How to Transition to CI Methods
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The new school year is coming. Maybe you have been hearing a lot about comprehensible input (CI) in your social media circles, or in your online PD. You might have attended a training and you’re really interested in how to transition to CI methods, but you just do!n’t know where to start. It can be really overwhelming at first, so I’m going to try and break it down step by step with this series. I hope you find it helpful!
How to Transition to CI Methods
First of all, if you’re trying to transition to CI methods, knowing the answer to “What is comprehensible input?” is a great place to start!
After getting familiar with comprehensible input, many people struggle with just how to implement it. I strongly suggest starting your transition with some classroom routines!
Okay, so you have your daily routines down. Along with daily routines, its important to consider how to plan your year overall. What do your units look like? This post talks about how to incorporate CI methods into your existing curriculum, based on what expectations you have in your district.
Whew! We are moving right along in your transition to CI methods! Now you’re ready for some CI activities for your classroom. Check out this post to see my go to activities to use in my lesson plans.
Finally, a very important step in your transition to CI methods is how you are going to assess your students’ learning. You’ve established great routines, have an overarching plan, and you have a whole bunch of great activities, but you need to make sure you’re getting that feedback and checking their growth!
Be Patient With Yourself as You Transition
Let’s keep it real. Transitioning to CI methods is a journey not a sprint. You are going to have lessons that totally flop and others that feel like magic. That is normal and honestly it is part of the fun. Give yourself permission to be a beginner. Start small. Maybe it is one lesson a week or just one new activity. The important thing is to begin and then keep showing up.
Your students are not expecting perfection. They are looking for connection and clarity and that is what CI delivers. The more input they get the more confident they will feel. And you will see the difference when they start responding understanding and using Spanish in a way that feels natural.
Make Your CI Classroom Feel Like You
One of the best parts of transitioning to CI methods is that you get to make it your own. Your classroom can still reflect your personality your teaching style and your energy. Love music? Bring in songs. Obsessed with stories? Let your students co-create one with you. Got a goofy side? Your students will love it. CI is not about copying someone else’s routine. It is about creating a space where language is alive and students feel safe to take risks.
So start where you are. Use what you have. And trust that even small changes can make a big difference. You are not just teaching Spanish. You are helping students connect with a new language a new culture and maybe even a new version of themselves. That is pretty incredible.
Ta dah!
I tried to address all of the questions and fears you might have about how to transition to CI methods with this series. Did I miss anything? Do you have any other questions! Don’t be shy – drop a comment below, or come find me on Instagram to ask!
Did I miss anything? Do you still have questions about CI routines, assessments, or activities? I would love to hear from you. Drop a comment below and let’s keep the conversation going. You can also find me over on Instagram where I share real classroom tips, CI wins, and ideas you can try tomorrow. You do not have to do this alone — we are figuring it out together, one amazing activity at a time.
