The theory suggests that we learn language items most successfully if we associate them with physical movements. This is demonstrated very well in Do and Understand by Gunter Gerngross and Herbert Puchta (Longman 1996). The book
uses a collection of 50 stories (don’t be put off by the sub title 'for young learners', they work very well with all age groups!).
For example, the text of the first story is presented as follows:
1. The teacher tells the story below, miming the story as it is told. The teacher uses very obvious ‘stylised’ mimes which the students will recognise. The teacher repeats the story again, miming in the same way.
2. The teacher tells the students to mime the story as you tell the story a third time. You may wish to repeat this phase.
3. Now the teacher mimes each phase of the story and elicits the language from the class. You will be amazed at the students’ proficiency in reproducing the language.
| Text of 'Off to School' |
Mime used by teacher |
| Turn off the alarm clock. |
Wake up and switch off the alarm. |
| Get out of bed. |
Get out of bed. |
| Put on your jeans and your T-shirt. |
Put on jeans and T-shirt. |
| Have a glass of milk. |
Pour and drink glass of milk. |
| Get your school bag. |
Pick up and put on your schoolbag. |
| Run to the bus stop. |
Run and then look up at the bus stop. |
| Look at your feet. |
Look down at your feet. |
| You've got your slippers on. |
Express surprise. |
| Shout, "Oh no!" |
Shout "Oh no!" |
In Do and Understand the story is also presented in picture format and as a text showing initial letters and picture prompts. This can be used for the students to write the story.
This example tells a very simple story. In the book you will also find more complex stories using more complex vocabulary.
You will discover that the language of these stories goes very deep into the students’ memory and is available for use in everyday communication. The 14 page introduction to Do and Understand explains the background to this technique and suggests many further exploitation activities.
Once you have learnt this technique you will find that you can use it frequently and effectively in your teaching.
To find out more about these theories and more practical activities visit www.tpr-world.com.
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