Total Physical Response in an early education setting: Connecting literacy, movements, and families

This paper documents the research and application of a new curriculum for Deaf students incorporating the theory of Asher: Total Physical Response. In the area of early education of Deaf students attempts need to be made to enhance and encourage the acquisition of American Sign Language and English. To aid in the young child's acquisition this new curriculum utilizes a method incorporating generalized movements. The addition of kinesthetic movements gives greater meaning to the new vocabulary as well as aids in the process of retaining the information. In a bilingual setting it is vital that the two languages exist separately and are dually exposed to the students. The physical response required for the vocabulary enhances the experience with the language being acquired. Total Physical Response allows for the student to master the action and meaning of the words prior to producing the words in either language.