6 Reasons Why Comprehensible Input Should Be Part of Spanish Learning

01/23/24 • 11 min

What if I told you there's a theory that can revolutionize the way you approach learning Spanish? Get ready for a linguistic adventure as we explore the magic of Comprehensible Input (CI) in today's episode.

In this episode, I talk about the transformative power of comprehensible input and its impact on learning Spanish, changing the way families approach language acquisition. I contrast the traditional method, filled with grammar drills and vocabulary memorization, with the more natural and immersive approach of CI.

CI creates an immersive and enjoyable learning experience, breaking down language barriers and promoting shared language adventures. It facilitates gradual progress, boosting confidence and motivation for learners of all ages. CI integrates into daily life, ensuring consistent and natural language exposure, and creating a positive association with the Spanish language.

In the latter part of the episode, I introduce a 10-Day Challenge designed for families wanting to infuse their daily routines with Spanish, incorporating CI and other language learning methodologies. This challenge covers greetings, introductions, and the Family Unit, providing lesson plans, activities, practice exercises, flashcards, and audios. Each day focuses on different aspects of CI application, building a strong foundation for language acquisition.

Key Takeaways:

Comprehensible Input (CI) prioritizes exposure and comprehension over explicit grammar instruction.
CI creates an immersive and enjoyable learning experience for families, breaking down language barriers.
The Tending Challenge provides practical ways to incorporate CI into daily routines, promoting gradual progress and confidence in Spanish learning.

Resources:

Thanks for joining me on this language journey! If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe, leave a review, and share with friends. Hasta la próxima!

Key Takeaways:

Comprehensible Input (CI) prioritizes exposure and comprehension over explicit grammar instruction.
CI creates an immersive and enjoyable learning experience for families, breaking down language barriers.
The Tending Challenge provides practical ways to incorporate CI into daily routines, promoting gradual progress and confidence in Spanish learning.

Resources:

Thanks for joining me on this language journey! If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe, leave a review, and share with friends. Hasta la próxima!

Previous Episode

5 Challenges of Teaching Spanish to Children and Ideas to Overcome Them

Have you ever wanted to teach your children Spanish at home but found it challenging?

In this episode, I explore the complexities parents face when teaching Spanish to their kids at home. I discuss five primary challenges: consistency, bilingual confidence, engagement, potential resistance, and adapting to different learning styles. Each challenge presents unique hurdles but also opportunities for growth and connection. From establishing a regular schedule to incorporating interactive activities and celebrating successes, I offer practical strategies to overcome these obstacles.

Key takeaways:

· Consistency is key in establishing a routine for Spanish activities at home.

· Embrace the learning journey alongside your child to make it a shared experience.

· Incorporate fun and interactive elements like games, music, and storytelling into lessons.

· Celebrate small victories to foster a positive attitude towards language learning.

· Adapt teaching methods based on your child's unique learning style for an effective learning experience.

Resources:

· Join the Facebook group "Mundo Fantástico, Spanish for Children" for additional resources and support.
· Email us at [email protected]

Next Episode

Luna la Mariposa Story - [Basic Greetings and Colors]

Show Notes for Episode 5: Greetings and Colors in Spanish

Welcome back to "Spanish for Children and Families," In this fifth episode, we explore basic greetings and the colorful spectrum of colors. Join us as we lay down the foundational blocks for daily communication and share the enchanting story of Luna la Mariposa, accompanied by printable resources to enhance your learning experience.

In This Episode:

The Basics of Greeting in Spanish: Learn how to warmly welcome others with "Hola" and inquire about their well-being with "¿Cómo estás?", along with proper responses to reflect how you're feeling. Practice to perfect your pronunciation.
A Spectrum of Colors: Discover the basics of colors in Spanish, including rojo (red), azul (blue), amarillo (yellow), verde (green), and morado (purple). These aren't just vocabulary words; they're your first steps toward describing the world around you in Spanish.
Storytime with Luna la Mariposa: Enjoy the bilingual and Spanish-only versions of Luna la Mariposa. This story not only introduces the colors rojo, azul, amarillo, verde, and morado but also incorporates the word "mariposa" (butterfly), enriching your Spanish vocabulary and comprehension skills.
Printable Resources: To complement the exploration of greetings and colors, I prepared a special coloring sheet featuring Luna la Mariposa. This fun activity is designed to go with the story we shared and help reinforce the Spanish vocabulary creatively and engagingly. Visit my website at www.jencova.com and click on the free resources tab. You will find materials tailored to today's lesson, perfect for reinforcing the concepts and supporting your and your child's language learning at home.
Engagement Challenge: Inspired by Luna's discovery of the beauty in rojo, azul, amarillo, verde, y morado, we challenge you to recognize these colors in your daily life. Whenever you see something that matches the colors you learned today, say it out loud! This practice will help solidify your new vocabulary in a fun and interactive way.

¡Espero que tengas un buen día! I hope you have a great day! Hasta la próxima! See you soon!