SONDO helps with learning French

For learning French as a second language (FSL), why not try the SONDO library with your students?

Through this article, we will show you the benefits of using SONDO and give you tips on how to implement this resource in the classroom. Our advice can also benefit parents of students.

What does SONDO offer in addition to the traditional French books used for learning French?

The French books available in the SONDO library are not meant to replace the traditional books used in FSL learning. Instead, they complement the program already in place.

Created in 2015, MOBiDYS launched SONDO, an accessible digital library available from first to twelfth grade. The full catalogue contains more than 600 titles, all presented in an inclusive format designed to address each reader’s difficulties.

All the books in our library are available in the FROG format (Free your cOGnition / Reduce cognitive effort), enriched with a range of reading support tools that can be adjusted to meet the needs of each student. These tools aim to make reading more inclusive, so that all readers can enjoy it regardless of their difficulties.

How can reading support tools be used in the classroom?

Currently, 180 titles per level in the FROG format are available in the SONDO Primary and Secondary collections. The literary formats are varied: classics of Canadian and French literature, thematic lexicons, and revisited classics.

The FROG toolbar was created to facilitate the reader’s learning experience. Thanks to the platform’s educational features, teachers can create several exercises, challenges, or reading workshops in class with their students.

Here are some of the advantages of the toolbar in the context of learning French as a second language:

Vocabulary acquisition: when a student encounters an unfamiliar word and the text is underlined, they can use the “definition” tool. The word is then explained within the context of the story and can also be listened to with audio support.
Audio support: who said audio is not reading? Students can learn how to pronounce words, follow the text while activating the audio tool, and identify the spelling of the words. Narrated by anglophones, this ensures an authentic pronunciation of the text.
Morphemic color coding: units of meaning are highlighted through a color code. Students can therefore practice and better understand roots, prefixes, and suffixes.
Book categorization (in development): the inventory of books (600) in the SONDO Primary and Secondary collections is currently being categorized according to the main standardized reading-level systems based on age, number of words per page, vocabulary difficulty, sentence length and structure, etc.

According to user feedback, SONDO plays an important role in building confidence, particularly in learning French. It also encourages greater autonomy and enjoyment in reading in French.

Please note that SONDO is available on tablets, computers, and smartphones to promote students’ independence. Why not set up reading practice sessions by having students read passages or chapters? They will be able to use the tools that suit them best.