/hæv sʌm fəˈni:mɪk fʌn/

Integrating the phonemic script into your lessons can be so much fun. There are so many ways that you can do it (take a look at the Pronunciation page in the bar on the right-hand side), but here I'm going to describe some other ways that I use it, using exercises and activities that we all know and love.

1. Songs - Using a song that contains the target language of the lesson, take out words that are relevant to what you're studying, e.g. emotions, money etc. Instead of leaving the spaces blank as you usually would, put the missing word in phonemic script. Give the students a few minutes to read through the lyrics and see if they can figure out what the words are. Then they listen to check if they wrote down the right word. If they are familiar with the script, you could turn it into a competition to see who can guessed the words the quickest. If they aren't as comfortable with the script, it's an opportunity for them to start getting to know it! I encourage them to use the Pronunciation App by Macmillan too if they're struggling.
2. Back to the board - The phonemic version of this game is pretty much identical to the original game, the only difference is you write the words in script! Divide the class into 2 groups and have them sit in semi-circles facing the board. One student from each team sits with their back to the board and faces their team. The teacher writes a word on the board and the teams have to explain the word that they see. The first person to guess what the word is, wins a point for their team. Writing the words in script adds a little extra challenge!
3. Brainstorm - Give each pair a topic in phonemic script on a card or slip of paper. First they have to decipher what the topic is. When they've discovered what it is, they have to brainstorm words related to the topic. Then each pair have to read out their list of words and the others have to guess what their topic was.
4. Hangman - There has been some debate as to whether hangman has any pedagogical benefits, however, I have to say that phonemic hangman really does. The students have the opportunity to really become familiar with the sounds and the symbols. By saying a sound and having someone else write it, it's beneficial both productively and receptively. It allows them to discover sounds that they have individual problems with too. Give each pair a list of 3 or 4 words. They have to then write them in script. Then make groups of 4 or put them into different pairs and the play hangman!

These are just some of my favourites and ones that the learners have found really engaging while allowing them to gain more confidence in using the phonemic script.