I attended the NECTFL25 conference and was lucky to see Christina Margiore‘s presentation, “Keep the Conversation Going with Chat Mats.” It made me aware of all the benefits of bringing them into the classroom. I feel that Chat Mats have been an underrated teaching tool! After attending her session, I’m inspired to incorporate them more into my class. These simple yet powerful resources help create a low-stress environment where students feel more confident using the target language. Whether you teach elementary or older students, Chat Mats can be a game-changer for encouraging communication and keeping conversations flowing.

What Are Chat Mats?

Chat Mats are visual supports that provide students with key phrases, sentence starters, and vocabulary related to a specific topic or conversation structure. They can be laminated sheets, paper printouts, or even digital versions for interactive activities. The goal is to give students a scaffolded way to engage in meaningful conversations without feeling overwhelmed.

Why Use Chat Mats?

Chat Mats help reduce anxiety by giving students a safety net when speaking in the target language, making them feel more comfortable and less afraid of making mistakes. They also encourage authentic conversations by allowing students to mix and match sentence stems rather than relying on memorized dialogues. Additionally, they provide structured support, especially for younger learners who benefit from visuals and key phrases to help them communicate their thoughts. Best of all, Chat Mats are highly adaptable—you can use them for different themes, grammar structures, or cultural discussions, making them a versatile tool for any language class.

How to Use Chat Mats in Class

Here are a few easy ways to incorporate them into your lessons:

1. Partner Conversations – Give each student a Chat Mat and have them take turns asking and answering questions.
2. Role-Playing Activities – Assign students different roles and scenarios, using the Chat Mats as a guide.
3. Exit Tickets – Before leaving class, students can use their Chat Mats to share something they learned or a sentence they created.
4. Small-Group Discussions – Use Chat Mats to guide students through a structured discussion related to your lesson’s theme.
5. Storytelling – Have students use their Chat Mats to describe characters, settings, or events in a story.

Weekend Chat Mat

Ready to give it a try? Download this weekend Chat Mat to start using it with your elementary or novice level students right away!

Chat Mats are one of those tools that help students feel successful while making your job easier. They support language production, build confidence, and keep students engaged in conversation. If you haven’t tried using them yet, give them a go and see how well they work!