So...

Will you use TPR in you lessons?

How to use the classical TPR

It is used for the secong language learning, parallel to first language learning and it should reflect the same naturalistic processes. It is based on the way children acquire their mother tongue. Action and tangibility make learning easy, fun and clear and, as it uses more senses, it has a better retrieval in the long run. It also has a long term recall because it uses muscle learning.

- You have to give commands, such as 'stand up' using the imperative form
- Every word has to be attached to physical action
- No translation can be used
- Listening before speaking
- Students don't speak in the beginning, they just act
- In the second part they can also repeat

TPR is not only used in Language, it can also be used for Mathematics, Music, Biology... all you have to do is come up with a good idea to use it. 

Multiple Intelligences

Everybody has a different way of thinking and learning, everyone is unique. It is called Multiple Intelligences and there are supposed to be 8:

1. Verbal-linguistic

2. Logical-mathematical

3. Visual-spatial

4. Bodily-kinesthetic

5. Musical-rythmic

6. Interpersonal

7. Intrapersonal

8. Naturalistic

Click here to find more information!

But not everyone has just one, we all have our own unique combination of intelligences. It can be a very positive aspect but it also can be a problem. That's because when a teacher does an activity, some children may not understand the subject because of the way it is done, while other would like it very much and would be very useful for them. 

But when a pupil is learning with TPR, he uses 4 of the intelligences: verbal-linguistic, visual-spatial, bodily-kinesthetic and interpersonal. It means that there is a lot of possibilities that the pupil feels confortable with that way of learning and that he can really learn without many difficulties. 

What is TPR?

For those who don't know it yet, TPR (Total Physical Response) is a method developed by James Asher to help people learn a second language. It is based on how children learn their first language, they just listen, watch and repeat what they hear and this is what TPR is about. So it means that comprehension comes fisrt and then you can produce what you have learnt. To be short, students respond to commands that require physical movement.


-> TPR in Wikipedia