Whether you’re a seasoned pro or an aspiring teacher, teaching English online is a rewarding way to earn an income and help EFL students improve their English. But for teachers who work with young learners or first-time English students, teaching a new language through a computer screen can be a challenge.
That’s where key teaching strategies can come in handy. One of the most useful strategies an online English teacher can use is TPR. TPR helps online teachers better connect with students and boost their ability to learn new words and master meanings quickly.
TPR in online teaching also provides the tools needed for classroom management and student engagement. It also happens to be a key requirement that English companies look for in an interview demo lesson.
Are you wondering right now what is TPR? We’ll lay it all out for you.
What is TPR?
TPR stands for Total Physical Response and is a way of teaching language that uses both verbal communication and physical body movement. The technique was developed by Dr. James Asher, a professor from San Jose State University, in the 1970s. He observed that young learners could comprehend language before speech and often responded with physical movement.
Today, online English teachers can mimic the natural way children pick up languages in their online classrooms by eliciting similar responses. When a teacher uses body movements to show the meaning of the word, students with little English begin to associate a word with a physical action. The coupling of actions and speech naturally makes learning easier.
A few TPR examples include facial expressions, body language, gestures, or physical props. Total physical response is a strategy that tends to work best for action related words and is also an effective way to keep your students energized and focused in class.
Here are some TPR lesson ideas:
- Introduction to words. TPR is great for introducing new vocabulary and should be first demonstrated and then repeated by the student. For example, introducing words for feelings can be shown with exaggerated facial expressions.
- Simon Says. With a game like Simon Says, you can help students learn commands and various actions while getting them moving and having fun.
- TPR storytelling. TPR storytelling, or acting out actions while speaking, is another fun way to get students to use vocabulary with body movements. A lesson topic that works well with TPR storytelling is everyday task phrases like “brushing my teeth”, “eating lunch”, “getting dressed”, etc.
- Charades. Charades is another TPR lesson example that can teach vocab for sports, weather, and almost any action.
Why is TPR important for online teaching?
TPR is essential for successful online teachers.
Body movement and speech are innately linked in our brains. So, by using TPR in online teaching, you are delivering language in a way that young minds can best understand.
Especially in a virtual classroom where teachers are confined to a small square, using motion with new words can help visual, audio, and kinetic learners even without the resources and space of a traditional classroom.
TPR can also keep students attentive and focused, which is especially important when teaching English online. Kids naturally have a hard time sitting still for long periods of time, especially in a lesson that’s screen to screen. By using lessons that incorporate dancing, acting, or gesturing, students are more likely to be entertained and stay happily on task while learning.
When & how to use TPR as an online teacher
Total physical response is a teaching strategy that is best used when teaching new vocabulary or phrases that are connected to actions. It’s a method that can easily be combined with other teaching strategies, as well as with effective classroom management. Here are a few more TPR lesson ideas and tips to help you in your virtual classroom.
1. TPR is key for classroom commands.
Also known as instructional TPR, these gestures demonstrate what you want the student to do during a lesson. Teachers can use this type of gesture in every online teaching lesson. Some classroom TPR examples include:
- Cupping your ear to show that you’re listening and want them to speak.
- Pointing to your mouth when talking to show that they should listen carefully.
- Using your finger to draw a circle in the air or mimicking a clicking motion to explain what they should do on the screen.
- Pointing at the student if they don’t understand that it’s their turn to do something.
2. TPR can help teach new vocabulary and lesson material.
At the beginning of a new lesson, TPR is an essential tool to help students learn the meaning of new words—especially when it’s the first time a student has heard them. With TPR, teachers can demonstrate the word through speech and movement. It’s also critical to have the student repeat it many times, because repetition is key to learning and understanding.
READ MORE: How to Make Money Teaching English Online
3. It’s also important when teaching phonics and pronunciation.
One of the most challenging aspects of learning a new language is the pronunciation of unknown sounds. You can articulate how to produce these sounds with TPR or exaggerated movements to show your student how it’s done. A great tip is to get close to the camera, point to your mouth, and slowly emphasize mouth movements and shapes. Have the student repeat, and exaggerate the motion for muscle memory.
4. Be consistent with your TPR.
Keep your students’ word-to-gesture associations in mind.
When using TPR, it’s also essential to stay consistent with your gestures. You don’t want to drastically change movements from what you first presented to your student. With TPR, students learn to associate certain gestures with specific words, and any drastic changes can be confusing.
This is especially important when it comes to your instructional or classroom TPR. Always use the same motion when you ask the student to perform a specific task. Consistency ensures students understand what’s expected of them and can complete the task confidently.
5. TPR is beneficial for both young and older learners.
TPR is often cited as working best for young students; however, it shouldn’t be completely neglected as a tool for adults. TPR can help demonstrate the meaning of a new word, especially for students with a very minimal base, regardless of age.
For example, an adult may not love the idea of playing Simon Says, but using motions while presenting new words can help teach the definition. Teachers should be sure to tailor the amount and type of TPR to the specific learning style, needs, and age of students.
READ MORE: A Day in the Life of an Online English Teacher
6. Remember to smile and be energetic!
Staying upbeat and happy while using TPR and teaching English online is very important for student engagement. The best thing an online teacher can do is practice TPR with a big smile.
In a traditional classroom, students have more visual cues like full-body gestures, interactions with other students, and facial expressions. However, in an online classroom, they can only see your face. A big smile can help students stay happy and confident during their lessons, and feel encouraged to continue learning.
While TPR should be energetic, it’s not helpful to gesture too wildly or too quickly. It may distract or confuse the student. There’s a fine line between energetic and too frantic.
Kick up your online teaching game with TPR!
Your students will thank you for it.
While teaching English online has provided beneficial opportunities for teachers and students around the world, it presents the unique challenge of connecting virtually. With only a computer or phone screen in front of you and a limited set of props, your body gestures and facial expressions are an invaluable teaching tool.
With TPR, you can find success as an online English teacher and ensure that your style of teaching is engaging, active, and conducive to learning.
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