How to Make Language Comprehensible

World Language Classroom

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#162
We talk a lot about making language comprehensible in our language classroom. This is essential now that we understand how critical this is to language acquisition. When students understand what they hear and read, they begin the acquisition process. It also boosts their confidence, making them more willing to participate and take risks in using the language. In this episode, we’ll explore practical strategies to help make the target language comprehensible for your students.

Topics in this Episode:

• High Leverage Teaching Practices from Enacting the Work of Language Instruction by Eileen Glisan and Richard Donato
• Comprehensibility is critical because it supports language acquisition. When students understand what they hear and read, they can engage more deeply and retain more information. It also boosts their confidence, making them more willing to participate and take risks in using the language.
• 5 strategies to build a discourse community in your classroom, each with tips and examples
  1. Use of Visuals and Realia
  2. Scaffolding Language
  3. Contextualize Vocabulary
  4. Engage Students with Interactive and Communicative Activities
  5. Provide Comprehensible Input (i+1). Krashen’s hypothesis that language acquisition occurs when learners are exposed to language just above their current level.
• Episode 160: Create a Classroom Where Students Use the Target Language Confidently

**Be sure to download the The CI Toolbox. 15 Comprehensible Input (CI) activities for your language classroom to support comprehension and authentic engagement. These suggestions are a compilation of ideas shared on the World Language Classroom Podcast by me and many guests.
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