WHY and HOW to use Total Physical Response (TPR) in your language classroom

What is TPR?

TPR stands for Total Physical Response and is a teaching method developed by Dr. James Asher in the 1960s.

Fundamental to the method are the principles of Language Acquisition combined with the concept that movement is closely associated with language learning.

Asher noted that when children are learning to speak, movement is intrinsic to their language development. Picture a parent throwing their child up in the air whilst calling ‘up and down’ or the instruction ‘let’s feed the ducks some bread’ as the child completes the action: a connection is formed between words and actions. In a similar way, Asher hypothesised that second language learning is more effective when movement is incorporated into the learning process.

WHY use TPR in the language classroom?

1. Movement activates memory

In addition to Asher’s research, many other studies have found that physical activity stimulates areas of the brain which lead to greater processing and activation of the memory. Consider how much easier it is to think when on the go (eg. walking, swimming, running). The same is true in the language classroom - memory is activated when movement is involved.

2. TPR is inclusive of all learners

Another big advantage of using TPR in the classroom is that it engages all learners: mixed abilities, students with additional learning needs and a wide range of learning preferences.

Often, the students who struggle to ‘sit still and listen’ are those who learn through being active, and so this method helps to engage them by asking them to use their bodies.

It is particularly beneficial for kinaesthetic and visual learners as well, as it promotes association through actions and symbols.

3. Using movement significantly reduces stress

We know that stress can impair learning and memory processes, and so using movement in class is a great way to create a relaxed and fun atmosphere that removes the barriers that can hinder learning.

By modeling actions to students first, instead of requiring them to use new language immediately, they are given a low-pressure environment to try out new words and develop associations and meanings.

4. Activities do not require much preparation

Unlike many other teaching methods or techniques, incorporating TPR into your class isn’t difficult if you have a few ideas up your sleeve. To get you started, here are some suggestions…

How to use TPR in the classroom

For teaching vocabulary:

• The most obvious time to use TPR in the classroom is when teaching action verbs/imperatives. Have students act out the word they are learning! Write the word on the board and have everyone act it out together. Later on you can test them to see if they can remember it.

• This can also be done with other word classes, eg. nouns, adjectives, adverbs, prepositions. Students may need to think a little more creatively, but coming up with an associated action for a new word can help to cement it in their minds.

For teaching classroom instructions:

• For lower levels who are learning classroom instruction language such as ‘open your books’, you can turn this into a fun game (see game suggestions below).

When asking students to respond to questions:

• A great way to incorporate movement into the classroom is by having students respond to questions with their bodies. For example, when discussing opinions students can indicate their view by moving to a certain side of the room.

• For more of a nuanced debate, you can create an imaginary ‘continuum’ in the room, with one side being ‘strongly agree’ and the other side being ‘strongly disagree’ and students have to choose where they fit into this spectrum.

For testing listening skills:

• Read a text and ask students to stand up (or sit down) every time they hear an adjective, or a word with a certain sound in it. Depending on your students’ ages, you can make fun variations of this, such as ‘turn around’, ‘run to the other side of the room’, etc.

Game suggestions for using TPR:

• The ultimate TPR classic - Simon Says! (Students should only complete an action if ‘Simon Says’ so first).

• Scavenger hunt, eg. ‘Find me an object that’s…’

• Circle game: Have students stand in a circle, then call out the new vocabulary. Students must act out the associated action, and the person who is the slowest is out! They could then become the ‘monitor’. Keep going until one person is left!

• Storytelling: read a story and ask students to act out the narrative.

Total Physical Response is an excellent way to incorporate movement into your language classroom, prompting learning and creating a fun atmosphere. It is a low pressure activity that involves all students, and particularly supports those with a kinaesthetic or visual streak! Have a go at the suggestions above, and let us know how you get on!