Total Physical Response

DEFINITION
• It is a method of teaching language by using physical movement
to react to verbal input in order to reduce the student`s
inhibitions and the stress.
• It was developed by Dr. James Asher in 1960. A professor of
psychology .
• He based on the dropout rate of second language students.
A typical TPR activity might contain instructions such as:
"Walk to the door",
"Open the door",
"Sit down" and "Give Maria your dictionary".
 Example
Use of imperatives
Teacher: Rachel, walk to the blackboard
Teacher asks: class, if Rachel walked to the blackboard, stand up.
Rachel, write your name on the whiteboard
Class, if Rachel wrote her name on the whiteboard, sit down.
 CHARACTERISTICS
• It is built around the coordination of speech and action; it
attempts to teach language through physical (motor) activity.
• 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.
• Students’ actions are observed as a form of evaluation.
• Games, skits, and other fun-filled activities are given
 Action Games
Why do we use games?

What are the criteria for choosing games?

It should be relevant linguistically
Everyone should be able to participate
It should be fun.