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French Phonics Collection�

SSC [em/am]

Artwork by: Chloé Motard

Date updated: 30/08/22

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SSC [em/am]

phonétique

Introduction

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em/am

temps

[time]

Timing: 1 minute

Aim: To introduce SSC [em/am]

Procedure:�1. Present the letter(s) and say the [em/am] sound first, on its own. Students repeat it with you.�2. Bring up the word ”temps” on its own, say it, students repeat it, so that they have the opportunity to focus all of their attention on the connection between the written word and its sound.

3. A possible gesture for this would be to look at your wrist as though checking your watch.�4. Roll back the animations and work through 1-3 again, but this time, dropping your voice completely to listen carefully to the students saying the [em/am] sound, pronouncing ”temps” and, if using, doing the gesture.

Word frequency (1 is the most frequent word in French):

temps [65]

Source: Londsale, D., & Le Bras, Y. (2009). A Frequency Dictionary of French: Core vocabulary for learners London: Routledge.

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em/am

temps

5 of 24

em/am

temps

[time]

6 of 24

em/am

[time]

temps

camp

ensemble

[together]

ressembler (à)

[to look like]

chambre

printemps

[spring]

Material licensed as CC BY-NC-SA 4.0�

Rachel Hawkes

Timing: 2 minutes

Aim: To introduce SSC [em/am]

Procedure:

Introduce and elicit the pronunciation of the individual SSC [em/am] and then the source word again ‘temps’ (with gesture, if using).�Then present and elicit the pronunciation of the five cluster words.�The cluster words have been chosen for their high-frequency, from a range of word classes, with the SSC (where possible) positioned within a variety of syllables within the words (e.g. initial, 2^nd, final etc.). Additionally, we have tried to use words that build cumulatively on previously taught SSCs (see the Phonics Teaching Sequence document) and do not include new SSCs. Where new SSCs are used, they are often consonants which have a similar symbol-sound correspondence in English.�

Word frequency (1 is the most frequent word in French): �camps [1084]; chambre [633] ensemble [124]; printemps [1288]; temps [65]; ressembler [1398].�Source: Londsale, D., & Le Bras, Y. (2009). A Frequency Dictionary of French: Core vocabulary for learners London: Routledge.

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em/am

[time]

temps

camp

ensemble

ressembler (à)

chambre

printemps

Material licensed as CC BY-NC-SA 4.0�

Rachel Hawkes

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em/am

[time]

temps

camp

ensemble

ressembler (à)

chambre

printemps

Material licensed as CC BY-NC-SA 4.0�

Rachel Hawkes

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Phonétique

écouter

[a]

[e]

[am/em]

If there is an [m] after either of these vowels, it makes an identical nasal sound.

le champ

le carn a val

le ch e valier

les b a ls

rec e voir

l’ emballage

la p e luche

la s a gesse

la tempête

l'ampoule

le champ

le carnaval

le chevalier

les bals

_

recevoir

_

l’emballage

_

la peluche

_

la sagesse

_

la tempête

_

l‘ampoule

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

[to receive]

[packaging]

C’est quelle SSC ?

Timing: 6 minutes

Aim: aural recognition of SSCs [a], [e] and [em/am]; raising awareness of the fact that although SSCs [a] and [e] sound different, [em] and [am] sound identical.

Procedure:

1. Students sketch the Venn diagram in their books.

2. Click on the numbers to hear the words said aloud.

3. Students decide whether the missing sound is [a], [am/em] or [e] and write the word in full in the correct section of the diagram.

4. Click to reveal missing sounds. As the missing letters are revealed, the words pop up in the appropriate places in the Venn diagram. Displaying the words in this way should help students visualise the crossover. On their own, letters [e] and [a] represent different SSCs. When followed by an ‘m’, [e] and [a] enter into an identical nasal sound.

5. Click to reveal pronunciation rule: [e]/[a] + m = nasal [em/am].

Transcript:

1. le champ

2. le carnaval

3. le chevalier

4. les bals

5. recevoir

6. l’emballage

7. la peluche

8. la sagesse

9. la tempête

10. l’ampoule

Word frequency (1 is the most frequent word in French): �champ [847], carnaval [>5000], chevalier [>5000], bal [>5000], recevoir [199], emballage [>5000], peluche [>5000], sagesse [2998], tempête [2695], ampoule [>5000]

Source: Londsale, D., & Le Bras, Y. (2009). A Frequency Dictionary of French: Core vocabulary for learners London: Routledge.

