Note 5 Total physical response (TPR)

(Last updated: 09/19/2024)

1. What is TPR

"Total Physical Response (TPR) is a language teaching method built around the coordination of speech and action; it attempts to teach language through physical (motor) activity. " (c.f., https://www2.vobs.at/ludescher/total_physical_response.htm). A method of teaching language or vocabulary concepts by using physical movement to react to verbal input.

  • Based on how first language is learned
  • Involves physical interaction
  • Instruct/command and response

Video clips:

2. What is TPR good for

  • Vocabulary, particularly verbs
  • Difficult to explain actions (think wiggle, slide, launch)
  • Storytelling and narrative language
  • Imperatives and classroom language

3. How does it work

Steps

  • Performs an action, both demonstrating and saying it (e.g., “I’m brushing my teeth,”). Exaggerate, use gesture, facial expressions, and props if necessary
  • Call on the students to repeat the action
  • Repeat once more
  • Write the verb/phrase on the board
  • Repeat with other verbs and return to them regularly during the semester to check retention

Demonstrations

4. Activities

  • Songs and nursery rhymes
  • Simon Says:
  • Circle games:
  • Scavenger Hunt Challenge

5. A mini Chinese lesson via TPR

Material: PPT

Steps

  • Activity 1: Presenting new materials. Teacher demo
  • Activity 2: Asking students to perform. Comprehension
  • Activity 3: Asking students to pick (fly swattter game, scavenger hunt challenge). Comprehension
  • Activity 4: Asking one student to give commands and others to perform. Take turns. Production
  • Activity 5: Writing words on board. Written form. Both comprehension and production
  • Activity 6: Evaluation (random calling on someone to perform or say).

6. Resources at MTSU