How it works

The building blocks of every spoken language are the unique sounds that we combine to make words. The range of sounds, or phonemes, are unique to every language with European languages built on around 44 phonemes in English, 36 in French, 25 in Spanish and 44 in German. Whilst some phonemes (sounds) might be common to a number of languages, it is the unique combination of different phonemes that truly define a language and make it recognisable. Even if you don’t speak a language, we are often able to recognise the language by the combination of sounds that native speakers make.

Why?

The teaching of a language using phonemes (and their written version, graphemes) is known as phonics.  The method teaches the rules of pronunciation, rather than how to pronounce each and every word (around 2,000 expected at GCSE level). This makes the learning time far more efficient. By understanding the rules of pronunciation rather than the pronunciation of each word, learning time is significantly reduced and this structured approach is far easier for learners to remember.

In-class lesson material for French, German and Spanish (11-13 years)

As the teacher, you can chose when to integrate the use of phonemes into existing lesson plans.  Each presentation will take around 15 minutes to teach, more if you want to give your pupils extra time to practise. Students also have the facility to record themselves and listen back to their pronunciation, or you may want students to play one of the phonics games described in the resources. The phonemes are carefully sequenced so that the more frequent or challenging phonemes are covered first. This approach acts to accelerate learning, progress and confidence.

French

Flag - French
  • 31 phonic powerpoint lessons
  • Phonic flashcards
  • Phonic game suggestions
  • Phonetic Guide
  • Additional teacher notes
  • Group Talk material
  • GCSE Lessons material
View sample content

German

Flag - German
  • 34 phonic powerpoint lessons
  • Phonic flashcards
  • Phonic game suggestions
  • Phonetic Guide
  • Additional teacher notes
  • Group Talk material
View sample content

Spanish

Flag - Spanish
  • 25 phonic powerpoint lessons
  • Phonic flashcards
  • Phonic game suggestions
  • Phonetic Guide
  • Additional teacher notes
  • Group Talk material
  • GCSE Lessons material
View sample content

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Teacher testimonials

"Phonic Planets resources are essential to the language learning process. A combination of modelled sounds with audio visual interaction enables more effective pronunciation for both pupil and teacher. A space style jingle introducing each planet phonic sound, creates an unforgettable sensory experience! Activities ensure opportunities for immediate practical use of newly acquired sounds. This can ensure a greater feeling of self-efficacy due to increased success in pronunciation."

Sam Henderson-Tucker, MFL SLE,
Molescroft School, Beverley, East Yorkshire

"Our department uses the Planetes Phoniques resources to teach the important French phonemes to Y7 students. As we introduced this, it quickly became one of the most engaging and fun parts of the lesson. The resources are well sequenced which has allowed our students to apply their phonics learning throughout Key Stage 3. As the students are becoming aware of accurate pronunciation, they are more confident in reading aloud."

Heather Dunn, Head of MFL
Grace College, Gateshead

"In our Trust we’ve started a renewed phonics in our languages lessons this year. Colleagues and students from across our own school have benefitted from the excellent resources within the Planète Phoniques pack - it’s really transformed the way we teach phonics, reduced our planning, and given our students new skills and confidence. Would definitely recommend."

Rob Watson, Vice Principal
Bruntcliffe Academy, Leeds