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Phonétique

What do you notice about these four sounds?

temps

grand

penser

écouter

chambre

SSC [em/am] is the same sound as SSC [en/am], which you already know.

When this nasal sound appears in front of the letters p or b, it is spelled [em/am] instead of [en/an].

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Phonétique

orange

éléphant

champion

chimpanzee

lire / parler

ambassade

lampe

ambition

amplifier

difficile

facile

45

secondes

0

DÉBUT

Timing: 3 minutes for 3 slides.

Aim: Oral production of SSC [an/am] in words of varying degrees of complexity in decreasing amounts of time.

Procedure:

Students pair up.
Explain that students are going to work their way down the ‘ladder’ by correctly pronouncing cognates containing [an/am], starting with simple words and building up to more complex words. Starting with lampe, Partner A works their way down the ladder. Partner B listens for correct pronunciation of [an/am]. If Partner A makes a mistake, e.g.tries to pronounce words the ‘English’ way by adding an ‘m’ after the vowel, they must return to the top of the ladder.
Students swap roles. Re-start the timer.
Whoever is furthest down the ladder when the timer stops is the winner!
Click on the words to hear them said aloud by a native speaker. Students repeat.
Move on to the next slide.

Transcript and word frequency (1 is the most frequent word in French):

orange [3912], lampe [4699], champion [2443], ambassade [3327], chimpanzee [>5000], éléphant [>5000], amplifier [4537], ambition [2280]

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Phonétique

orange

éléphant

champion

chimpanzee

lire / parler

ambassade

lampe

ambition

amplifier

difficile

facile

30

secondes

0

DÉBUT

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Phonétique

orange

éléphant

champion

chimpanzee

lire / parler

ambassade

lampe

ambition

amplifier

difficile

facile

15

secondes

0

DÉBUT

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Phonétique

		[en/em]	[an/am]
	campagne [countryside]
	serpent
	vent [wind]
j	jambon
	vendredi [Friday]
	ampoule
	pantalon
	emmener [to take]
	jambe
	tempête [storm]

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

Comment ça s'écrit ?

Avec [en/an] ou [em/am] ?

Complète et dis les mots !

lire / écouter

_ _

9

10

_ _

Timing: 7 minutes

Aim: Applying awareness of the spelling rules governing SSCs [em], [am], [en] and [an], and production of all four SSCs.

Procedure

Student read the wordsand decide based on the presence of absence of a ‘p’ or ‘b’ after the gap when [en/em] or [an/am] is needed.
Click to check.
Now, students are challenged to say all ten words and pronounce the SSCs in the same way each time. It will be tempting for students to add an ‘n’ or ‘m’ after the vowel! Students should work in pairs and monitor each other for this.
Click to hear the words pronounced by a native speaker.

Word frequency of unknown words used (1 is the most frequent word in French): �campagne [666], serpent [>5000], vent [1387], jambon [>5000], vendredi [1086], ampoule [>5000], pantalon [4670], emmener [2098], jambe [2472], tempête [2695]

Source: Londsale, D., & Le Bras, Y. (2009). A Frequency Dictionary of French: Core vocabulary for learners London: Routledge.

Word frequency of cognates used (1 is the most frequent word in French): �compléter [2034]

Source: Londsale, D., & Le Bras, Y. (2009). A Frequency Dictionary of French: Core vocabulary for learners London: Routledge.

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SSC [em/am]

phonétique

Consolidation [1]

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em/am

temps

[time]

Timing: 1 minute

Aim: To consolidate SSC [em/am]

Procedure:�1. Present the letter(s) and say the [em/am] sound first, on its own. Students repeat it with you.�2. Bring up the word ”temps” on its own, say it, students repeat it, so that they have the opportunity to focus all of their attention on the connection between the written word and its sound.

3. A possible gesture for this would be to look at your wrist as though checking your watch.�4. Roll back the animations and work through 1-3 again, but this time, dropping your voice completely to listen carefully to the students saying the [em/am] sound, pronouncing ”temps” and, if using, doing the gesture.

Word frequency (1 is the most frequent word in French):

temps [65]

Source: Londsale, D., & Le Bras, Y. (2009). A Frequency Dictionary of French: Core vocabulary for learners London: Routledge.

