Teacher’s Perspectives Toward the TPR Method to Teach Vocabulary to Children in EFL Classrooms

Abstract

Teaching English in early childhood requires a good method that adapts to the children’s needs. Total Physical Response (TPR) is an engaging and motivating method that uses oral instructions and physical movements to teach a language. The purpose of this research was to collect information about experiences from EFL teachers regarding the use of the TPR method to teach vocabulary to children. Being an enjoyable and motivating teaching method, TPR adapts favorably to the children's necessities. This work provides relevant information about the implementation of this method in the classroom, the advantages and disadvantages this method has, and its effects on students' attitude to learn the language. For the process of collecting data, five EFL teachers were interviewed. The interviews were conducted in Spanish, audio-recorded, transcribed, and then translated into English. The conclusions obtained in this research were that the TPR method is considered by teachers as one of the best methods to teach English vocabulary and can be used with students of all ages, incorporating some adaptations. Moreover, it creates a less-stressful environment and supports students’ confidence. Despite it being considered an old fashioned method, TPR is still used by teachers to teach the English language, bringing good benefits for the students.