Comprehensible Input

Lesson by Lowell Phillips

What is Comprehensible Input?
- Designed to make content understandable for a second language learner with
the ability to target all levels of proficiency

- Ex. Pictures, drawings, gestures, visuals, peer support, cognates, vocabulary

translations.
 Appropriate Speech
- Slow down pace of speech and instruction

- Clearly Enunciate your speech

- common dialects of your area can
confuse second language learners

- Paraphrase and repeat vocabulary in

different contexts

- Adjust grammar and vocabulary depending

on level of English proficiency
Heynabonics
Clear Explanation and Modeling

- All students benefit from clear

explanations for assignments
and tasks both in and out of
the classroom.

- Model exactly how to fulfill the task.

- Show completed sample products.

- Provide oral, written, and visual

directions if possible.
Strategies for Comprehensible Input

- Direct Instruction
Beginners, allows for more explicit instruction and modelling

- Joint Construction
Basic knowledge, Allows for students to start partially guide themselves

- Coached Instruction
Intermediate, teacher observes student apply strategies on their own.

- Monitoring
Advanced, minimum guidance, allow students to learn normally without constant supervision
Activities for Comprehensible Input

- Use all modes of literacy/communication: speaking, listening, reading, and

writing.

1) Tell stories (students of teacher)

2) Visualize & Draw
3) Sing Songs
4) Play Games
5) Specialized Reading
6) Watch the News/Movies
7) Peer/Self Edit
8) Listen and Draw
 References
Belhiah, H. (2013). Using the Hand to Choreograph Instruction: On the Functional Role of Gesture in Definition Talk. Modern Language Journal, 97(2), 417–434.

Elan Language. (2014). Comprehensible Input: The fastest way to fluency. YouTube. Retrieved from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lLtulKGH8pA

Elderstrategies. (2009). Comprehensible Input, Making Content Understandable and Accessible to English Learners. Elderstrategies. Retrieved from:
http://eldstrategies.com/comprehensibleinput.html

Linares, R. E. (2019). Meaningful Writing Opportunities: Write‐Alouds and Dialogue Journaling With Newcomer and English Learner High Schoolers. Journal of Adolescent & Adult
Literacy, 62(5), 521–530.

Luis Post. (2014). What does a yellow light mean?. YouTube. Retrieved from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uNmnroyJSzo

Rocketflyswat. (2007) Heynabonics. Youtube. Retrieved from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?reload=9&v=7sMI2jb16eo

VIPKIDS.(2017). Comprehensible Input Strategies & Activities. VIPKIDS. Retrieved from: http://blog.vipkid.com.cn/comprehensible-input-strategies/