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em/am

[time]

temps

camp

ensemble

[together]

ressembler (à)

[to look like]

chambre

printemps

[spring]

Material licensed as CC BY-NC-SA 4.0�

Rachel Hawkes

Timing: 1 minute

Aim: To consolidate SSC [em/am]

Procedure:

Introduce and elicit the pronunciation of the individual SSC [em/am] and then the source word again ‘temps’ (with gesture, if using).�Then present and elicit the pronunciation of the five cluster words.�The cluster words have been chosen for their high-frequency, from a range of word classes, with the SSC (where possible) positioned within a variety of syllables within the words (e.g. initial, 2^nd, final etc.). Additionally, we have tried to use words that build cumulatively on previously taught SSCs (see the Phonics Teaching Sequence document) and do not include new SSCs. Where new SSCs are used, they are often consonants which have a similar symbol-sound correspondence in English.�

Word frequency (1 is the most frequent word in French): �camps [1084]; chambre [633] ensemble [124]; printemps [1288]; temps [65]; ressembler [1398].�Source: Londsale, D., & Le Bras, Y. (2009). A Frequency Dictionary of French: Core vocabulary for learners London: Routledge.

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Nasal and non-nasal vowels

écouter / écrire

Vowels can be nasal (like [am/em] and [an/an] or non-nasal [like [e] and [a].

When you say a nasal vowel, air passes through your nose as well as your mouth.

Écoute les mots. C’est [em/am] / [en/an] ou [e] / [a] ?

		nasal vowel [em/am] [en/an]	non-nasal vowel [e] / [a]

		nasal vowel [em/am] [en/an]	non-nasal vowel [e] / [a]

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

menu

membre

dramatique

champion

centre

remarque

croissant

organisation

Timing: 5 minutes

Aim: to introduce the concept of nasal and non-nasal vowels. Aural recognition of nasal and non-nasal vowels [em/am], [en/an], [e] and [a] using cognates.

Procedure:

1. Practise saying SSCs [em/am] / [en/an] and [e] / [a] aloud, in isolation. Students should notice a vibration in the nose when they produce the nasal sounds, but not when they produce the oral sounds.

2. Click the numbers to play the audio.

3. Students write 1-8 and decide if the letters in bold represent a ‘nasal’ or ‘non-nasal’ vowel sound.

4. Click to reveal the answers. The word appears first, followed by the ticks in the appropriate columns.

Transcript:

menu
membre
dramatique
champion
centre
remarque
croissant
organisation

Word frequency of cognates (1 is the most frequent word in French): �menu [3470], membre [390], dramatique [2918], champion [2443], centre [491], remarque [2019], croissant [2069], organisation [570]

Source: Londsale, D., & Le Bras, Y. (2009). A Frequency Dictionary of French: Core vocabulary for learners London: Routledge.

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[em/am], [en/an]

écouter / écrire

Normally, SSCs [em/am] and [en/an] are nasal vowels.

However, [em/am] and [en/an] sound different before a vowel.

Can you think of any examples in words you already know?

before a consonant: before a vowel:

exemple semaine

chambre amusant

content promenade

grand animal

The sounds are nasal vowels [em/am], [en/an].

The sounds are oral vowels �[e] / [a] + m / n.

(week)

(funny)

(walk)

(animal)

(example)

(bedroom)

(pleased)

(big)

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[nasal], [e] ou [a] ?

	nasal vowel	non-nasal vowel
embaucher [to hire]
remonter [to go back up]
engendrer [to generate]
abandon [abandonment]
chemin [path]
menace [threat]
champ [field]
banal [ordinary]

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

parler

Lis les mots et décide si c’est une voyelle nasale ou une voyelle orale.

Puis, dis les mots !

nasal vowels

[em/am], [en/an]

oral vowels

[e], [a]

Timing: 5 minutes

Aim: to apply awareness of spelling rules governing pronunciation changes in SSCs [em/am] and [en/an]. Oral production of words containing these letter combinations.

Procedure:

1. Recap the spelling rules governing pronunciation changes in SSCs [em/am] and [en/an] introduced in lesson 1 (see slide 7).�2. Students read the words and decide from the spelling alone whether they think the SSC in bold represents a nasal or non-nasal sound.

3. Click to reveal correct answer.

4. Students say the words.

5. Click on the numbers to check pronunciation.

Transcript:

1. embaucher

2. remonter

3. engendrer

4. abandon

5. chemin

6. menace

7. champ

8. banal

Word frequency (1 is the most frequent word in French): �embaucher [3743], remonter [1020], engendrer [2286], abandon [2676], chemin [859,] menace [1607], champ [847], banal [4221]

Source: Londsale, D., & Le Bras, Y. (2009). A Frequency Dictionary of French: Core vocabulary for learners London: Routledge.

