How do you explain the meaning of verbs to learners who understand little
or no English? Sometimes your body can be your best teaching tool.
Actions speak louder than words.
Consider trying out a method called Total Physical Response (TPR). Using this technique, learners acquire new vocabulary by listening to and carrying out spoken commands. The tutor models commands and repeats and reviews them until the learners can carry them out with little to no difficulty. This can be a great way to introduce everything from basic to complex verbal commands.
So how does it work exactly?
First choose a group of basic commands that you want to teach your learner. Make sure that the actions are all related to each other and would normally be used in the same setting. For example, stand up, sit down, walk, and turn around.
Try not to introduce more than 4-6 new commands per lesson.
Every TPR activity follows four basic steps:
If your learner hesitates or still seems unsure of what you're asking them to do, model the action for them again as you say the command. Do this as many times as necessary.
Thoroughly review each command before you move on. Before you tell your learner to sit down, make sure he or she understands what you mean when you say stand up! Once your learner understands the first command you can move on to the next. Repeat these steps for each new command you teach. When you feel confident that your learner has gotten a good handle on each command, review them all in random order.
Make sure to go slowly. You want your learners to feel relaxed and comfortable with the activity rather than confused and tense because you're going too quickly. And keep the exercise personal--use your learner's name when you give each command. Be supportive and ready to help out in any way. Remember that you're not testing, you're teaching.
Another important concept to remember when using TPR is that the learner is not required to speak. It's all about the action. TPR eliminates the pressure for learners to speak and pronounce new words so they can focus on meaning and comprehension.
For advanced learners, here are ways to expand on the method:
Prepare cards with the command written on them each time you introduce a new command and use them to teach the words for a small group of objects. Or, apply the technique to a more specific task like washing the dishes, addressing an envelope, or any other task your learner might encounter in his or her everyday life.
To see TPR in action take a look at this video: Total Physical Response
TPR is a great way to shake up your lessons while teaching your learners valuable phrases that they'll use everyday.
So set those books aside and get moving!
Happy tutoring,
Catherine
ENGLISH AT LARGE
Literacy and Learning for Life
Join the conversation
Actions speak louder than words.
Consider trying out a method called Total Physical Response (TPR). Using this technique, learners acquire new vocabulary by listening to and carrying out spoken commands. The tutor models commands and repeats and reviews them until the learners can carry them out with little to no difficulty. This can be a great way to introduce everything from basic to complex verbal commands.
So how does it work exactly?
First choose a group of basic commands that you want to teach your learner. Make sure that the actions are all related to each other and would normally be used in the same setting. For example, stand up, sit down, walk, and turn around.
Try not to introduce more than 4-6 new commands per lesson.
Every TPR activity follows four basic steps:
1. Do the action as you give the new command.
Model the action for your learner. Say "stand up" while you stand up, and use gestures and facial expressions to make sure he or she understands what you want him or her to do.
2. Do the action with the learner as you give the command.
Repeat "stand up" as you stand up, but this time have the learner stand up with you. Do this several times and make sure to repeat the phrase each time you do the action.
3. Give the command without doing the action yourself.
This time, say "stand up" but remain seated yourself.
4. Do the action again if the learner has difficulty carrying out the command.
If your learner hesitates or still seems unsure of what you're asking them to do, model the action for them again as you say the command. Do this as many times as necessary.
Make sure to go slowly. You want your learners to feel relaxed and comfortable with the activity rather than confused and tense because you're going too quickly. And keep the exercise personal--use your learner's name when you give each command. Be supportive and ready to help out in any way. Remember that you're not testing, you're teaching.
Another important concept to remember when using TPR is that the learner is not required to speak. It's all about the action. TPR eliminates the pressure for learners to speak and pronounce new words so they can focus on meaning and comprehension.
For advanced learners, here are ways to expand on the method:
Prepare cards with the command written on them each time you introduce a new command and use them to teach the words for a small group of objects. Or, apply the technique to a more specific task like washing the dishes, addressing an envelope, or any other task your learner might encounter in his or her everyday life.
To see TPR in action take a look at this video: Total Physical Response
TPR is a great way to shake up your lessons while teaching your learners valuable phrases that they'll use everyday.
So set those books aside and get moving!
Happy tutoring,
Catherine
Catherine Sigmond
Project Assistant, English at Large
MA Candidate, Tufts University, Department of Education
ENGLISH AT LARGE
Literacy and Learning for Life
Join the conversation
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