What is total physical response (TPR)

TPR, or Total Physical Response, is a teaching method particularly effective in primary language instruction that involves physical movement to help students understand and retain new vocabulary and concepts. Developed by Dr. James J. Asher, this approach is based on the coordination of language and physical movement, essentially allowing students to act out words and phrases as they learn them. This multisensory approach taps into kinesthetic learning styles, making language acquisition more interactive and engaging, especially for young learners who often thrive in active learning environments. By encouraging students to physically respond to verbal commands in the target language, TPR helps in building comprehension and fluency without the anxiety of having to produce language independently, fostering a more natural and enjoyable learning experience.