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French Phonics Collection�

SSC [-gn-]

Artwork by: Chloé Motard

Date updated: 30/08/2022

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SSC [-gn-]

phonétique

Introduction

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-gn-

ligne

Timing: 1 minute

Aim: To introduce SSC [-gn-]

Procedure:�1. Present the letter(s) and say the [-gn-] sound first, on its own. Students repeat it with you.�2. Bring up the word ”ligne” 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 draw a line in the air with your finger,�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 [-gn-] sound, pronouncing ”ligne” and, if using, doing the gesture.

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

ligne [342]

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

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-gn-

ligne

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-gn-

ligne

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-gn-

ligne

gagner

[to win]

espagnol

ignorer

[to not know]

montagne

Allemagne

Material licensed as CC BY-NC-SA 4.0�

Rachel Hawkes

Timing: 2 minutes

Aim: To introduce SSC [-gn-]

Procedure:

Introduce and elicit the pronunciation of the individual SSC [-gn-] and then the source word again ‘ligne’ (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): �ligne [342]; gagner [258]; ignorer [639]; espagnol [1666]; montagne [1734]; Allemagne [N/A].�Source: Londsale, D., & Le Bras, Y. (2009). A Frequency Dictionary of French: Core vocabulary for learners London: Routledge.

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-gn-

ligne

gagner

espagnol

ignorer

montagne

Allemagne

Material licensed as CC BY-NC-SA 4.0�

Rachel Hawkes

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-gn-

ligne

gagner

espagnol

ignorer

montagne

Allemagne

Material licensed as CC BY-NC-SA 4.0�

Rachel Hawkes

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Phonétique

What do you hear?	[gn]	[n]/[nn]
poignée
accompagne
innocent
éloigner
anniversaire
baigner

What do you hear?	[gn]	[n]/[nn]
me n er
dessi n er
souligner
campagne
gouver n er

écouter / écrire

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

_

[to lead]

[countryside]

[to rule]

[to accompany]

[to bathe]

[birthday]

[to underline]

[to take away]

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Phonétique

lire / parler

60

secondes

0

DÉBUT

signe

compagnie

signal

témoignage

règne

détenir

Canada

ministre

[reign]

[testimony]

[company]

chinois

minime

[minimal]

significatif

[significant]

généreux

dignité

ignorance

signature

raisonnable

Timing: 5 minutes for three slides

Aim: Written recognition and oral production of SSC [gn] in cognate or near-cognate words.

Procedure:

1. Click début to start timer

2. Students pronounce all words (mixture of [gn] and [n]/[nn]). Students work in pairs and listen to each other’s attempts. If a student mispronounces [gn] (they may pronounce it the English way and say a ‘g’ or ‘n’ sound) or [n] (they may overapply the rule and say [gn]) they must repeat the word three times before moving on.

3. Following slides have shorter timer to increase challenge

Word frequency (1 is the most frequent word in French): �généreux [2015], raisonnable [2021], dignité [2171], signe [707], compagnie [775], signal [978], témoignage [1548], règne [3649], significatif [2292], minime [2030], détenir [2056], Canada [n/a], ministre [204], chinois [1914], signature [2187], ignorance [4055]

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

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Phonétique

lire / parler

45

secondes

0

DÉBUT

signe

compagnie

signal

témoignage

règne

détenir

Canada

ministre

[reign]

[testimony]

[company]

chinois

minime

[minimal]

significatif

[significant]

généreux

dignité

ignorance

signature

raisonnable

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Phonétique

lire / parler

30

secondes

0

DÉBUT

signe

compagnie

signal

témoignage

règne

détenir

Canada

ministre

[reign]

[testimony]

[company]

chinois

minime

[minimal]

significatif

[significant]

généreux

dignité

ignorance

signature

raisonnable

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SSC [-gn-]

phonétique

Consolidation [1]

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-gn-

ligne

Timing: 1 minute

Aim: To consolidate SSC [-gn-]

Procedure:�1. Present the letter(s) and say the [-gn-] sound first, on its own. Students repeat it with you.�2. Bring up the word ”ligne” 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 draw a line in the air with your finger,�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 [-gn-] sound, pronouncing ”ligne” and, if using, doing the gesture.

