Comprehend THIS!

CI Stories: From Textbooks to Total Engagement—Vicki Schrader’s CI Story

Discover how veteran ELL teacher Vicki Schrader transformed her classroom from grammar-heavy to fully Comprehensible Input (CI) and published four CI novels along the way. Get your monthly lifeline of ready-to-use CI lessons, activities, and assessments with the CI Survival Kit: https://imim.us/survival [https://imim.us/survival] In this inspiring CI Story episode, Vicki Schrader shares her journey from textbook-driven teaching to a vibrant, fully CI Level One classroom in Surrey, British Columbia. With over 20 years of experience and a growing passion for TPRS and CI strategies, Vicki reveals how she shifted her mindset, engaged a diverse ELL population, and even became a published CI author. Whether you’re new to CI or ready to level up, her story proves the transition is possible—and worth it. #CIteaching, #ComprehensibleInput, #LanguageTeaching, #TPRS, #LanguageTeachers, #WorldLanguage, #SecondLanguageAcquisition, #LanguageLearning, #TeacherInspiration, #ell Links Mentioned: Get Vicki's Books: https://imim.us/vickischrader [https://imim.us/vickischrader] and TheCIBookShop.com [http://TheCIBookShop.com] Vicki Schrader's Blog: https://vickischraderauthor.wordpress.com/ [https://vickischraderauthor.wordpress.com/] Adriana Ramirez: https://www.adrianaramirez.ca/ [https://www.adrianaramirez.ca/] Karen Rowan: https://fluencyfast.com [https://fluencyfast.com] Bryce Hedstrom: https://brycehedstrom.com [https://brycehedstrom.com]

Episode 5: “Reading Is My Secret Weapon”

Discover why reading is the secret weapon for language teachers using Comprehensible Input, with insights from A.C. Quintero and Pat Rolfes. 📦 Want ready-to-use CI lesson plans, activities, and strategies? Grab the CI Survival Kit here: https://imim.us/survival [https://imim.us/survival] In this episode of Comprehend THIS!, we’re joined by A.C. Quintero (teacher & author) and Pat Rolfes (teacher & reluctant-reader whisperer) to unpack how reading transforms the language classroom. From first “reading works!” moments to tips for winning over reluctant readers, plus exactly what to say when your admin questions why you “just read” in class — this conversation is packed with strategies you can try tomorrow. Whether you use FVR, class novels, or story-asking, you’ll walk away with fresh ideas and book recommendations your students will love. #LanguageTeaching, #ComprehensibleInput, #ReadingInClass, #WorldLanguage, #LanguageAcquisition, #ProficiencyBasedLearning, #FVR, #LanguageTeacherTips, #TeacherPodcast, #ReadingStrategies Hosts: * Scott Benedict - https://www.instagram.com/immediateimmersion [https://www.instagram.com/immediateimmersion] * A.C. Quintero - https://www.instagram.com/a.c.quintero/ [https://www.instagram.com/a.c.quintero/] * Pat Rolfes Resources & Links: * CI Survival Kit: https://imim.us/survival [https://imim.us/survival] * Back-to-School Bootcamp: https://imim.us/bootcamp [https://imim.us/bootcamp] * Amazon website: https://bit.ly/3AnAZty [https://bit.ly/3AnAZty]blog: acquinterobooks.com [http://acquinterobooks.com] http://acquinterobooks.com/Giveaway! Enter to win 2 copies of "La vecina chismosa" by author and teacher A.C. Quintero. The giveaway ends August 23rd. Click on the link to sign up! https://mailchi.mp/42c6d7241132/enter-to-win-2-copies-of-la-vecina-chismosa [https://mailchi.mp/42c6d7241132/enter-to-win-2-copies-of-la-vecina-chismosa] Join the Conversation: Got thoughts or your own story? Share it in the comments or tag us @ImmediateImmersion! Watch & Subscribe: 👉 Watch LIVE or replay on YouTube: https://imim.us/live [https://imim.us/live] 👉 Listen on your favorite podcast app: https://imim.us/podcastlinks [https://imim.us/podcastlinks] 👉 Never miss an episode: https://imim.us/comprehendthis [https://imim.us/comprehendthis] Connect with Scott: Host: Scott Benedict — Immediate Immersion 🌐 https://immediateimmersion.com [https://immediateimmersion.com] 📧 Scott@immediateimmersion.com [Scott@immediateimmersion.com]

