TPR.

Total Physical
Response Approach
and Activities in the
Language Classroom.

Luisa M Palacios Maroto

Carlos Snchez Garrido.
Elena Moreno Fuentes
 Definition
TPR is an approach to
teaching a Second Language
based on listening and linked
to physical actions which are
designed to reinforce
comprehension of particular
basic items.
 Introduction. He wondered why
so many people had
The origins problems learning a
Second Language.
Dr. James J. Asher
developed for first
time the Total
Physical Response
(TPR) approach.
 WHY?

The answer is related to the methodology

used and the stress produced by the
process of learning the L2.
 The
solution!

Creation of a stress-free approach

in L2 enviroment which was
similar to L1 learning.
In L1, very young learners respond
physically to parents commands.
Ashers results
Effective for TPR works because
children and adults. it is an excellent way
of providing students
Used in several with
languages. comprenhensible
input.
Improvement of
listening skills. The teachers
movement provides
Higher effectiveness the background
knowledge that makes
than on traditional the command more
based programmes understandable.
in initial steps.
 LEFT SIDE RIGHT SIDE

Act
Brain
Analize
lateralization
Draw
Critisize
Games
Discuss
Gestures
Explain
Metaphor
Talk
Physical
Tell movement
 Brain Switching

Techiques that allow students to switch both

sides of the brain
New materials are internalized in the right side
of the brain through TPR activities. Part related
to physical movement.
Verbal exercices of speaking, reading and
writing allow the student to switch and use both
sides of the brain.
 Myths
* TPR only work with beginning
students.
*Adults results with TPR outperfom
children, but children acquire nearly
native-like pronuntiation.
* TPR is only limited to the imperative.
Although imperative it is the golden
tense, TPR can deal with other
grammatical features.
* TPR is only limited to beginning students.
This strategy facilitates the acquisition of
vocabulary in all stages.
 TPR Characteristics
Bringing language to life.

Facilitator.

Instant understanding of the target

language.

Long- term retention.

Stress-free.
 Types of TPR activities
TPR-B:
TPR-B TPR with body. Everything
that can be done with body
movement: stand up, sit down
TPR-O:
TPR-O TPR with objects. Sitting
on a table that has some objects:
show me, give me
TPR-P:
TPR-P TPR with pictures
Flashcards
TPRS.
TPRS TPR story telling.
 Roles in the activities
Learner Teacher Material

Listener Instructor Activities should be

Performer Decider supported by visual
Work individually & Organizer and materials in some
cases
collectively preparation of
activities Use of common
Little influence in the
Creator of the objects, realia, charts
content
Little production detailed lesson
Self monitoring planned
Director of turn
Self assesment
taking and
Krashens Silent
interaction
Period
Feedback provider
Tolerant for errors
 TPR and Language skills
Listening: Main skill trained.

Writing: some writing (of useful

information chunks) is included without
noticing.

Speaking: it may appear either in a

spontaneous way or being deliberately
introduced through TPR- S.
 PROS. & CONS.
Students Teachers dont
like it because
acquire good usually doesnt
pronuntiation happend what
they expected
Learnt things
Students are
will be in Long not aware of
Term Memory their learning
process
TPR Example
The jungle
T w i ste r
All my loving
Give me five!
If you are happy
Hankerchief
Mime
A was an Apple Pie
 Conclusion
TPR activities can be used in all
stages.
TPR activities are the best way to
acquire vocabulary and commands.
commands
They facilitate quick memorization.
memorization
They are funny.
funny
They are easy to prepare,
prepare depending
on the activity.
 Conclusion
There are no boundaries between TPR
and game-like activities.
Highly-motivating.
Total involvement on the part of the
teacher.
teacher
Inmediate feedback.
feedback
 All my Give me If youre A was an App
Name of activity Basic TPR The Jungle Twister Handkerchief Mime
Loving five ! happy pie

Listening &
Listening, Reading, Reading,
Skills practise d Listening Listening Little Listening, Listening Reading
little writing listening Listening
Reading

Low Upper-
Level of activity Beginner Beginner Beginner Beginner Beginner Begginer Advanced
Intermediate Intermediate

Communication:

- Information gap

- Choice

- feedback

Preparation Time Low Medium High Medium Low High High Medium High

Funny,
Topic
repetition of
Comments introducer, Interaction
sounds (little
motivating, fun.
speaking)

Realisation Time 5 min 15 min. 15-20 min. 5 min 5 min. 5 min 15 min. 20-25 min 15 min.

learnt / revised Animals, Body parts, Pronunciatio

Actions Verbs Actions Vocabulary Vocabulary
things commands colours , vovabulary

Appropriate
(Would you use
it?)
 o u r
r y
s f o n d
n k n a
h a i o n !
T tent atio
at ticip
p a r