I recently had the opportunity to observe Ms. Conxa Packard's foreign language high school classroom, where I witnessed an engaging and dynamic learning environment. Ms. Packard employs Comprehensible Input (CI) methodology, incorporating interactive games that truly captivate her students. The enthusiasm was palpable – students were clearly excited and deeply engaged in the learning process. Her innovative teaching approach creates memorable experiences that help students retain language concepts more effectively. The following paragraphs are in Ms. Packard's own words, which she shared with me. Great job Ms. Packard and thank you for inviting me to your interactive classroom!
"This year marks my first as a foreign language teacher, though I have spent many years in education. While I speak four languages fluently, I quickly learned that knowing a language and teaching it are two very different things. Teaching a language effectively, requires a deep understanding of how people acquire languages, so I dedicated time to researching methods and theories. One approach that resonated with me is called Comprehensible Input (CI), which is backed by extensive research and focuses on the natural way people acquire language.
Comprehensible Input is based on the idea that students learn best when they are exposed to language they can understand, even if they don’t grasp every single word. Instead of relying on rote memorization of vocabulary lists and verb conjugations, I provide my students with a core set of essential words and phrases. Through storytelling, engaging conversations, and immersive experiences, students naturally absorb the language. They see words and structures in meaningful contexts, making them easier to remember and use. This approach ensures that every student has the ability to learn Spanish or French. After all, English is one of the most complex languages, yet my students have already mastered it—proving that learning another language is completely possible with the right methods and support.
Beyond language acquisition, I strive to bring a global perspective into my classroom. Having lived in multiple countries, I share my experiences as both a traveler and a language learner, helping students connect with cultures beyond their own. Language learning is about more than just words—it’s about understanding and appreciating different ways of life.
This is also my first year at Wiscasset, and I couldn’t be happier to be part of this community. One of the things I love most about teaching here is the small school environment, which allows me to build strong relationships with my students. I look forward to seeing them grow in their language skills and am excited to teach them for many years to come. Together, we are creating a classroom where language is accessible, engaging, and, most importantly, fun."