Total Physical Response (TPR) is a method of teaching language or vocabulary concepts by using physical movement to react to verbal input. TPR was created by American psychologist Dr. James Asher and is based on the experience of how humans learn their first language. The purpose of TPR is to create a brain link between speech and action to boost language and vocabulary learning. TPR is applied by ESL teachers around the world, both in the actual and the virtual classroom.
TPR works well when teaching vocabulary, particularly verbs. It is also great for introverted students, as no one is called upon individually. Kinaesthetic learners (who respond well to physical activities) and visual learners (who learn best with visual cues) will get a lot out of TPR. TPR emphasizes the use of physical activity for increasing meaningful learning opportunities and language retention.
Here are some examples of TPR activities:
- Songs and nursery rhymes: These provide excellent TPR potential.
- Simon Says: The classic TPR game.
- Circle games: The teacher says and performs an action which students repeat. The last student to react is out.
It may not be appropriate to use TPR with more advanced students; it works best for lower-level vocabulary. If you are teaching older, more advanced students, you may need to use another method.
