ESL Teachers’ Guide to Engaging Numbers 11-15 Digital Presentation

Hey there, fellow language lovers and teaching wizards! 🎉 Today, we’re diving into one of the foundational principles of language teaching: comprehensible input. You’ve probably heard the term floating around the language teaching world, but what exactly does it mean? And more importantly, how can you easily incorporate it into your classroom?

Whether you’re new to the idea or just looking for fresh strategies, this post will break it all down—no jargon allowed! Let’s make sure your classroom is buzzing with real language learning, not just textbook drills and blank stares.

What is Comprehensible Input?

Simply put, comprehensible input is language that learners can understand, even if they don’t know every single word. The idea is that students acquire language most effectively when they’re exposed to content that’s just beyond their current level but still understandable through context, visuals, gestures, or familiar vocabulary.

Think about how we learn our first language: we don’t sit toddlers down and drill them on grammar rules (though it’s tempting sometimes, right?). Instead, they pick up words, phrases, and meaning naturally by hearing language in context over and over again. Comprehensible input aims to replicate that natural process.

What It’s NOT

• It’s not about drilling grammar rules. Sorry, verb conjugation worksheets—comprehensible input is all about meaningful exposure, not mechanical repetition.
• It’s not about using only basic language. You don’t have to stick to super simple sentences. Instead, it’s about giving students a chance to figure things out through context—think gestures, images, and familiar vocabulary.
• It’s not passive. Comprehensible input isn’t about just throwing language at students and hoping it sticks. It’s active and engaging, using conversations, stories, and activities that keep learners on their toes.

The Dos and Don’ts of Comprehensible Input

DO:

1. Use Visuals and Gestures: Pair words with images, gestures, or objects so students can connect language to meaning.
2. Slow Down and Simplify: When introducing new concepts, slow down your speech and use language that’s slightly above your learners’ level, but not out of reach. This keeps them engaged without feeling overwhelmed.
3. Repeat Key Phrases: Repetition helps solidify language in a student’s mind. Repeat new words and phrases in different contexts to give learners multiple exposures.

DON’T:

1. Avoid Relying Solely on English Translations: While translations can be helpful, overusing them keeps students from engaging with the target language and figuring things out through context.
2. Don’t Expect Instant Mastery: Language acquisition is a gradual process. It’s okay if your students don’t fully grasp everything right away. Be patient!
3. Don’t Skip Context: Throwing isolated vocabulary words at students won’t help them remember or understand. Always present language in a meaningful, real-world context.

3 Easy Ways to Get Started with Comprehensible Input

1. Use Storytelling: Tell stories using the target language, keeping it simple with lots of visuals and gestures. Students pick up language naturally when it’s tied to a fun narrative.
2. Incorporate Songs and Games: Music and movement are magical for making language stick. Songs, especially those with repetitive lyrics, give students repeated exposure to key vocabulary while having fun.
3. Create Real-Life Scenarios: Give students opportunities to practice language in real-world contexts. Whether it’s pretending to order at a restaurant or answering “How many are there?” while counting objects, this builds language skills they can actually use.