Episode 4: “My Favorite CI Moves (When I Have Zero Prep Time)”

Master zero-prep CI activities and emergency teaching strategies to save your language lessons when you have absolutely no time to plan. 🎯 Take our CI Proficiency Quiz and assess your CI Proficiency Level: https://imim.us/ciquiz [https://imim.us/ciquiz] In this episode, we share our favorite no-prep CI activities, quick fixes, and teacher survival moves for those inevitable “oops, I need something NOW” moments. You’ll hear practical ideas, ready-to-use strategies, and mindset tips for turning chaos into effective input—even when prep time disappears. Whether you’re a new CI teacher or a seasoned pro, you’ll walk away with simple, actionable activities you can use tomorrow. 🚀 Grab the CI Survival Kit for ready-to-teach CI lessons and activities every month: https://imim.us/survival [https://imim.us/survival] #ComprehensibleInput, #LanguageTeaching, #ZeroPrepLessons, #NoPrepActivities, #CIActivities, #LanguageTeacherTips, #EmergencyLessonPlans, #WorldLanguageTeaching, #TeachingHacks, #CISurvivalKit Hosts: * Scott Benedict - https://www.instagram.com/immediateimmersion [https://www.instagram.com/immediateimmersion] * Elicia Cárdenas - https://comprehensibleclassroom.com [https://comprehensibleclassroom.com] * Chelsea Woodruff - https://www.instagram.com/srawoodruffshortteacher [https://www.instagram.com/srawoodruffshortteacher] Resources & Links: * Back-to-School Bootcamp: https://imim.us/bootcamp [https://imim.us/bootcamp] * CI Survival Kit: https://imim.us/survival [https://imim.us/survival] * All workshops and informal chats with The Comprehensible Classroom: https://comprehensibleclassroom.com/training/all-training [https://comprehensibleclassroom.com/training/all-training] * Comprehensible Classroom: https://comprehensibleclassroom.com [https://comprehensibleclassroom.com] * AnneMarie Chase: https://senorachase.com [https://senorachase.com] * Carla Tarini: https://imim.us/carla [https://imim.us/carla] * Short Run Posters: https://shortrunposters.com [https://shortrunposters.com] * Bryce Hedstrom: https://brycehedstrom.com [https://brycehedstrom.com] * Props!: https://www.desklessclassroom.com/2019/06/props-short-presentation.html [https://www.desklessclassroom.com/2019/06/props-short-presentation.html] Join the Conversation: Got thoughts or your own story? Share it in the comments or tag us @ImmediateImmersion! Watch & Subscribe: 👉 Watch LIVE or replay on YouTube: https://imim.us/live [https://imim.us/live] 👉 Listen on your favorite podcast app: https://imim.us/podcastlinks [https://imim.us/podcastlinks]

Episode 3: “No Grammar Drills, No Cry”

