Blog

Using Your Natural Inclination to Learn!

Welcome to a pivotal chapter in your language learning story. At Explore! Spanish Tutors, we pride ourselves on a foundation built upon the most dynamic and effective teaching methodologies. Among these, the Comprehensible Input Model is a cornerstone that complements our holistic approach, which also encompasses the 5Cs of language education, Task-Based Learning, Enjoyable Learning, and Personalized Learning.

This method, rooted in the natural assimilation of language, aligns seamlessly with our mission to tailor the learning experience to each individual’s journey toward Spanish fluency.

In this article we explore how CI can become a transformative tool in developing your Spanish language skills with Explore!

The Essence of the Comprehensible Input Model

At its core, the Comprehensible Input Model is about understanding. It suggests that the most effective way to learn a language is by consuming content slightly above your current level – the “i+1” concept. This could be through listening or reading material that you can mostly understand, with just enough challenge to push your boundaries.

The beauty of this method lies in its stress-free philosophy: it’s not about how many verb tables you can memorize, but about how much meaning you can grasp and naturally absorb from the language around you.

Traditional Grammar-Based Learning Explored

For many of us, the memory of Spanish class brings up images of chalkboards filled with conjugation charts and vocabulary lists. Traditional grammar-based learning focuses on the rules and structures of language.

It’s a methodical approach that has its merits, particularly for those who thrive on clear-cut explanations and enjoy the puzzle-solving aspect of grammar. However, it can sometimes feel like trying to build a house by starting with the paint and decor rather than the foundation.

Comprehensible Input vs. Grammar-Based Learning

When we compare the two methods, there’s a clear distinction in the learning experience. Comprehensible Input is akin to learning how to swim by getting in the water, supported by floaties of context and visual cues. In contrast, grammar-based learning often feels like reading about swimming techniques and only dipping your toes in occasionally.

While the latter provides structure, the former immerses you in the language, nurturing a more organic development of skills and a deeper connection to the Spanish-speaking world.

The Key to Unlocking Fluency?

At Explore! Spanish Tutors, we’ve seen firsthand the light-bulb moments and the joy of understanding that comes from the Comprehensible Input method. It aligns with how children naturally acquire language – through listening, absorbing, and gradually speaking.

This approach encourages learners to engage with content they love, be it Spanish-language songs, shows, or books, making the journey to fluency not just effective, but truly enjoyable.

Embracing the Comprehensible Input Model

While the idea of CI is great, making the shift can be a challenge for some educators.  In our experience changing your teaching methods to incorporate Comprehensible Input model is really about exposing learners to Spanish that they can understand with just enough of a challenge to push their comprehension boundaries.

But how exactly do you do it?

Over the years our team has developed some practical advise of how this can be done:

Listening Activities

1. Storytelling Sessions: Engage with stories told just above the current level of understanding. For beginners, this might be simple tales with visual aids, while advanced learners could delve into more complex narratives.
2. Podcasts and Audiobooks: Choose materials designed for language learners that are graded by level. As learners advance, they can transition to content intended for native speakers.
3. Spanish Songs: Music provides repetitive and catchy content that makes new vocabulary and structures memorable. Begin with children’s songs or music with clear lyrics and work up to more intricate tunes.

Reading Practices

1. Graded Readers: These books are written specifically for language learners at various levels. They contain limited vocabulary and simple sentence structures gradually increasing in complexity.
2. Comics and Graphic Novels: The visual context in comics helps learners deduce meaning and understand the story, even with unknown words.
3. News Articles and Blogs: Online resources often have news or blog content tailored for language learners. As proficiency grows, students can read standard news websites aimed at native speakers.

Viewing Exercises

1. TV Shows and Movies: Start with children’s programming or shows with simple language and obvious visual context. Use subtitles in Spanish to aid understanding, not English, to keep the focus on the target language.
2. Educational Videos: There are many educational channels with content designed for language learners that use visuals and slower, clearer speech.
3. Language Learning Platforms: Some platforms have interactive video content that’s specifically designed for language learning using the Comprehensible Input method.

Speaking Practice

1. Language Exchange: Conversations with native speakers where topics are familiar and speech is slightly adjusted to the learner’s level.
2. Guided Discussions: Tutors can lead discussions using vocabulary and grammar at the appropriate level, often circling back to repeat and reinforce new concepts.

Interactive Writing

1. Messaging with Native Speakers: Chatting with native speakers through language exchange apps or social media platforms, where the conversation is natural but tailored to the learner’s level.
2. Writing Prompts: Responding to writing prompts that are at the appropriate level of complexity, which can then be reviewed by a tutor or language exchange partner.

Conclusion

As we wrap up this linguistic exploration, remember that at Explore! Spanish Tutors, we’re all about making language learning as natural and engaging as possible.

By embracing the Comprehensible Input method, you’re not just learning Spanish; you’re living it.

So if you’re ready to leave behind the drills and step into a world where language learning happens as you live, laugh, and enjoy, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. ¡Hasta pronto!

Contact Explore! Today…

Eager to learn more? Curious about how to integrate the Comprehensible Input method into your learning journey? Reach out to us at Explore! Spanish Tutors.

Let’s get you on the path to fluency with strategies that work for you.