Book Reference

Book Reference

https://priceliaatika26.files.wordpress.com/2014/10/how-to-teach-grammar.pdf

Teaching imperatives through actions

TPR is based on the principle that learners learn best when they are wholly engaged (both physically and mentally ) in the language learning process.

Learning a language through actions attempts to simulate the experience of first language learning. notice that in this TPR-style lesson there is no pressure on the learner to speak, a feature that differentiates TPR from its Direct methods antecedents, where the learners would normally have repeated the commands. The principle operating here is that, since children seem to develop listening in competence in advance of the ability to speak, second language learners should do likewise. (Scott Thornburry, P:56)

Using actions to convey the meaning of grammatical items is highly efficient, since it requires little in the way of preparation, and by passing explanation or translation offers a direct route to the the learner's language processing capabilities - hence the 'directness' of the Direct Method. 

(Scott Thornburry, P:57)

TPR activities are probably best used as one of several different procedures rather than being used exclusively, and are particularly suitable for younger leamers or beginners. For adult learners, some advance explanation of the rationale underlying this approach might be a good idea. 

(Scott Thornburry, P:58)

However, there are only a limited range of language items that lend themselves to physical demonstration and classroom enactment, imperatives being an obvious candidate. Others are prepositions of place, demonstratives (this, that), present progressive (I am walking , .. ) and such functional areas as commands, requests, and otters, The illustration of more subtle concepts may require considerable ingenuity.