Comprehensible Input- SIOP Features 10-12

Reflection

Comprehensible input is the learner's ability to understand the content. Learning new knowledge takes time. As teachers, it is our responsibility to not only provide the time needed, but also the support learners need to understand. Support can come in many forms. Teachers can show pictures to make knowledge more comprehensible, but comprehensible input is more than simply showing pictures. It may be repetition, rate of speech, or even a combination of both of these things. Comprehensible input affects both language and content development. If students are not able to comprehend the language or key vocabulary, they will not be able to understand the content. Students who are at the beginning levels of English proficiency benefit from teachers who slow their rate of speech. Students can learn content easier when teachers use patterns. When teachers use patterns ELs are provided with a basis for success.

SIOP Feature 10: Speech Appropriate for Students Proficiency Levels

Formula 5-2-1 pg. 63 is a great strategy to ensure that your speech is appropriate for students' proficiency level. This strategy requires that for 5 minutes the teacher gives explicit instructions, providing comprehensible input, such as modeling, showing pictures, or using gestures. Students are then given 2 minutes to process the information with a partner or small group. Lastly, the teacher will choose a non-volunteer to share what they have learned for 1 minute. This strategy is differentiated because it gives students multiple opportunities to comprehend the content. It also allows students to collaborate which gives students a chance to compare their answers with a partner before having to share. Collaborating with other students also gives students an opportunity to practice listening and speaking.

SIOP Feature 11: Clear Explanation of Academic Tasks

Tell your partner pg. 68 is a simple strategy. In order for students to be successful, they must understand the objective or learning-destination. In a classroom setting there many distractions. It is easy for students to forget what they are learning and why they are learning it. One way to ensure that students understand the academic task is to get them to tell the learning objective to a partner. This strategy provides students an opportunity to repeat the task (ensuring that they know) and it gives students a chance to clarify their understanding. This is a great strategy to use when incorporating language objectives. Students must speak and listen proficiently.

SIOP Feature 12: A Variety of Techniques Used to Make Content Concepts Clear

Oftentimes, when students encounter new words in a text they skip over them or mispronounce them and continue reading. Teachers can help increase comprehensible input by allowing students to use apps for pronunciation practice pg. 71. Students are given a list of words. Then using a voice changer app on their smartphones or tablets to record the unfamiliar words, After 5 minutes of recording, students share their last pronunciation with the class. Encounter new words can be stressful or even embarrassing to students. Giving them an opportunity to practice in a non-threatening setting lowers their affective filter which increases comprehensible input. This strategy gives students an opportunity to practice both speaking and listening.