Welcome to my TPRS page. I am a Spanish teacher in Massillon, OH. I’ve been teaching language for 12 years (10 as a Spanish teacher and 2 as an English teacher in Costa Rica). I’ve been using TPRS since 2009. After my few years of using TPRS and my many years of research, I am convinced of the value of Comprehensible Input. My version of TPRS is my attempt to maximize input and effectively increase the abilities of my students. I am constantly developing my understanding and implementation of the method.
This website serves two purposes:
1. Reference for fellow teachers – I often have teachers from the area who are interested in TPRS or who come to observe my classes. This site allows me to point them somewhere initially that explains TPRS in a more organized manner than my fumbling attempts to describe it in a 2-minute conversation.
2. Organization of my own thoughts, reflections, activities and resources – This site is as much a resource for myself as for anyone else. It allows me to keep an organized record of activities I use in class. It also allows me to record thoughts and reflections, which are vital to growing as an effective teacher.
If you have questions, comments or ideas, you may contact me at bryankandeltprs@gmail.com
Thanks for stopping by,
Bryan
Bryan Kandel TPRS 
Pingback: Words of praise | mjTPRS
Bryan, Do you mind if I ask how you happened to start TPRS teaching? And, what prompted that change? Where did you learn?
Thank you. Juanita
Hi Juanita, I will gladly answer that question. My TPRS story is different than some others. Many teachers say that the transition to TPRS saved their careers. They were miserable before and joyous after making the switch. Before I started with TPRS, I was pretty content. Students liked my class. I accomplished my goals (mostly grammar-based). Administrators were happy. BUT, I was continuously disappointed by what students could actually DO. I asked myself what was the point of knowing a bunch and being able to do little.
I went to some beginner TPRS workshops, read Blaine Ray’s book and then went to a Blaine Ray 2-day seminar. I did a lot of research before I made the switch in my class. I’m glad I did because being thoroughly convinced of the value of TPRS helped me get through the tough times early on. I adapt my version of TPRS constantly, but I am sold out now. I can’t see myself ever going back to traditional methods.
Bryan – has anyone translated these units into French?
No, but that would be a good idea.
Do u know of a tpr CI Spanish teacher who would work with an adult in Spanish this summer one on one? I live in Southern California
Sister Rose Marie
ndcreation@aol.com
Sorry, but I do not know of anyone in Southern California. I hope you can find someone.
Hi Bryan!
I teach students Spanish in Pittsburgh and I share your site with other WL teachers often because you have great ideas! Today I just realized that you teach in Masslllion, OH, where my dad and grandpa went to school! I tend to go to at least one football a year! Go tigers!
Thanks for the kind words, Katie. However, I have to disagree with your “Go Tigers!” In fact, I find it a bit repulsive :). I teach at Massillon Perry not at Massillon Washington. I suppose I should specify in my bio.
Oh no! I didn’t realize Massillon was a two-high school town! Oh well! I’m still very thankful you share such great work!
Hola Sr. Kandel! I just wanted to tell you how much I appreciate your site. I’m new to TPRS (this year) and I jumped in – both feet 🙂 so I’m constantly searching for ideas to engage my kids. I teach in a small, rural school in NE Wisconsin (let’s just say – we lack diversity), so getting the kids to engage in a language they only hear in class is challenging. Your site / ideas / thoughts are wonderful! 🙂 I wanted to thank you!
Thanks!
Hola Bryan! First of all I want to thank you for your generosity sharing your ideas and work on your site. I recently bought one of your products on teacherspayteachers. I was wondering what do you do to get picture frames from a movie? I have tried to take a scree shot but it has never worked. What technique do you use? Could you share?
I use screenshots. I pause the video, use “Alt” “Print screen” to copy the image and then paste it into a slide presentation. What has been the problem when you’ve tried to use screenshots?
You can email me at bryan@bryankandel.com if you’d prefer.
Thanks!
Hola Bryan!
I was wondering if you had any CI stories using the subjunctive for sale? If not, do you have any recommendations? Gracias! LOVE your work!!! Nidia