Total Physical Response
Total Physical Response
Levels PK-12 Content - Any
Total Physical Response (TPR) is a method of introducing, practicing and reinforcing new language or vocabulary concepts by using physical movement matched to verbal input. The process reduces student inhibitions, lowers stress and creates a brain link between speech and action to boost language and vocabulary learning. The teacher orally describes a process, a timeline, a storyline or a concept and consistently uses the same physical movements in the same order. Physically interacting with language requires mental connections that trigger memory and increase recall; so, with the repetition of meaningful movement with hearing and/or reading words, students improve their ability to recall particular words and definitions. TPR is often used with Bilingual Learners, yet all students can benefit from matching physical movements to key ideas, especially with complex topics and unfamiliar vocabulary.
LISTEN
LISTEN
Podcast: Total Physical Response from Dream English Kids
PLAN
PLAN
Here is how it works.
1. Prepare
Select the vocabulary that you are going to teach. Gather any equipment, props or pictures you will need to illustrate the meaning of the words.
2. Teacher Modeling
Say the new vocabulary word for the students. As you do this, use gestures, facial expressions, props or body movement to illustrate the meaning of the word.
3. Student Modeling
Have student volunteers mimic the same gestures, facial expressions, use of props or body movement modeled as you say the word.
4. Student Participation
Have all students mimic the same gestures, facial expressions, use of props or body movement modeled by the teacher and student volunteers. Ask them to say the word as they are making the movement. Vary this activity by then doing the action and while students say the word.
5. Writing
Write the word or phrase where all students can see it so that students can make the connection between oral and written words.
6. Repetition and Practice
Teach the next word or phrase using the same method. Review and practice words with students multiple times to ensure learning. Recycle words regularly to make sure that students do not forget old words. (theteachertoolkit)
PRO TIP
PRO TIP
Embrace feeling silly! If you are enthusiastically doing the movements, your students will be more likely to do so as well, especially the older students. TPR has been shown to work with adult learners as well as children, so you're never too old for this strategy to help your brain connect meaning to words and movement.
WATCH 3rd GRADE
WATCH KINDERGARTEN
*old video but demonstrates the idea, in search of BVSD examples in action!
WATCH ADULT ELD
*old video but demonstrates the idea, in search of BVSD examples in action!
In which phases of the instructional model might this strategy be used? ALL
In which phases of the instructional model might this strategy be used? ALL
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