Word frequency of near-cognates used in task instructions (1 is the most frequent word in French): �décider [165], voyelle [>5000], nasal [>5000], oral [4114]

Source: Londsale, D., & Le Bras, Y. (2009). A Frequency Dictionary of French: Core vocabulary for learners London: Routledge.

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SSC [em/am]

phonétique

Consolidation [2]

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em/am

temps

[time]

[3/8]

Aim: To consolidate SSC [em/am]

Procedure:�1. Present the letter(s) and say the [em/am] sound first, on its own. Students repeat it with you.�2. Bring up the word ”temps” on its own, say it, students repeat it, so that they have the opportunity to focus all of their attention on the connection between the written word and its sound.

3. A possible gesture for this would be to look at your wrist as though checking your watch.�4. Roll back the animations and work through 1-3 again, but this time, dropping your voice completely to listen carefully to the students saying the [em/am] sound, pronouncing ”temps” and, if using, doing the gesture.

Word frequency (1 is the most frequent word in French):

temps [65]

Source: Londsale, D., & Le Bras, Y. (2009). A Frequency Dictionary of French: Core vocabulary for learners London: Routledge.

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em/am

[time]

temps

camp

ensemble

[together]

ressembler (à)

[to look like]

chambre

printemps

[spring]

Material licensed as CC BY-NC-SA 4.0�

Rachel Hawkes

[4/8]

Aim: To consolidate SSC [em/am]

Procedure:

Introduce and elicit the pronunciation of the individual SSC [em/am] and then the source word again ‘temps’ (with gesture, if using).�Then present and elicit the pronunciation of the five cluster words.�The cluster words have been chosen for their high-frequency, from a range of word classes, with the SSC (where possible) positioned within a variety of syllables within the words (e.g. initial, 2^nd, final etc.). Additionally, we have tried to use words that build cumulatively on previously taught SSCs (see the Phonics Teaching Sequence document) and do not include new SSCs. Where new SSCs are used, they are often consonants which have a similar symbol-sound correspondence in English.�

Word frequency (1 is the most frequent word in French): �camps [1084]; chambre [633] ensemble [124]; printemps [1288]; temps [65]; ressembler [1398].�Source: Londsale, D., & Le Bras, Y. (2009). A Frequency Dictionary of French: Core vocabulary for learners London: Routledge.

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Les voyelles nasales

lire/parler

ennemi

[enemy]

Remember that the nasal SSCs [em/am] and [en/an] become non-nasal sounds before a vowel.

amputé

[amputee]

tranchée

[trench]

vétéran

[veteran (m)]

combattant

[fighter]

super puissance

[super power]

camion

[lorry]

bombardement [bombing]

grenade

[grenade]

vétérane

[veteran (f)]

empire

[empire]

Are the vowels in bold nasal or non-nasal?

Timing: 5 minutes

Aim: Written recognition and oral production of nasal SSCs [em/am] and [en/an] and non-nasal SSCs [a]/[e] + m/n.

Procedure:

1. Use slides 24-31 to revise the sounds. Remind students that SSCs [em/am] and [en/an] sound identical.

2. Remind students that when [em/am] and [en/an] appear before a vowel, they are pronounced as non-nasal vowels + m/n. Grenade could be used as an example to illustrate this.

3. Working in pairs, students use the rules to sound out the words and decide whether the sounds in bold are nasal or non-nasal.

4. Click to reveal the answers. Click on the images to hear the words said aloud by a native speaker.

Transcript:

bombardement�ennemi�empire

amputé

camion�tranchée�combattant�super puissance�grenade�vétérane�vétéran

Word frequency of unknown words (1 is the most frequent word in French): �camion [2542], super puissance [n/a], tranchée [2145]

Source: Londsale, D., & Le Bras, Y. (2009). A Frequency Dictionary of French: Core vocabulary for learners London: Routledge.

Word frequency of cognates used (1 is the most frequent word in French): �bombardement ][3565], ennemi [1725], empire [3367], amputé [>5000], grenade [>5000], combattant [2374], vétérane [>5000], vétéran [>5000]

Source: Londsale, D., & Le Bras, Y. (2009). A Frequency Dictionary of French: Core vocabulary for learners London: Routledge.