What is TPR and how to use it?

TPR stands for total physical response. Its a method of teaching that associates words with gestures to help students remember key vocabulary. TPR is a great way to bring a boring sentence to life.

Does TPR work?

Yes. TPR is very useful in the classroom as students can remember full sentences by just giving gestures as hints. Children love chanting while doing actions which is why it works as a class calmer too. Simply do an action and say a phrase. The students will eventually catch on.

How do you start using TPR

There are many ways to gesture but some just work better then others. Let's just list the good ones:

Clap

Stomp

Wave

Jump

Thumbs up

Signal okay

Hands on knees

Hold out your index finger

Roll your fists and arms

Touch your head

Touch your heart

Point

Open hands

Hands together

Firsts together

Fingers crossed

Cross arms

Example 1:

Sentence: I like apples.

TPR: I (touch your heart) like (thumbs up) apples (hands together).

Example 2:

Sentence: I have a dress

TPR: I (touch your heart) have (hands on knees) a (clap) jacket (cross arms).