Comprehensible Input
Staying in the Target Language
1
CMS World Languages New Teacher Orientation
August 14, 2013
Presenters
Michele Esparza - EE Waddell Language Academy
Rose Rhodes – Bradley Middle School
Activity: Three Modes
1.
2.
2
On the Mode Mind Maps around the
room, write words, phrases or definitions
that you associate with each mode of
communication:

Interpersonal Communication Mode

Interpretive Communication Mode

Presentational Communication Mode
Pick 1 item from a Mode Mind Map that
was new information for you and share
this learning with a partner.
CMS World Languages New Teacher Orientation
August 14, 2013
Objectives
 By the end of the session, you will be able to
 Identify the 3 modes of communication
 Explain comprehensible input and how it is
connected to the interpretive mode
 Provide examples of strategies to deliver
comprehensible input and to stay in the target
language when preparing to teach “I can”
statements that focus on the interpretive mode
3
CMS World Languages New Teacher Orientation
August 14, 2013
3 Communication Modes &
Culture = 4 WLES
ES #1
Interpersonal Mode
ES #2
Interpretive Mode
ES #3
Presentational Mode
ES #4
Culture
4
CMS World Languages New Teacher Orientation
August 14, 2013
Three Modes of Communication
Interpersonal: Person-to-Person
• Initiate, maintain, sustain conversation (oral or written)
• Active negotiation of meaning
Interpretive: Listening & Reading
• Interpret and respond to received messages
• NO active negotiation of meaning with writer or speaker
Presentational: Speaking & Writing
• Create, revise, and practice oral or written messages
• NO direct opportunity for active negotiation
5
CMS World Languages New Teacher Orientation
August 14, 2013
Comprehensible Input and The Interpretive Mode:
the foundation of proficiency
 Stephen Krashen on Comprehensible Input
 Helena Curtain and Carol Ann Dahlberg – “Key
Concepts For Success”
 Interpretive Mode – Interpret and respond to
received messages
6
CMS World Languages New Teacher Orientation
August 14, 2013
The Interpretive Mode and
“I can” statements
 I can understand when someone asks me about
what I like and don’t like. (Level 1 Unit 1)
 I can talk and write about my likes and dislikes.
(Level 1 Unit 1)
7
CMS World Languages New Teacher Orientation
August 14, 2013
Plus
Delta
 Give examples of two techniques the teacher
used to make himself or herself understood.
 What two techniques could have supported
his/her students even further?
8
CMS World Languages New Teacher Orientation
August 14, 2013
A variety of techniques to make
content concepts clear:
 Gestures
 Multimedia resources
 Body language
 Repeated exposures to
 Pictures
 Real objects (realia) 
 Provide a model of
the process
 Hands-on Activities
 Preview material
 Total Physical
Response (TPR)
strategy vs TPRS
curriculum
9






words, concepts and
skills
Scaffold language by
chunking information
Sentence Strips
Graphic Organizers
Audiotapes
Input Charts
Make adjustments to
speech
Use of cognates
CMS World Languages New Teacher Orientation
August 14, 2013
Reflection
Please respond to these statements in your notes.
Yes, easily
and well
1. I can identify the three
modes of
communication.
2. I can explain
comprehensible input
and it’s connection to the
interpretive mode.
3. I can provide example of
strategies to stay in the
TL when preparing to
teach “I can” statements.
CMS World Languages New
10Teacher Orientation August 14,
2013
Still one of
my goals