Comprehend THIS!
Welcome to Comprehend THIS!, the podcast for language teachers who are tired of the same old textbook chatter and want the real talk instead. Every episode is like pulling up a chair in the copy room or leaning on the hallway wall at your favorite conference — except it’s not awkward, the coffee’s better (yours, not mine), and nobody’s grading you. Host Scott Benedict sits down with 1–2 guests — teachers, trainers, authors, CI rebels — to swap stories about what actually works in a comprehension-based classroom. We talk the good, the weird, the messy middle — first wins, facepalms, reading that actually sticks...
Episode 10: “CI in the Wild: My Big Takeaway”
When it comes to Comprehensible Input teaching, nothing beats real teachers sharing real classroom takeaways — from epic CI wins to wild “this actually works!” moments.
🎒 Ready to level up your CI game? Grab the CI Survival Kit, now with Ask-a-Story Slides in French, German, and Spanish — your monthly lifeline for fresh, ready-to-teach CI lessons and ideas: https://imim.us/kit
In this episode of Comprehend THIS!, guest hosts Vicki Schrader (ELL and CI educator from Surrey, BC, and author of multiple CI novels) and Pat Rolfes (26-year veteran high school Spanish teacher from Minnesota) join Scott Bened...
Episode 9: “Equity & CI: Why This Matters”
Comprehensible Input isn’t just about language—it’s about equity, access, and giving every student a fair shot at success in your classroom.
🎯 Take our free CI Proficiency Quiz and find out your Comprehensible Input teaching level at https://imim.us/ciquiz.
In this episode of Comprehend THIS! we’re diving into Equity & CI: Why This Matters with two powerhouse guests — Adriana Ramírez and Jackie Deming-Plunk. We explore how comprehension-based instruction breaks down barriers, supports all learners (especially the ones traditional methods leave behind), and helps teachers advocate for equity without burning out. You’ll walk aw...
Episode 8: “CI Burnout? Been There.”
Struggling with CI teacher burnout? Learn how to stay sustainable with Comprehensible Input strategies that actually work.
👉 Grab your free CI Survival Kit here: https://imim.us/survival
In this episode of Comprehend THIS!, Scott Benedict sits down with guests Tracey Collazos and David Rice to talk honestly about the not-so-magical side of teaching with CI: burnout. From the early mistakes that made it worse, to the boundaries and routines that keep them sane now, Andy and Pat share real-life strategies, encouragement, and a few laughs along the way. If you’ve ever felt the press...
CI Stories - The Easy Way David Rice Turned Spanish Class Into Real Proficiency
Discover how Spanish teacher David Rice transformed his classroom with Comprehensible Input (CI) and made proficiency feel achievable for every student.
👉 Want ready-to-use strategies, lesson plans, and tools for YOUR classroom? Grab the CI Survival Kit here: https://imim.us/survival
The CI Story Series highlights everyday language teachers who have embraced CI and changed the way their students experience language learning. From struggles to breakthroughs, each story shows that creating joyful, proficiency-focused classrooms is not only possible—it’s easier than you think.
#ComprehensibleInput, #LanguageTeaching, #WorldLanguageTeachers, #SpanishTeacher, #TPRS, #LanguageLearning, #TeachingStrategies, #CIClassroom, #LanguageAcquisition, #Teacher...
Episode 7: “Assessment Without the Headache”
Tired of grading overload? Discover how to make assessment in the world language classroom stress-free, proficiency-based, and actually useful for students with guests Andy Dykema and Pat Rolfes.
🎒 Want more sanity-saving tools? Grab the CI Survival Kit here: https://imim.us/survival
In this episode of Comprehend THIS!, we dive into “Assessment Without the Headache” with Andy Dykema and Pat Rolfes. We’ll chat about escaping the “points police” mindset, practical rubrics that actually work, authentic assessment tasks you can use tomorrow, and how to explain it all to skeptical admins or parents. If you’ve ever felt bu...
Episode 6: “When Your Department Side-Eyes Your CI”
When your department side-eyes your comprehensible input teaching, it can feel isolating—this episode shares real strategies, survival tips, and encouragement for CI teachers.
