Phase One is the behind-the-scenes foundation of the CI Immersion system. The purpose of this phase is to front-load decisions and build structural systems before the term begins so that instruction can remain focused on listening, reading, and interaction.

Core Principle: Front-Load the Work

Define scope, sequence, learning outcomes, assessment structure, and grading policies before students enter the classroom. Limiting task creep and administrative overload protects mental bandwidth and instructional clarity.

Define Scope and Sequence

• Clearly define what will be taught and in what order.
• Intentionally limit vocabulary and structures.
• Align all content with learning outcomes.
• Design tasks first, then select only the language necessary to complete them.
• Remember: language is infinite, curriculum must be finite.

Pre-Select Stories and Target Phrases

• Select core stories before the term begins.
• Identify six essential target phrases per story.
• Prioritize chunks over isolated words.
• Prepare slides and materials in advance.
• Recycle and refine content across terms.

Build Structural Systems

• Configure the learning management system.
• Organize assignments into clear categories.
• Schedule major announcements in advance.
• Use automatic drop rules where appropriate.
• Create a flexible but anchored calendar.
• Plan assessment checkpoints and work backward from them.

Grading Philosophy

Grading categories should reflect instructional values: comprehension, interaction, growth, and consistency. The system below balances formative and summative assessment while preserving flexibility through dropped assignments instead of make-ups.

System Design Insight

Instead of allowing make-ups, build flexibility into the system by dropping the lowest score(s) in each category. This preserves fairness, reduces administrative friction, and keeps instructional focus intact.

Why Phase One Matters

When Phase One is implemented well, scope is defined, materials are prepared, systems are configured, and expectations are clear. The result is mental freedom during instruction. The instructor can remain fully present with learners and focus on meaningful interaction in the target language.

The next phase moves into the Pre-Story stage, where high-frequency vocabulary, comprehension checks, total physical response, and student-driven input begin building the acquisition engine in real time.