Dear teachers,
Welcome to the first ESL Insider in 2025. We were inspired by some of the lessons of our amazing teachers and decided to go back to basics and remind you of the importance of TPR with your young learners.
Total Physical Response (TPR) is a powerful method for teaching English, particularly in online lessons. Teachers can enhance student comprehension, engagement, and retention by incorporating physical gestures, facial expressions, and movement. This guide explores how to use TPR effectively to improve communication and maximize Student Talking Time (STT).
Why Use TPR in Online Lessons?
Enhances Understanding – Physical actions help students grasp meaning without relying on their first language.
Reduces Teacher Talking Time (TTT) – Instead of lengthy explanations, a simple gesture can clarify instructions.
Increases Student Engagement – Movement makes lessons interactive and fun, maintaining students’ attention.
Supports Different Learning Styles – Especially beneficial for kinesthetic and visual learners.
Encourages Speaking – Clear physical cues boost student confidence in responding.
How to Use TPR Effectively
1️⃣ Giving Clear Instructions
Use gestures to reinforce verbal instructions, making it easier for students to follow.
Listen 👂 – Point to your ear.
Look 👀 – Point to your eyes.
Speak 🗣️ – Cup your hand near your mouth.
Repeat 🔁 – Make a circular motion with your hand.
Write ✍️ – Mimic writing with your hand.
Turn the page 📖 – Pretend to flip a page.
Thinking 🤔 – Tap your forehead with your index finger.
Well Done 👏 – Clap your hands a few times.
Surprised 😲 – Place both hands on your cheeks with wide eyes.
Celebrate 🎉 – Raise both arms in the air and cheer.
Strong 💪 – Flex your biceps with clenched fists.
Hello 👋 – Wave your hand in a friendly gesture.
Good 👍 – Show a thumbs-up.
Okay 👌 – Form an "O" with your index finger and thumb.
📢 Reminder: We have a great feature that helps give instructions without verbalizing—Classroom Stickers! 🎨✨ These stickers can visually reinforce directions and keep students engaged.
2️⃣ Teaching New Vocabulary
Pairing gestures with words makes vocabulary more memorable.
Actions: Act out verbs (jump, run, wave).
Objects: Pretend to use or hold an object (drink for a cup, type for a keyboard).
Emotions: Use exaggerated facial expressions (happy, sad, surprised).
Animals: Mimic their movement (flap arms for bird, hop for rabbit).
3️⃣ Managing Classroom Energy
TPR is an effective way to adjust students' energy levels.
Energize tired students – Use large, active gestures (stand up, stretch).
Calm hyperactive students – Slow movements and deliberate gestures encourage focus (deep breaths, hands down).
4️⃣ Encouraging Student Participation
In individual lessons, TPR keeps students engaged and responsive.
Simon Says – Use TPR to give commands that students must follow.
Guess the Action – Perform an action, and the student names it.
Show and Tell – Encourage students to act out words they learn.
👇🏻Check out some parts of an amazing lesson with a 6-year-old student who tremendously enjoyed it. Thank you, wonderful teacher Ina, for inspiring us!
Balancing TPR with Different Age Groups
Young Learners (Ages 4-9)
✅ Use exaggerated facial expressions and big movements.
✅ Encourage students to copy your actions.
✅ Incorporate props to reinforce understanding.
✅ Make it playful—use songs, clapping, and miming.
Pre-Teens and Teens (Ages 10-17)
✅ Use more subtle and natural gestures.
✅ Avoid excessive movements that may feel childish.
✅ Connect TPR with real-life situations (gesturing "thinking" while asking a question).
✅ Incorporate role-playing and storytelling.
Common Mistakes to Avoid 🚨
🚫 Overusing TPR – Too much movement can distract students rather than help them.
🚫 Using Gestures Without Explanation – Always pair gestures with spoken language to reinforce learning.
🚫 Ignoring Cultural Differences – Be mindful of gestures that may have different meanings in other cultures.
🚫 Skipping Student Engagement – Encourage students to mirror your actions instead of just watching.
Final Thoughts 🎓
TPR is a valuable tool for online individual lessons, helping students stay engaged and understand new concepts with ease. When used correctly, it minimizes TTT, increases STT, and creates an interactive learning environment. Adapt your use of TPR based on student age, proficiency level, and learning style for the best results.
Happy Teaching!
All Right Team
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