🎁 Grab your free CI Survival Kit here: https://imim.us/survival — your go-to resource for staying confident and effective with comprehensible input in the classroom.
In this episode of Comprehend THIS!, we sit down with Jackie Deming-Plunk and Kelly Ferguson to talk about what happens when colleagues and departments aren’t exactly cheering for your CI approach. From awkward meetings to subtle digs, we cover the real struggles teachers face—and more import...
Bonus: "What If They Just. Won’t. Talk?"
Ever wonder what to do when your students just won’t talk in your world language classroom?
👉 Take our free CI Proficiency Quiz and assess your CI Proficiency Level here: https://imim.us/ciquiz
In this episode of Comprehend THIS!, we dive into the universal teacher struggle: student silence. You’ll learn why forcing output usually backfires, how to build student confidence through comprehensible input, and three practical strategies to gently coax participation without pressure. Plus, we’ll cover what not to take personally when your students sit in stone-faced silence. If you’ve ever felt like y...
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
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...
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
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...
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
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...
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
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 favorit...
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
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 Comprehensi...
Episode 1: “How I Fell Into CI (and Survived)”
If you’ve ever wondered how language teachers survive the messy switch to comprehensible input, this episode is your new teacher therapy.
Ready to level up your teaching this year? Join our Back-to-School Bootcamp for practical CI strategies, fresh ideas, and real talk: https://imim.us/bootcamp
In Episode 1, How I Fell Into CI (and Survived), I’m joined by Jodi Dinsmore and Paulino Brener as we spill all the awkward, hilarious, and downright relatable stories about discovering comprehensible input — from our “Before CI” flops to our first breakthroughs and the survival tricks that kept us going...
Comprehend THIS! - Trailer
Welcome to Comprehend THIS!, the podcast for language teachers who are tired of the same old textbook chatter and want the real talk instead.
Every episode is like pulling up a chair in the copy room or leaning on the hallway wall at your favorite conference — except it’s not awkward, the coffee’s better (yours, not mine), and nobody’s grading you.
Host Scott Benedict sits down with 1–2 guests — teachers, trainers, authors, CI rebels — to swap stories about what actually works in a comprehension-based classroom.
We talk the good, the weird, the messy middle —...
CI Stories: CI Success Unlocked! D’Lisa McBride’s Simple, Powerful Journey
D’Lisa McBride’s CI journey proves that teaching multiple languages—English, German, Italian, and Spanish—can be simple, effective, and engaging with comprehension-based methods!
🚀 Want to level up your CI teaching this summer? Join us at CI Summer Camp for hands-on training, expert insights, and a supportive community of like-minded teachers! Sign up now at https://imim.us/summercamp!
Our CI Story Series highlights real teachers who have transformed their classrooms with comprehension-based instruction. Through their experiences, challenges, and breakthroughs, you’ll discover practical strategies and inspiring insights to make CI work for you.
#Compreh...
CI Stories: Tracey’s Secret to CI Teaching Success
Meet Tracey Collazos, a dedicated French and Spanish teacher, and discover how she transformed her classroom with Comprehensible Input (CI)—making language learning easier, more engaging, and truly effective!
🔥 Want to level up your CI teaching this summer? Join CI Summer Camp for practical strategies, expert guidance, and a supportive community! Sign up now: https://imim.us/summercamp
🌍 Our CI Story series showcases real teachers who have embraced CI and revolutionized their classrooms. These inspiring stories highlight the challenges, breakthroughs, and successes that prove CI isn’t just effective—it’s achievable for every teacher!
#Comprehe...
Gregory’s CI Story: Achieving Results Faster Than You Think!
Experience how Gregory Schwab, a passionate Spanish teacher, transformed his classroom using comprehension-based methods and see how you can too!
👉 Ready to revolutionize your teaching? Join us at COMPREHENDED! 2025, the ultimate CI-based conference designed for world language teachers. Explore sessions from top educators and gain tools to elevate your classroom. Register now at https://imim.us/conference!
