Six
Benefits of Using Commands for Language Learning
I was first introduced to commands when I read Dr.
James Asher book on Total Physical Response (TPR). I found it to be very
insightful and logical. His book is based on his own experience and tons of
study cases done with students and adults. I would recommend reading the book to get the
full scope of his experiments, study cases and for an extensive guide on how to
apply TPR. For those that are interested in reading the book , you can find more
information at the end of this post.
When I started incorporating TPR in my Spanish
class, I noticed how children will rapidly remember what to do when a command
was said. This experience corroborates with Dr. Asher concept that the assimilation
of information and skills can be significantly accelerated through the use of
the kinesthetic sensory system.
In using TPR, I also noticed how much fun they
have when doing these simple actions. At first, I thought it was just fun for
the preschool children since they love moving around; but I also noticed how
the older students enjoyed it as well. After students get comfortable in doing
the commands they hear, I then challenge them to say the commands for me and/or
the other students to do. This is probably more fun for them!
Students
learn faster when an action is associate with what’s been said.
These
are the six benefits I experience with my students:
1.
It boosts memory and helps
internalize concepts.
2.
It creates a fun environment for
learning and retention.
3.
It diminishes intimidation for the
target language.
4.
It encourages participation even
with shy students.
5.
It helps develop gross motor skills
in young children.
6.
It prepares students for verbal
expression down the line.
Just by telling my student to performed one word
commands like: corre, camina, salta, etc (run, walk, jump, etc.) they have so
much fun. So to add to the fun, I create these 20 hilarious commands which include
more than just a one word command.
Some
ideas and suggestion to use with the command cards in Spanish:
1.
Introduce one or two commands at a
time.
2.
Between each command use the word
“alto” which means stop. This will help manage for how long students do a
specific command.
3.
Once most of the commands are
learned, you can have students select a number or a card and perform the
command.
4.
Once students are comfortable with
the commands, have them say the commands to their companions.
5.
Have students perform the command in
groups of two’s or three’s for added
fun.
6.
Use the command cards to
play the game "Simon says"
7.
Avoid translating a
command. If a student does not remember the meaning of the command, then
demonstrate by acting it out.
Hope these ideas are helpful. Your ideas and
feedback are welcome! J
You may also like
The book I mention earlier in this post is:
Learning
Another Language Through Action By James Asher (6th Edition)
Click here to purchase 20 Hilarious Commands in
Spanish.
Click here to purchase 50 commands in Spanish.
Follow me on TpT by clicking on the
green star right under my store name “Music and Spanish Fun”: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Music-And-Spanish-Fun
Have Fun! :-)
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