Teaching Turkish with TPR (Total Physical Response): Learning Language Through Movement

Teaching Turkish with TPR (Total Physical Response): Learning Language Through Movement

When movement and action are combined in foreign language teaching, learning becomes more permanent. The TPR (Total Physical Response) method is highly effective for teaching Turkish, especially to beginner-level students. In this article, we will explore how to apply the TPR technique in Turkish language teaching, along with practical activity examples.

What is TPR?

TPR is a method developed by Dr. James Asher that helps students internalize language through physical movement. It mimics the natural language acquisition process:

• First, they listen and understand,

• Then, they respond physically,

• Finally, they begin speaking.

This method is particularly ideal for A1-A2 level learners.

Advantages of Using TPR in Turkish Teaching

1. Reduces Stress: Since there is no pressure to speak, students feel more relaxed.

2. Fun and Active Learning: Movement in the classroom increases motivation.

3. Long-Term Retention: Words linked to physical actions are easier to remember.

4. Suitable for Both Children and Adults: Can be adapted for all age groups.

How to Apply TPR in Turkish Teaching

1. Starting with Basic Commands

Students learn simple imperative sentences and are asked to physically perform the actions.

Examples:

• "Ayağa kalk!" (Stand up!) → The teacher demonstrates, and students imitate.

• "Otur!" (Sit down!) → Students perform the sitting motion.

• "Elini kaldır!" (Raise your hand!) → Students raise their hands.

• "Kapıyı aç / kapat!" (Open/close the door!) → Students act it out in class.

• "Zıpla!" (Jump!), "Koş!" (Run!), "Gül!" (Smile!) → Reinforced with fun actions.

📌 Tip: First, the teacher models the action, and students mimic. Later, only verbal commands are given, and students respond physically.

2. Teaching Vocabulary with TPR

Body parts, actions, and objects can be easily taught using TPR.

Example Activity:

• Teacher: "Burnuna dokun!" (Touch your nose!) (Teacher touches their own nose)

• Students: Repeat the action.

• Teacher: "Saçını göster!" (Show your hair!), "Gözlerini kapat!" (Close your eyes!)

📌 Expansion:

• "Masanın üzerine kitabı koy." (Put the book on the table.)

• "Kalemi al ve deftere yaz." (Take the pen and write in the notebook.)

3. Storytelling with TPR

A simple story is told, and students act it out with movements.

Example Scenario:"Ayşe sabah kalktı. Dişlerini fırçaladı. Kahvaltı yaptı. Okula gitti."(Ayşe woke up in the morning. She brushed her teeth. She ate breakfast. She went to school.)

• Students perform actions: waking up, brushing teeth, eating, walking.

📌 Advanced Level:

• "Kedi ağaca tırmandı, sonra düştü." (The cat climbed the tree, then fell.) → Students dramatize.

4. Songs and Games with TPR

Children’s songs and action-based games work perfectly with TPR.

Example Song:"Baş, omuz, diz, ayak / Gözler, kulaklar, ağız, burun"(Head, shoulders, knees, and toes / Eyes, ears, mouth, nose)→ Students point to each body part while singing.

Game Suggestion:

• "Simon Says" (Turkish Version):

  • "Simon diyor ki: 'Ellerini çırp!'" (Simon says: "Clap your hands!")

  • "Simon diyor ki: 'Tek ayak üstünde dur!'" (Simon says: "Stand on one foot!")

5. Daily Routines with TPR

Topics like morning routines, shopping, or cooking can be taught through actions.

Example:

• "Çay demle" (Brew tea) → Mimic pouring tea.

• "Paranı ver, fişini al." (Give your money, take the receipt.) → Role-play a shopping scenario.

Limitations of TPR and Solutions

• ❌ Limited to simple commands.

  
  

  ✅ Solution: Gradually introduce more complex sentences. ("Defterini aç ve kalemle yaz." / "Open your notebook and write with a pen.")

• ❌ May be less effective for advanced learners.

  
  

  ✅ Solution: Combine with other methods (e.g., communicative approach).

Conclusion: Why Use TPR for Teaching Turkish?

• Strengthens listening and comprehension skills.

• Encourages active participation and breaks passive learning habits.

• Ideal for children and visual/kinesthetic learners.

✍️ Practical Tips:

• Create ample space for movement in the classroom.

• Gradually increase the complexity of commands.

• Allow for fun mistakes—learning should be enjoyable!

Additional Resources:

• "Learning Turkish with TPR" (Sample lesson plans)

• Yunus Emre Institute’s TPR activity videos

• "Learn Through Movement" (Book of TPR games for Turkish learners)

TPR is a fun, effective, and memorable method for teaching Turkish. Take the first step and see how much your students enjoy it! 🚀

Share your TPR teaching experiences in the comments below! 💬