Strategy # 14

Non-linguistic
Total Physical Response
Basics:
Time Allotted 5-10 minutes
Room Arrangement Students may move desk to create a small amount of standing
space
Materials Vocabulary words posted on board; corresponding item to
term/concept (optional)
Process Directions:
1. Identify critical terms or concepts to target.
2. Create actions that students can perform to correspond to each term/concept.
3. Teacher models the actions during instruction when using specific terms or concepts.
4. Students are instructed to repeat the action and word after the teacher.
5. Instruct students to repeat the action while saying the term several times
6. Consistently utilize the action when using the term/concept throughout the entire lesson
and unit.
When:
During/after instruction
Students are lacking energy.
Visual or Kinesthetic learners in the class
ELLs in the classroom.
Example:
When learning about parabolas, I can teach the class the shape of the graph by putting my
arms up in the shape of a U and have them repeat after me.
Source: Asher, J. (1969). The total physical response technique of learning. (253-262,
Ed.) Journal of Special Education, 3(3)