Teaching English Toolbox
TPR - Total Physical Response
from DeepAi: a cute cat getting exercise in a classroom
TPR is a useful technique that stems from the idea that comprehension precedes production - learners can understand language before they can use it fluently. But be careful!
- In the Swiss setting, TPR is useful, but learners should also be encouraged to produce language!
- TPR can be done on a word or text level: you can have learners show words, you can have them show sentences or entire texts if you want.
- TPR is not just movement - it is representing comprehension not just "a running dictation".
Babylonia has an issue entitled "Languages on the Move" with articles on embodiment, yoga and movement in language lessons - this goes a bit beyond TPR. Click here to access it.
Articles related to TPR
TPR in action
In this clip, you see a classical example of TPR. If you were the teacher, which verbs would you review with the children once again?
Test yourself!
- Describe TPR in your own words, and without saying what it stands for.
- How can you use TPR for larger chunks and expressions and not just single words?
- If you use it for words, with which sorts of words does TPR work best?
- How can you use TPR for assessment?
- How can you use TPR with 6th graders?
- What is the difference between TPR, brain breaks, kinaesthetic activities and embodiment?