Total Physical Response (TPR)

"Babies don't learn by memorizing lists; why should children or adults?"

Total Physical Response (TPR)

What is TPR? TPR is an approach to teaching a second language, based on listening linked to physical activities which are designed to reinforce comprehension.

Total Physical Response (TPR)

A little more on TPR . . .
Total Physical Response (TPR) is a method developed by Dr. James J. Asher to aid learning second languages. The method relies on the assumption that when learning a second or additional language, that language is internalized through a process of code-breaking similar to first language development Students respond to commands that require physical movement. TPR is primarily intended for ESL teacher, although the method is used in teaching other languages as well.

Total Physical Response (TPR)

What is the connection to the classroom? TPR is not always dancing and singing songs! Generally, we refer to body movement with instruction to engage learners. Students learn by identifying a certain key point to some action. TPR can be used for all curriculum, literacy, science, math, and so on.

Total Physical Response (TPR)

What are advantages of TPR?
Fun and Easy: Students enjoy activity! Simple TPR activities do not require a great deal of preparation on the part of the teacher. TPR is inclusive and works well a class with mixed ability levels. Good for kinesthetic learners who need to be active in class. Good tool for building vocabulary. Actions help build connections in the brain. Helps learners achieve fluency faster by immersing learners in activities that involve them in situational language use. Good instructional practice for ESLs in their silent period. Works well for child and adult learners.

Total Physical Response (TPR)

What are disadvantages of TPR?
Most useful for beginners. Preparation becomes an issue for teachers at higher levels. Students are not generally given the opportunity to express their own thought in as creative manner. It is easy to over use TPR and begin to bore students. May limit teachers in term of scope of language that can be addressed. Can be a major challenge for shy students.

Total Physical Response (TPR)

WhobenefitsmostfromTPR?
TPR seems to work effectively for children and adults. There is no age barrier. The only setback is that if the language training starts after puberty, the probability is almost certain that one will have at least some accent in speaking the second language, no matter how many years one lives in the foreign country. http://www.tprsource.com/asher.htm English speaking students who have little academic reinforcement at home.

Total Physical Response (TPR)

Whobenefitsmost(cont...)
Struggling students Teachers are noticing growth in students learning, and boosting the academic levels in their classrooms.

Total Physical Response (TPR)

Example of Activity
This is an example of an effective TPR activity that students can perform at their seats. Each student has a kit such as the interior of a kitchen. Then you say in the target language, "Put the man in front of the sink. With your play board displayed so that it is clearly visible to the students, you place the man in the kitchen of your kit and your students follow by performing the same action in their kits.

Total Physical Response Activities

Materials Required: one book for each student Say the following commands to each student and have them do the action that corresponds. Model each action as you give the command until each student participates without hesitation. Repeat and review commands after you add new ones. Then repeat the new ones, recombining them before adding more. Keep the students feeling successful. Stand up Sit down Sit down Open your mouth Close your mouth SHHH (whisper) Be quiet (hold students quiet for 30 seconds) That's very, very good Wonderful!

Materials Required: chalkboard or writing paper Read the following instructions to the students. Go to the chalkboard (or take out a piece of paper) Write 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 Write A B C D E F G H I J Draw a line under the number 4 Draw a line under 6, 7, 8 Draw a line under 9, 10 Draw a line under E F G Draw a line under I J Draw a circle around A B Draw a circle around F Cross out number 1 Cross out numbers 3 and 4 Cross out A B C Erase 1, 2, 3, 4 Erase E F G

Total Physical Response (TPR)

50StrategiesforTeachingEnglishLanguage Learners, Chapter11 IntegratingMovementintoLanguage Acquisition Infirst-languagelearners,childrenacquire receptivelanguagebeforetheyattempttospeak, theydevelopunderstandingthroughmovingtheir bodiesandtheyarenotforcedtospeakuntilthey areready

Total Physical Response (TPR) StepbyStep(stepsforteachingTPRlesson)

1.Choosephysicalvocabulary, -ex.Standup,showmethedoor,(language usedintheclassroom) 2.Introducevocabularygradually -Startwith3&randomlyuse 3.Dropthephysicalmodeling 4.Addadditionalcommands

Total Physical Response (TPR) StepbyStep(stepsforteachingTPRlesson)

5.Addadditionalresponses -Findnewwaysforstudentstodisplaytheir understandingofvocabulary,ex.drawpicture 6.Playgamesforadditionalpractice -onlywhenstudentsgainconfidence 7.Assessstudentprogress&understanding (easytovisuallyassess,makeachecklist)

Teacher roles
Teachers are required to perform a lot of action to introduce basic vocabulary. These initial steps are crucial because the only way language acquired is through comprehensible input. Actions also enhance understanding organization and storage of linguistics input. Active and direct role the director of a stage play with students as actors

Students roles Listener and performer, little influence over the content of learning.