ELL Toolbox
A Resource for Educators of English Learners
Fall 2015
Strategy of the Quarter
Total Physical Response
Total Physical Response (TPR) is the systematic use of actions with words, so students acquire vocabulary terms. TPR is different than gestures, because TPR is the systematic use of specific actions.
In traditional language classrooms, TPR is used with newcomers or students new to a language. The teacher teaches the vocabulary term through the use of actions. The teacher says "stand up" while standing up or "sit down" while sitting down. The newcomers respond by following the command through a physical response --- standing up or sitting down. As students become comfortable with the language, they add verbal responses to their actions. TPR is a language strategy that has stood the test of time and continues to be used in language classrooms.
Why is TPR often only utilized in language classrooms? Why not bring TPR into science, math, or history classes? This tip will explain how to implement TPR in your class.
How do I implement TPR?
1. Determine vocabulary word (or words) and teach them to your students
- Students need to understand the vocabulary term, so they can create meaningful actions.
- Have students create TPR actions for a vocabulary word (or words)
- Can't think of an action for a specific word? Click here to learn American Sign Language at the Signing Savvy dictionary (with videos). Learning about landforms? Find ASL words for lake, island, river, valley, and mountains.
3. Practice the vocabulary word and TPR action together. You may even create some chants or songs to go with the TPR actions.
- Click here to see a class perform their TPR actions with Elements of a Narrative.
- Click here to see a class performing their TPR actions for social studies.
Why Implement TPR?
Students need to comprehend both the language and the content in order to development the academic language necessary to succeed in the classroom. TPR is one strategy to use, so students comprehend the complex language of your content area. As you implement TPR, you'll notice it is a fun and engaging strategy for students to use while acquiring and developing the language necessary to succeed in your classroom.
References
Asher, James J. 1969(a). The total physical response approach in second language learning. The Modern Language Journal, Volume LIII, No. 1, January, 4 - 18.
Click here for the link to the original article.
Asher, J. (2009, May). The Total Physical Response (TPR): Review of the evidence.
CESA 6 Language and Culture Center. "ELL Teaching Tip: Total Physical Response." Message to the author. 23 Mar. 2015. E-mail.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
ACCESS 2.0 Testing
ACCESS for ELLs (Assessing Comprehension and Communication in English State-to-State for English Language Learners) is a secure large-scale English language proficiency assessment given to Kindergarten through 12th graders who have been identified as English language learners (ELLs).
NEW THIS YEAR: ACCESS 2.0 is the new computer-based version of this test. In order to give students a chance to get comfortable with the online format, they will be pulled for a practice session before the actual test. Keep an eye out for notifications of when your ELL students will be pulled from class to complete their practice and their testing. This annual test starts on Monday, December 7th, 2015. ACCESS 2.0 score results will be received by May 2016.
Did You Know?
Native Languages in the District
Amharic
Czech
Hmong
Italian
Konkani
Lithuanian
Mandarin
Portuguese
Punjabi
Russian
Spanish
Swedish
Ukrainian
Vietnamese
Michelle Garcia
Cedarburg School District
Email: mgarcia@cedarburg.k12.wi.us
Phone: 262-376-6301
Previous Editions
- Spring 2015: Chunk and Chew
- Winter 2015: Building Background Knowledge, BrainPop
- Fall 2014: Differentiating Instruction and Assessment, Classify
- Summer 2014: Math Visual Vocabulary Cards, Comp. Input
- Spring 2014: English Language Proficiency, Lang. Adventures
- Winter 2014: Sentence Starters, Word Banks, CAN-DOs
- Fall 2013: Questioning, Language Levels, Bitsboard