If you’re teaching students who are still developing English skills—or who simply learn best by doing—Total Physical Response (TPR) can be a game-changer in your classroom. This research-backed strategy uses movement, gestures, and music to help students internalize language before they’re ready to speak it out loud.
Whether you’re brand-new to TPR or just looking for a fresh start, here are some quick tips and favorite activity ideas to get you moving
What is TPR?
Total Physical Response is a teaching method that connects language and physical movement. Instead of asking students to repeat or say a word right away, you first ask them to show understanding with an action—like pointing, standing, clapping, or making a motion.
Why TPR Works
Young learners (and especially ELLs) often go through a silent period where they understand language long before they can speak it. TPR gives them a safe, joyful way to show what they know—without the pressure of talking.
Quick Tips to Get Started
- Start simple: Use common classroom commands like “stand up,” “sit down,” and “point to the door.”
- Be consistent: Pair the same motion with the same word/phrase every time.
- Use your whole body: The more sensory the experience, the better!
- Model first: Do the motion yourself as you say the word. Then invite students to join in.
- Go visual: Add picture cues or props when possible.
- Sing it out: Songs and chants with motions boost memory and engagement.
5 Easy TPR Activities You Can Use Tomorrow
- Follow the Leader – Vocabulary Edition:
Say a word (e.g., “jump”), and do the motion. Then call on a student to lead. Great for action verbs or story retelling! - Simon Says – ELL Style:
Perfect for practicing classroom commands or parts of the body. - TPR Storytelling:
Tell a short story or read a book aloud. Teach students a motion for key words and have them act it out as they hear them. - Picture Match + Motion:
Show three images (e.g., apple, banana, orange). Say a word, and ask students to point or gesture the right one. - Routine Reinforcement:
Use motions as cues during daily routines—lining up, cleaning up, washing hands, etc.
Don’t Forget to Assess
You can track understanding even when students aren’t yet verbal. With tools like ESGI, teachers can use one-on-one, picture-based assessments that align with their TPR routines. Whether students respond by pointing, nodding, or acting it out, ESGI makes it easy to record progress, monitor growth, and plan small groups with just a few clicks.
With a few motions, a little music, and the magic of TPR, you can spark confidence, comprehension, and joy—all without saying a word.
Want to learn more?
Watch our on-demand Webinar with Whitney Ramirez on engaging young ELLs with TPR!
About ESGI
ESGI simplifies foundational skill tracking, individualizes instruction, and streamlines data reporting with customizable tools and real-time insights to help educators support every student’s success.
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