The Application of TPR in Primary School English Teaching

Abstract

Initiated by James Asher in 1960s, based on memory trace theory, humanistic psychology and children’s first language acquisition, total physical response is a language teaching method built around the coordination of speech and act. The main teaching actions are to issue commands by teachers and to respond by children. A TPR class has its features: (1) Teachers and children play different roles; (2) Much application of imperative; (3) Mistakes and errors can be tolerated. Teachers should try to engage children’s bodies, senses and imagination in a TPR class. TPR is good for English learning and teaching. The application of TPR will create a safe learning environment for children, activate their learning interest. However, it’s not perfect. It is not suitable for all contents and all ages, and sometimes it may cause disciplinary problems.