Total Physical Response

Total Physical Response (TPR) is a method of teaching language or vocabulary concepts by using physical movement to react to verbal input. This is a popular strategy for students who are English Learners, but can benefit all students in your class.

The process mimics the way that infants learn their first language, and it reduces student inhibitions and lowers stress.

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 movements or make up their own! Ask students to say the word as they are making the movement.

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 for repeated practice.