Using language mats in the MFL classroom - Flipbook - Page 2
Using language mats in the MFL classroom
What are language mats?
Classroom language mats are reusable supports for students that display everyday classroom
language organised into themes or categories. They help develop condence and uency in the way
that students use the target language in the classroom, both in controlled activities as well as more
spontaneously. They also encourage greater teacher-student and student-student interactions.
PPLI has developed a series of language mats to support language teachers in achieving these aims
and to equip students with the tools they need to help them communicate in the target language, even
at the very early stages of their language learning journey.
Where can you get the PPLI language mats for your classroom?
You have two options:
1) Download and print the mats yourself from our website at:
https://ppli.ie/language-mats-to-encourage-target-language-in-the-classroom/
2) Order a free set for your classroom from PPLI.
Please read the introduction carefully before lling
in the form which is available from:
http://bit.ly/LanguageMatRequest
Using the language mats:
1. Practical tips
• All years can benet from the language mats.
• Make the mats available to students by having them on
the tables or handing them out as students come into
the class.
• Discuss with them your expectations around target
language use in relation to their level of development.
• It is important to go through the mats at the beginning
and to work on pronunciation.
• Acknowledge that mistakes will happen as students use
them. Correct them as needed.
• Remind students that they are not expected to learn all
the language on the mats in the rst few lessons but
rather use them as support.
• Students will need time at the beginning to nd the
language they need in a situation, so allow them this.
Once they use the phrases regularly, they will become
more aware of where to nd the language and will
become more independent.
• When you start, explain to the students how to use
them and how it will benet them. Develop a few
games to help students become familiar with how they
are structured. For example:
o A skimming and scanning race. Give students a
phrase in English and they must nd the translation
in the target language.
o False listening. Say a phrase in the target language
but make a mistake. Students have to nd the
phrase and then say it back to you but with the
phrase corrected.
o Collective memory. Give students a section of the
sheet to memorise as a group. After a few minutes,
ask them how many they think they remember and
get them to say them out loud.
o Student teacher. Get a student to come to the front
of the class and give a number of instructions to the
others that they must then follow.
ppli.ie