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What is Teaching through Comprehensible input?

There is a lot of theory behind Comprehensible Input methodology.  It is based on the work of Dr. Stephen Krashen, who first framed the theory in the 1980s.  Here are some basic concepts, and links to resources for those who want to know more.

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  • Language is "acquired" - not "learned" through a subconscious process.  This is similar to how you acquired your native language as a child.  Language that is "acquired" is yours to keep forever.
  • Language is "acquired" by only one method:  understanding messages in the language you are acquiring.  This is called "comprehensible input."  There are two ways to get comprehensible input:  listening and reading.  Listening is the more important of the two.
  • Since "acquiring" language is not conscious, it does not require you to "think" about what you are doing.  You do not need to "study" grammar or pronunciation or vocabulary.
  • Everyone is equally able to "acquire" a language.
  • You will begin to speak and write the language as you acquire it.  Output comes after, and as the result of, input.
  • Acquiring a language is and should be a relaxing, fun experience.  Being nervous or upset will hinder your acquisition.
  • Acquiring through Comprehensible Input will involve interesting activities, such as stories and personal information.  These will make the lessons more memorable.
Note that sometimes Comprehensible Input is used interchangeably with the abbreviation TPRS®  They are not exactly the same, but the distinction is complicated.  I use Comprehensible Input throughout, but some links talk about TPRS®.

Dr. Stephen Krashen explains Comprehensible Input in a nutshell.
Michele Whaley teaches a sample Comprehensible Input lesson in Russian for middle school students.
Dr. Terry Waltz talks about Comprehensible Input with Chinese.

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