TPR (total physical response) is a method used to teach a second language with physical body movements andoral speaking.
In principle, the teacher would say basic sentences along with a physical body action for each sentence and through a process of slow repetition, the pupils will then join in with the actions. When the actions are beginning to be remembered by the pupils, speaking the sentences can then be introduced. It is used in groups so that everyone has the confidence to speak and there is a safety net for them in that if pupils can't remember what the action or sentence was, they can copy from someone else in the group.
In principle, the teacher would say basic sentences along with a physical body action for each sentence and through a process of slow repetition, the pupils will then join in with the actions. When the actions are beginning to be remembered by the pupils, speaking the sentences can then be introduced. It is used in groups so that everyone has the confidence to speak and there is a safety net for them in that if pupils can't remember what the action or sentence was, they can copy from someone else in the group.
A basic example:
'Stand up'
'Sit down'
'Walk to the table'
'Sit on the table'
All of these basic sentences can fit with an action, but there are many other subjects that can be adapted to the method.
TPRS (total proficiency through reading and storytelling) is what appears to be a higher level of TPR in that it can expand language acquisition by creating a story. TPRS is more visual in that words are displayed and through repetition of reading those words, questions can be created - 'circling'.
Here is an example of TPRS and circling:
The topic is; A girl eats a sandwich,
through creating questions about this subject you must change;
the noun - Sarah, the verb - eat and the subject - sandwich.
Did a girl eat a sandwich? Yes
Did a girl eat a sandwich or did a boy eat a sandwich? A girl ate a sandwich
Did a man eat a sandwich? No
Who ate a sandwich? Sarah ate a sandwich
This is then repeated changing the verb and the subject.
By circling, it builds on acquiring the language through repetition, by constantly adding new vocabulary but staying with the same story, It is again through a group response, so it is a stress free learning process.
The big questions:
Would you see these to be effective methods in the classroom? Repetitive and boring? Exciting and engaging?
Or is learning a language all down to the teacher who teaches you?
