DLL - MLL

Our new blog post, “Getting Started with TPR,” shares quick tips and ready-to-use activities to help you bring movement, music, and gestures into your classroom—all while honoring the way young students learn best.

Getting Started with Total Physical Response (TPR)

If you’re teaching students who are still developing English skills—or who simply learn best by doing—Total Physical Response (TPR) can be a game-changer in your classroom. This research-backed strategy uses movement, gestures, and music to help students internalize language before they’re ready to speak it out loud.

Whether you’re brand-new to TPR or just looking for a fresh start, here are some quick tips and favorite activity ideas to get you moving

What is TPR?

Total Physical Response is a teaching method that connects language and physical movement. Instead of asking students to repeat or say a word right away, you first ask them to show understanding with an action—like pointing, standing, clapping, or making a motion.

Why TPR Works

Young learners (and especially ELLs) often go through a silent period where they understand language long before they can speak it. TPR gives them a safe, joyful way to show what they know—without the pressure of talking.

Quick Tips to Get Started

• Start simple: Use common classroom commands like “stand up,” “sit down,” and “point to the door.”

• Be consistent: Pair the same motion with the same word/phrase every time.

• Use your whole body: The more sensory the experience, the better!

• Model first: Do the motion yourself as you say the word. Then invite students to join in.

• Go visual: Add picture cues or props when possible.

• Sing it out: Songs and chants with motions boost memory and engagement.

5 Easy TPR Activities You Can Use Tomorrow

1. Follow the Leader – Vocabulary Edition:
   Say a word (e.g., “jump”), and do the motion. Then call on a student to lead. Great for action verbs or story retelling!

2. Simon Says – ELL Style:
   Perfect for practicing classroom commands or parts of the body.

3. TPR Storytelling:
   Tell a short story or read a book aloud. Teach students a motion for key words and have them act it out as they hear them.

4. Picture Match + Motion:
   Show three images (e.g., apple, banana, orange). Say a word, and ask students to point or gesture the right one.

5. Routine Reinforcement:
   Use motions as cues during daily routines—lining up, cleaning up, washing hands, etc.

5 Ways to Assess Understanding When Students Aren’t Yet Speaking

In the early grades, it’s common for students—especially English Language Learners (ELLs)—to understand far more than they can express. But just because a student isn’t speaking yet doesn’t mean they aren’t learning. In fact, many children experience what’s called a “silent period” as they develop receptive language skills and build confidence.

So how can teachers accurately assess what these learners do know? Here are five simple, powerful strategies to help you recognize and respond to student understanding—even before they’re ready to verbalize it.

1. Watch for Intentional Movement

When students respond with gestures, body language, or TPR (Total Physical Response) motions, they’re showing you what they understand. Whether they point to an object, follow a classroom routine, or act out a command, these nonverbal cues are rich sources of data.

 Tip: Use consistent, observable cues—like thumbs up/down, nodding, or pointing—to give students a safe way to participate and show comprehension.

2. Use Visual Choice Boards or Picture Cards

Provide students with visuals they can point to in response to questions or prompts. For example, after reading a story, ask “Who was the main character?” and offer three pictures. This supports comprehension and builds vocabulary while removing the pressure to speak.

 Try This: Incorporate visuals into your small group activities, partner work, or even assessments to reduce language barriers.

3. Observe During Routines and Transitions

Sometimes, the best “assessment” moments happen outside of direct instruction. Can students follow your directions to clean up, line up, or gather materials? Are they anticipating what comes next in the day? These signs show they’re understanding classroom language and structure—even if they’re not speaking yet.

 Quick Check: Try giving a new direction (e.g., “Put your hands on your head”) during a routine to see who responds nonverbally—this can offer insight into listening comprehension

4. Encourage Partner or Small Group Participation

Students are often more comfortable engaging with peers. In pairs or small groups, they may show understanding through actions, repeated words, or helping a friend. Circle time games, songs with motions, or matching activities can create low-stakes opportunities for comprehension to shine through.

 Pro Tip: Assign partners intentionally and rotate often to give quieter students chances to lead, imitate, or engage with different learning styles.