I’ll be honest, I LOVE comprehensible input. So much so that I started making comprehensible input resources with a real-world spin for all of you! Check them out here.
But I’ll be honest about something else, too. I am not the go-to expert to teach you into CI. If you want specific strategies or ideas for engagement, I’m your girl. But if you’re looking to master Comprehensible Input and get the basics? Not me, sorry.
Luckily, I was in your shoes once and I have found a plethora of resources to help you get started on your Comprehensible Input journey!
What is Comprehensible Input?
My Take on CI
Basically, comprehensible input (CI) means making materials comprehensible for students by using visuals, images, cognates (words that look like English) and familiar words. Once you’ve shown students the information, you back it up with questions and practice.
There’s also TPRS: Teaching Proficiency through Reading and Storytelling. TPRS and CI go hand in hand. We can use stories to teach vocabulary, to teach grammar structures, and to review and reteach old materials.
A Deeper Dive into CI
First, we need to know what Comprehensible Input IS. Srta. Spanish has created this detailed blog post to help you learn the basics! Once you’re done there, come back and keep reading here for a deeper dive.
Stellar Resource: Be Comprehensible
Sarah Breckley is a hilarious Spanish teacher in the midwest who had great fun telling stories with pandemic trends during school closures. Luckily, she is also a comprehensible master. Check out this video about being comprehensible, from her website.
How can I use Comprehensible Input in my classroom?
MovieTalk or ClipChat
It’s had different names, but this is one of my FAVORITE ways to teach with authentic resources and to help my students learn new vocabulary or grammar. Not only is it easy, but it’s engaging because students want to see what happens in the video!
Check out this resource from Spanish Mama: MovieTalk 101.
After that, check out this HUGE growing list of videos you can use for Movie Talks.
Word Walls
Umm… Word walls help my students find words quickly. Need I say more? I use this word wall with the 50 most common Spanish words to help my students find the words they need to express themselves and understand the target language.
Stories
Using stories in your classroom is the KEY to starting comprehensible input and TPRS methodologies. It will dramatically increase your students’ vocabulary and grammar structures through practice, repetition, and writing.
Looking for story resources? Check mine out here.
What would you add to the list?
Comment below with your favorite CI resources!
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