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Wednesday, March 14, 2012

15 Simple Ways to Increase Comprehensible Input

(Stephen Krashen, 1981)
I found this in my files, and I thought about how relevent it is, not just for ESL students, but in ALL classroom settings. BTW, if you want to learn more about this topic, TeacherVision website has some great info. Here's the link: http://www.teachervision.fen.com/learning-disabilities/bilingual-education/10260.html
1. Read often, start with picture books.
2. Slow down (speak more slowly, not more loudly).
3. Use shorter sentences.
4. Demonstrate.
5. Place or hang visual cues in the classroom.
6. Use hands-on activities.
7. Make frequent checks for comprehension.
8. Use realia, photos, or actual objects.
9. Display language and content objectives.
10.Avoid idioms and slang.
11. Use appropriate gestures.
12. Scaffold with guided questions and practice.
13. Cooperative learning
14. Activate and build on  prior knowledge.
15 Remember, a smile goes a long way! :-)