The use of grammar offers a better understanding of the language to the small learners. The use of pictures to aid in the learning process for small children also offers a better understanding because it draws the attention of the students towards the learning materials. Grammar helps people, and especially the learners to interpret the various meanings presented by any material in a given cultural setting (Rushton, 2011). The level of the teachers’ level of knowledge of any language is of very great importance to his or her small learners. In most cases, the grammar representation needs a higher level of breakdown which the learners cannot be able to do on their own without the help of their teachers (Humphrey et al., 2012). The ability of the students to use grammar, through the thorough reading and writing which enables them to understand it better is the main aim of learning it (Rossbridge & Rushton, 2010). Grammar is subdivided into various sections and areas which include the verbs, the conjunctions, the nouns, the pronouns among other components. In this study, the paper focuses on the analysis of the general grammar, paying attention to the structure of the sentence, which includes the simple sentence, the compound and the complex sentence. In this study, the sentence clause also plays a major role in the structuring of a sentence
The clause gives the foundation of a sentence, by either being independent, or even depending on other clauses to make a meaning. In the story “I Don’t like Koala” by Sean Ferrell, the writer tries to show various images which carry a deeper and even a more comprehensive grammar structuring, and whose understanding needs a deeper and a closer analysis of the context. The analysis includes the breakdown of the story into themes, clauses, groups, Verbal group Noun groups, Conjunctions, and even Adverbials, which are supposed to aid the students in their learning process (Ferrell, 2015). The story by Ferrell, talks about a small boy named Adam, who had a small Koala toy, presented to him by his parents but didn’t seem to be impressed by the present, and so he( Adam) , declared that he didn’t like Koala.
The analysis of the Ferrell’s story is divided into three categories, with each category carrying its own point of analysis and detail. The first section is the happenings, which is mostly represented through the actions and the symbolic modifications of the pictures. The effectiveness ofthis analysis is achieved through the deeper look into all the costumes and the facial expressions of the characters. The drawings which represent actions and speeches also play a major role. The second point of analysis is the reaction and the relationships shown by the characters. This analysis stage is achieved through the understanding of the viewer’s gaze, the angle of the look and proximity of the participants. The colors used also represent the moods and the deeper meaning of the story. The final analysis stage is the design and the general layout. The story looks into all the reading paths and the actual placement of the events and the characters, in an effort to determine anything which can cause attention to the reader or the viewer.
In this study, I shall look into twenty one areas of the Ferrell’s story, “I Don’t like Koala” based on the three areas of analysis. The description shall be placed in a tabular layout and the three points of discussion discussed keenly with reference to the happenings, the reactions and the relations, and finally the general design and layout. The story of Adam and Koala, which shows that Adam does not like Koala at all, despite his inability to get rid of him (Koala), is broken down into a picture story, with each picture showing a deeper meaning than the one presented.
Adam does not like (SEN) Koala.
HAPPENINGS
Characters and settings:
Koala’s facial expression is minimal, creating an uncomforting sense of mystery and unknown amongst readers. The detail of his body draws attention to his furry texture. The setting is left out in this double page spread which creates a focus on the demeanor of these two opposing characters. Adam’s various facial expressions suggest his frustration and desperation to convey his dislike of Koala to his dismissive parents. The dark colors of these illustrated characters reflect the negative emotions being built by the text.
Vectors
Vector lines are implied by the arms and legs of both Adam and the Koala. The eyes are drawn from one image to the next with more ease through the arms and legs which lead the reader’s eyes in certain directions. A clear example is seen in the image labeled C, where Koala’s legs connect to Adam’s jumping and leads our eyes onto the next page’s written text.
Reacting and Relating
Koala seems helpless in the first picture, with his arms dropped, making him harmless and defenseless. Adam on the other hand is seen as a character that is furious with his mouth wide open, which suggests that is shouting at Koala. Adams lifted arms shows distress and complaints on Koala, which however, shifts to the picture in the second page, where Adam is holding Koalas arms, in a move to how that he is either helping him up, or trying throwing him away. This picture shows a bad relationship between the two characters which is shown by the picture of Koala falling down, and Adam airborne, showing that they might have kicked him.
DESIGN AND LAYOUT
The pictures representation shows that Koala and Adam are not in close relationship. The distance between the two is not so much close, even when Adam is holding Koala’s hands. The picture where Koala is falling and the one where Adam is holding his hands attract a lot of attention, showing that Koala is afraid of Adam. The head of Koala is also dropped showing that , he( Koala) is submissive to Adam, and that he (Koala) is also afraid.
Koala is the most terrible terrible.
Characters and settings:
In the picture, Koala is shown as an equally divided character, possessing the same characters as well as shaving broad and lively eyes. Koala’s eyes show attention and his ears set a mood of calmness around him. The bright color set on the two pages show that Koala is a peaceful creature who is quite harmless.
Vectors
The fair and the feathery drawing of Koala’s face which enlarges and shows him as a friendly creature sends a direct attention of the viewer into his face. The large and hairy ear however, catches the viewers’ attention the most. The white color of the eyes and the cream and light dark colors around his nose and face show a small level of disappointment.
Reacting and Relating
The position of the Koala’s lying shows submissiveness. The wide open eyes show submissiveness and fear. The interaction shows a lot of negative relationship between the two characters.
He has terrible eyes
That follow Adam
Everywhere he goes
Adamtries
“I don’t likeKoala.”
But they don’t understand
Every night when it is
time to go to bed
Adam has the same routine.
He takesa bath.
He puts on his pajamas.
He brushes his teeth
And he tries
Adam puts Koala away.
Away is (REL) a lot of different places.
But every morning when Adam wakes up.
Koala is always there.
References
Ferrell, S., (2015), I Don't Like Koala, Atheneum Books for Young, ISBN 9781481400688
Humphrey, S., Droga, L., and Feez, S., (2012), Grammar and Meaning New Edition – ePub, ISBN 978-1-925132-05-2
Rossbridge, J., and Rushton, K., (2010), Conversations about Text: Teaching Grammar Using Literary Texts, Volume 1, Strategies in action, ISBN 1875622802, 9781875622801
Rushton, K., (2011), Genre and Grammar 1, Tools for teachers