The CI Story series highlights inspiring journeys of educators who’ve embraced comprehension-based instruction to unlock their students’ full potential. From overcoming challenges to achieving remarkable results, these stories showcase practical strategies, valuable insights, and actionable tips to help te...
Discover Lynne Hendrick’s Easy CI Path to Engaged German Students!
Lynne Hendrick, a dedicated German teacher, shares her incredible journey of transforming her classroom with comprehension-based teaching strategies.
👉 Take your teaching to the next level! Join us at COMPREHENDED! 2025: https://comprehended.co/register.
CI Stories is a live interview series that spotlights the real-life journeys of language teachers embracing comprehension-based methods. Each episode explores their challenges, successes, and actionable strategies, providing valuable insights to help educators transform their classrooms. Whether you’re new to CI or looking for advanced tips, CI Stories offers inspiration and practical ideas for teachers at all levels.
#ScottBenedict, #Immed...
Greg Cracked the Code: CI Success Made Simple and Real!
Discover how Greg Gross, a passionate Spanish teacher, revolutionized his classroom with comprehension-based methods in our CI Story Series!
🌟 Ready to level up your teaching? Join us at the COMPREHENDED! 2025 conference! Explore CI-based sessions, gain actionable insights, and transform your classroom. Register now at https://comprehended.co!
Our CI Story Series highlights real-world language educators who have embraced comprehension-based instruction to engage students, simplify learning, and achieve incredible results. Each story dives into practical strategies and inspiring journeys to show how CI can work for every teacher.
#CIStory, #ComprehensibleInput, #LanguageTeaching, #SpanishTeacher, #GregGross, #CIClassroom, #Lan...
Nicole KleinRichter’s Proven CI Journey—And How You Can Follow!
Nicole KleinRichter, a dedicated Spanish teacher, shares her inspiring journey of transforming her classroom with comprehension-based teaching strategies.
👉 Ready to revolutionize your teaching? Join us at COMPREHENDED! 2025: https://comprehended.co/register.
CI Stories is a live interview series that highlights the real-life experiences of language teachers who have embraced comprehension-based methods. Each episode dives into their challenges, successes, and actionable strategies to help educators navigate their own CI journeys. Whether you’re new to CI or looking to refine your approach, CI Stories provides the insights and inspiration to transform your teaching.
#ScottBenedict, #Immed...
The Simple CI Strategies Shawna Uses for Amazing Results!
Shawna Sache, a passionate French teacher, shares her inspiring journey of embracing comprehension-based teaching and transforming her classroom.
👉 Ready to revolutionize your teaching? Join us at COMPREHENDED! 2025: https://comprehended.co/register.
CI Stories is a live interview series that brings you real-life experiences from language teachers who have transitioned to comprehension-based methods. Each episode highlights their challenges, successes, and actionable strategies to help educators at any stage of their journey. Whether you’re new to CI or looking to refine your approach, CI Stories offers relatable insights and inspiration to help you transform your classroom.
...
How Judy Made CI Work—And How You Can Too!
Judy Percy, a dedicated German and French teacher, shares her inspiring journey of transforming her classroom with comprehension-based teaching methods.
Connect with Judy here: / judy.percy
👉 Want to revolutionize your teaching? Join us at COMPREHENDED! 2025: https://comprehended.co/register.
CI Stories is a live interview series that spotlights the real-life journeys of language teachers who have embraced comprehension-based methods. Each episode dives into their challenges, breakthroughs, and practical strategies, offering valuable insights to help educators make the transition to CI teaching with confidence. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, CI Stori...
Jackie’s CI Journey: The Easy Way to Boost Student Success!
Jackie Deming-Plunk, a passionate Spanish teacher, shares her journey of transforming her classroom through comprehension-based teaching in this inspiring episode.
👉 Take your teaching to the next level! Learn about proficiency-based grading and assessments in our Assessment Academy: https://imim.us/academy.
CI Stories is a live interview series showcasing real-life journeys of language teachers who have embraced comprehension-based methods. Each episode dives into their successes, challenges, and actionable strategies, helping educators worldwide make the transition to CI-based teaching. Whether you're just starting out or looking to refine your approach, CI Stories provides the inspiration and pra...