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

ligne [342]

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

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-gn-

ligne

gagner

[to win]

espagnol

ignorer

[to not know]

montagne

Allemagne

Material licensed as CC BY-NC-SA 4.0�

Rachel Hawkes

Timing: 2 minutes

Aim: To consolidate SSC [-gn-]

Procedure:

Introduce and elicit the pronunciation of the individual SSC [-gn-] and then the source word again ‘ligne’ (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): �ligne [342]; gagner [258]; ignorer [639]; espagnol [1666]; montagne [1734]; Allemagne [N/A].�Source: Londsale, D., & Le Bras, Y. (2009). A Frequency Dictionary of French: Core vocabulary for learners London: Routledge.

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Hard and soft [g]/[j]

Hard [g] is pronounced like the g in ‘gold’.

[g] is hard when it comes before a, o, u or r, l, m.

Soft [g] and [j] are pronounced like the g in ‘massage’.

[g] is soft when it comes before e, i, or y.

la gare

[station]

le gilet

[cardigan]

nous plongeons

[we are diving]

la blague

[joke]

hard [g]

soft [g]/[j]

hard [g]

info

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Phonétique

Re g ardez le rayon X.

[Look at the x-ray.]

Votre jambe est cassée.

[Your leg is broken.]

Nous devons aligner les os avec le plâtre.

[We have to align the bones with the cast.]

Mon collè g ue vient avec moi.

[My colleague is coming with me.]

Vous pouvez choisir un compagnon pour voir le médecin.

[You can choose a companion to see the doctor (with).]

J’ai mal au genou !

[My knee hurts!]

Romain est à l’hôpital! Qu’entendez-vous ? Hard [g], [soft g/j], ou [gn] ?

1

2

3

4

5

6

hard g
soft g
[gn]

écouter

__

Timing: 4 minutes

Aim: Aural and written recognition of SSCs hard and soft [g], [j] and [gn] in longer sentences.

Procedure:

1. Click numbers to hear the sentences.

2. Students should note what the missing sound is. Remind them that they can distinguish between soft [g] and [j] by looking at the following vowel (if it is ‘a’, ‘o’ or ‘u’, it must be [j]).

3. Click to reveal answers one by one (plus tally of total SSCs).

Transcript:

1. J’ai mal au genou !

2. Vous pouvez choisir un compagnon pour voir le médecin.

3. Mon collègue vient avec moi.

4. Regardez le rayon X.

5. Votre jambe est cassée.

6. Nous devons aligner les os avec le plâtre.

Word frequency of unknown words used (1 is the most frequent word in French): �genou [2967], compagnon [3023], collègue [1099], rayon [2926], jambe [2472], casser [2185], aligner [3021], os [4092], plâtre [>5000]

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

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Phonétique

lire / parler

signature

60

secondes

0

DÉBUT

dignité

signification

[meaning]

analogue

blague

[joke]

registre

langage

[language]

égalité

[equality]

chagrin

[sorrow]

indigène

[indigenous]

génocide

englober

[to incorporate]

embargo

consigne

[deposit]

égyptien

fatigue

Timing: 3 minutes for 2 slides. This is slide 1/2.

Aim: Oral pronunciation of words containing hard and soft [g] and [gn]. This is slide 1/2.

Procedure:

1. Students pair up.

2. Click début to start timer.

3. Partner A reads the words aloud.

4. Partner B listens to check pronunciation. If they spot a mispronunciation, they must stop student A who repeats the word correctly 3 times before moving on.

5. Click on words to hear them said aloud by a native speaker. Tally the total number of words said correctly within 60 seconds.

5. Partners swap roles and repeat with different words on the next slide. Whoever has pronounced the most words correctly wins!

