being taught, it is imperative that examples are shown. I really like that the examples shown are from famous authors, students, and Professor Noden. This gives the students a wide range of examples to view. It is also interesting to see how world famous authors use these techniques in some of the most well-known works of literature.

I also really liked that a CD was included with a wealth of resources to use. Every handout is provided along with images that students can use to help them write. I like that the student section can be uploaded to a website and actually used by entire class. Professor Noden put a lot of time and effort into this Cd and it definitely shows!

Finally, something else I noticed as I was reading the book was an activity on on imitating famous writers. One writer in particular was Edgar Allan Poe. I wish had looked at this book sooner because I would have liked to used this activity! Maybe in the spring when I am teaching grammar I can come back to it.

Overall, I enjoyed this book!!! It showed me that there is an alternative to boring worksheets! I do not need to drill my students on the rules of grammar. Instead, I can teach grammar in a fun and more hands-on way.

Aside from this book, I recently began reading The Things They Carried by Tim O'Brien. I've only read the first two stories in it, but I am hooked! I have never really been a fan of war stories, but this collection is enthralling! I wish had more time to read, but I think over Thanksgiving I may finally have a chance to catch up on some much needed reading!