Discover how to teach grammar in a CI classroom without boring drills or endless worksheets in this episode of Comprehend THIS! featuring Spanish teacher Chelsea Woodruff and French teacher Tara Ellsley. 🎯 Take our CI Proficiency Quiz and find out your CI Proficiency Level now: https://imim.us/ciquiz [https://imim.us/ciquiz] In Episode 3, No Grammar Drills, No Cry, we tackle the age-old question: how do you handle grammar in a Comprehensible Input classroom without falling back on charts and conjugation packets? Our guest cohosts, Chelsea Woodruff (Spanish) and Tara Ellsley (French), share their “before and after” stories, their favorite grammar hacks, and real-world tips for answering admins and parents who still think grammar only counts if it’s on a worksheet. Whether you’re a CI veteran or just starting your journey, this episode is packed with practical strategies, classroom-tested ideas, and reassurance that you can teach grammar naturally — and effectively — without the drills. #ComprehensibleInput, #LanguageTeaching, #TeachGrammar, #CITeaching, #WorldLanguageTeachers, #SpanishTeachers, #FrenchTeachers, #LanguageAcquisition, #GrammarWithoutDrills, #CIProficiency Hosts: * Scott Benedict - https://www.instagram.com/immediateimmersion [https://www.instagram.com/immediateimmersion] * Chelsea Woodruff - https://www.instagram.com/srawoodruffshortteacher [https://www.instagram.com/srawoodruffshortteacher] * Tara Ellsley - https://www.facebook.com/tara.ellsley/ [https://www.facebook.com/tara.ellsley/] Resources & Links: * Back-to-School Bootcamp: https://imim.us/bootcamp [https://imim.us/bootcamp] coupon code BOOTCAMP25 for $20 off! * CI Survival Kit - monthly CI lessons in French, German & Spanish: https://imim.us/survival [https://imim.us/survival] * Mira Canion - Author: https://miracanion.com [https://miracanion.com] * Karen Rowan - Author & Online Language Classes: https://fluencyfast.com [https://fluencyfast.com] Join the Conversation: Got thoughts or your own story? Share it in the comments or tag us @ImmediateImmersion! Watch & Subscribe: 👉 Watch LIVE or replay on YouTube: https://imim.us/live [https://imim.us/live] 👉 Listen on your favorite podcast app: https://imim.us/podcastlinks [https://imim.us/podcastlinks] 👉 Never miss an episode: https://imim.us/comprehendthis [https://imim.us/comprehendthis] Connect with Scott: Host: Scott Benedict — Immediate Immersion 🌐 https://immediateimmersion.com [https://immediateimmersion.com] 📧 Scott@immediateimmersion.com [Scott@immediateimmersion.com] Youtube: https://youtube.com/immediateimmersion [https://youtube.com/immediateimmersion]

Episode 2: “First Wins, Weird Fails, and What I’d Do Again”

Curious about how real teachers survive (and sometimes totally fail at) using Comprehensible Input? This episode delivers hilarious stories, first wins, and must-try strategies for your CI classroom. 🎉 Ready to kick off the year with clarity and confidence? Join our Back-to-School Bootcamp and get practical, CI-friendly tools to start strong: https://imim.us/bootcamp [https://imim.us/bootcamp] In this episode of Comprehend THIS!, we’re joined by CI teachers Jackie Deming-Plunk and Lynne Hendrick to talk about their early “aha” moments, classroom flops, and the tried-and-true CI strategies they still swear by. Whether you’re brand new to Comprehensible Input or just need a pep talk, this episode is full of relatable laughs, practical takeaways, and teacher-to-teacher encouragement — plus a few things they wish they’d skipped entirely. #ComprehensibleInput, #LanguageTeachers, #WorldLanguageClassroom, #CIstrategies, #BackToSchool, #TeacherPodcast, #HighSchoolSpanish, #LanguageTeaching, #CIwins, #CIfails Hosts: * Scott Benedict - https://www.instagram.com/immediateimmersion [https://www.instagram.com/immediateimmersion] * Lynne Hendrick - https://www.instagram.com/lmhgirls [https://www.instagram.com/lmhgirls] * Jackie Deming-Plunk Resources & Links: * Back-to-School Bootcamp: https://imim.us/bootcamp [https://imim.us/bootcamp] * Ben Slavic: https://benslavic.com [https://benslavic.com] Join the Conversation: Got thoughts or your own story? Share it in the comments or tag us @ImmediateImmersion! Watch & Subscribe: 👉 Watch LIVE or replay on YouTube: https://imim.us/live [https://imim.us/live] 👉 Listen on your favorite podcast app: https://imim.us/podcastlinks [https://imim.us/podcastlinks] 👉 Never miss an episode: https://imim.us/comprehendthis [https://imim.us/comprehendthis] Connect with Scott: Host: Scott Benedict — Immediate Immersion 🌐 https://immediateimmersion.com [https://immediateimmersion.com] 📧 Scott@immediateimmersion.com [Scott@immediateimmersion.com] Youtube: https://youtube.com/immediateimmersion [https://youtube.com/immediateimmersion] Instagram: https://instagram.com/immediateimmersion [https://instagram.com/immediateimmersion] Facebook: https://facebook.com/immediateimmersion [https://facebook.com/immediateimmersion] TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@immediateimmersion [https://tiktok.com/@immediateimmersion]