Transcript:

Signature, égalité, analogue, embargo, chagrin, dignité, genocide, register, englober, signification, indigene, consigne, égyptien, blague, fatigue, langage

Word frequency (1 is the most frequent word in French): �dignité [2171], signature [2187], signification [2798], analogue [4498], blague [4822], registre [2556], langage [1850], égalité [1898], chagrin [4560], égyptien [4137], genocide [4148], englober [4188], embargo [4450], indigene [4555], consigne [4583], fatigue [4595]

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

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Phonétique

lire / parler

gorge

[throat]

60

secondes

0

DÉBUT

brigade

significatif

[significant]

ligne

[line]

gestionnaire

[managerial]

goutte

[drop]

magnifique

[magnificentl]

ignorer

épargner

[to save money]

avantageux

engin

[gear]

gendarme

[policeman]

compagnie

[company]

irrégulier

intégral

baigner

[to bathe]

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SSC [-gn-]

phonétique

Consolidation [2]

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-gn-

ligne

Timing: 1 minute

Aim: To consolidate SSC [-gn-]

Procedure:�1. Present the letter(s) and say the [-gn-] sound first, on its own. Students repeat it with you.�2. Bring up the word ”ligne” 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 draw a line in the air with your finger,�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 [-gn-] sound, pronouncing ”ligne” and, if using, doing the gesture.

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

ligne [342]

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

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-gn-

ligne

gagner

[to win]

espagnol

ignorer

[to not know]

montagne

Allemagne

Material licensed as CC BY-NC-SA 4.0�

Rachel Hawkes

Timing: 2 minutes

Aim: To consolidate SSC [-gn-]

Procedure:

Introduce and elicit the pronunciation of the individual SSC [-gn-] and then the source word again ‘ligne’ (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): �ligne [342]; gagner [258]; ignorer [639]; espagnol [1666]; montagne [1734]; Allemagne [N/A].�Source: Londsale, D., & Le Bras, Y. (2009). A Frequency Dictionary of French: Core vocabulary for learners London: Routledge.

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j/soft g

X

jour

Timing: 1 minute

Aim: To consolidate SSC [j/soft g]

Procedure:�1. Present the letter(s) and say the [j/soft g] sound first, on its own. Students repeat it with you.�2. Bring up the word ”jour” 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 mime waking up at daybreak, by stretching out ones arms and yawning. �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 [j/soft g] sound, pronouncing ”jour” and, if using, doing the gesture.

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

jour [78].

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

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C’est hard [g], soft [g/j] ou [gn]?

écouter

beignet

[gn]

[donut]

gâteau

[hard g]

[cake]

magique

[j/soft g]

[magic]

girafe

[j/soft g]

[giraffe]

guêpe

[hard g]

[wasp]

oignon

[gn]

[onion]

chignon

[gn]

[hair bun]

bague

[hard g]

[ring]

singe

[j/soft g]

[monkey]

genou

[j/soft g]

[knee]

champignon

[gn]

[mushroom]

gomme

[hard g]

[eraser]

justice

[j/soft g]

[justice]

séjour

[j/soft g]

[lounge]

goûter

[hard g]

[snack]

châtaigne[gn]

[chestnut]

vigne

[gn]

[vine]

joue

[j/soft g]

[cheek]

poignet

[gn]

[wrist]

légumes

[hard g]

[vegetables]

manège

[j/soft g]

[carousel]

bougie

[j/soft g]

[candle]

gare

[hard g]

[station]

araignée

[gn]

[spider]

Timing: 3 minutes

Aim: To consolidate aural recognition of [hard g], [j/soft g] and [gn]

Procedure:

Click on the pictures to hear the word spoken
Ask students to identify if they hear the SSC [hard g], [j/soft g] or [gn]
Click again to reveal the word, the correct SSC and the English translation.

Transcript:

beignet
gâteau
magique
girafe
guêpe
oignon
chignon
bague
singe
genou
champignon
gomme
justice
séjour
goûter
châtaigne
vigne
joue
poignet
légumes
manège
bougie
gare
araignée

Word frequency of unknown words (1 is the most frequent word in French): �beignet [>5000], gâteau [4845], guêpe [>5000], chignon [>5000], bague >5000], singe [4739], genou [2967], champignon [>5000], gomme [>5000], séjour [2007], goûter [4441], châtaigne [>5000], vigne [>5000], joue [3932], poignet [>5000], légumes [>5000], manège [>5000], bougie [>5000], gare [2582], araignée [>5000]�Source: Lonsdale, D., & Le Bras, Y. (2009). A Frequency Dictionary of French: Core vocabulary for learners London: Routledge.

Word frequency of cognates (1 is the most frequent word in French): �magique [3530], girafe [>5000], oignon [>5000], justice [637]�Source: Lonsdale, D., & Le Bras, Y. (2009). A Frequency Dictionary of French: Core vocabulary for learners London: Routledge.