Total physical

response
Alejandra Sologaistoa
Gabriela Vallecillo
Sofa Morn

Background
James Asher
Asher noted that interactions children have with adults ,
combine physical and verbal aspects, so the child
responds physically to the speech of the parent
the child responds to what parents tell them and thus
reinforce the answers through a longer dialogue
This creates a positive feedback loop between the
parents speech and the childs.

What is TPR?
Is a language teaching method built around the
coordination of speech and action.
It attempts to teach language through physical motor
activities.

Characteristics
Teachers give the command and the students do or follow it.
Games, skits, and other fun-filled activities are given.
There is an interaction between the student and the teacher or
between the student and another student with the assistance of the
teacher.
Oral communication is given emphasis.
The actions executed by the students can determine if the meaning of
the vocabulary, phrase, or sentence in the target language is correct.
Committing errors is expected from the students especially when they
begin to speak.
Students actions are observed as a form of evaluation.

Students Role
Learners in Total Physical Response have the primary
roles of listener and performer.
They listen attentively and respond physically to com
mands given by the teacher.
They are encouraged to speak when they feel ready to
speak - that is, when a sufficient basis in the language
has been internalized.

Teachers role
The teacher decides what to teach, who models and
presents the new materials, and who selects supporting
materials for classroom use.
The teacher is encouraged to be well prepared and well
organized.
Classroom interaction and turn taking is teacher rather
than learner directed. Even when learners interact with
other learners it is usually the teacher who initiates the
interaction.

Advantages
It is fun and easy
It does not require a great deal of preparation on the
part of the teacher.
It is a good tool for learning vocabulary.
Class size does not need to be a problem.
There is no age barrier.

Disadvantages
It is not a very creative method. Students are not given
the opportunity to express their own views and thoughts
in a creative way.
It is easy to overuse TPR.
It is limited, since everything cannot be explained with
this method. It must be combined with other
approaches.

Activities
TPR Storytelling Session
Simon Says with a Twist
TPR Theater
Songs