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How to Teach with Total Physical Response

originated by:Elecstorm83, Flickety, Maluniu, Lillian May (see all)

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Total Physical Response is largely about movement. This works with students of all ages, but especially with the K-12 schooling system. By physically moving to learn verbs and even nouns, learning increases and stress decreases.

edit Steps

  1. 1
    Start with verbs
  2. 2
    Have the students see you do the response, ex. "swim" (use both hands and do something general like a butterfly or freestroke in the air).
  3. 3
    point to a student, usually at the side of the room and say "nadar" (Sp. to swim)
  4. 4
    immediately point to another student next to them, saying "nadar" and having them act it out as well. Wait for slight laughter if this is the first day you are using TPR.
  5. 5
    Move to the other side of the room. Point to the student and have them act out "nadar"
  6. 6
    Continue, addressing the center of the room last.
  7. 7
    Applying this with expressive nouns like "encampment" may be hard. Let the students use their imagination! This also takes stress down as students figure out a way to act out "encampment". A chalkboard may be used at this point (especially for nouns).

edit Tips

  • Say si or no (yes and no) immediately, but not too authoritatively. Since this classroom is going to be based on physical compliance, everyone is right. There is no wrong, but it may take a little bit of time to find the "book answer" (ex. ojala que, subjunctive nouns, etc.) Let the students decide!
  • This system works especially to eliminate stress. The first two weeks can be very stressful, especially if the Grammar Translation Method or a method with large amounts of memorization that kinesthetic/manual, and even verbal learners may find overly challenging.
  • have fun! Stretching before using TPR may be recommended if alot of verbs are to be used.
  • Have fun!

edit Warnings

  • Space is needed for moving of arms and legs with some of the verbs.

edit Things You'll Need

  • Just yourself and students!

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Last edited:
March 17, 2009 by WikiV

Categories:
Teacher Resources

Recent edits by: Lillian May, Maluniu, Flickety (see all)

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