The Leo & Marie Universe
Where Stories Teach French
Meet Leo and Marie - two teenagers living between Paris and London whose everyday lives bring French to life for learners.
Through songs, stories, dialogues, and cultural moments, students experience French the way it's meant to be learnt: naturally, visually, musically, and emotionally.
French Made Simple uses Leo & Marie universe to create A1-A2 lessons that feel real, engaging, and memorable - all aligned with UK KS3 curriculum.
Used in classrooms worldwide to build real comprehension - one story at a time.
Marie
City: London
Personality: Creative, calm, a little chaotic in a charming way.
Role in the story: Marie is the bridge between English-speaking learners and French culture. Her perspective makes learners feel understood - she asks the questions students would ask.
Why learners love her:
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relatable, enthusiastic
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shows real beginner struggles
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mixes humour + sincerity
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brings emotional depth to the songs
Meet the Characters
Leo
City: Paris
Personality: curious, musical, thoughtful, extraverted
Role in the story: Leo represents everyday French teenage life - school, hobbies, family, friendships, emotions. His world helps learners absorb authentic cultural references and natural language input.
Why learners love him:
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gentle, expressive personality
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musically talented
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represents a realistic French teen life
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easy to identify with
Together: Leo & Marie's Story World
Their friendship is the narrative thread that carries the lessons.
Learners follow them through:
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school days
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music practice
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family moments
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text, calls, messages
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emotions and opinions
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small misunderstandings
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celebrations and discoveries
This narrative makes French meaningful, not mechanical.
Why Stories?
Story-Based Comprehensible Input
Research shows learners acquire language best when input is:
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meaningful
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emotionally engaging
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repetitive in context
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visually supported
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low-stress
The Leo & Marie universe provides all of these.
How stories support acquisition:
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Vocabulary is introduced in context, not lists
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Grammar emerges naturally (je joue / tu joues / j'adore / je veux...)
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Students understand before producing
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Emotional engagement increases retention
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Characters create continuity across lessons
This mirrors core principles of SLA research:
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Stephen Krashen (Input Hypothesis) - comprehensible input fuels acquisition
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VanPattern (Processing Instruction) - learners notice form through meaning
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Narrative Transportation Theory - stories increase memory + motivation
In French Made Simple: Learners understand first, then speak.
Music for Memory
Songs are woven into the Leo & Marie universe to reinforce grammar and vocabulary.
Why it works:
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Music activates long-term memory pathways
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Rythm and melody support recall
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Repetition feels natural, not forced
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Students sing grammar without realising it
Music turns input into retention.
Examples:
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Au, à la, à l', aux song
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Plurals songs
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Jouer de + instrument
Coming Soon: Leo & Marie for Primary (KS1-KS2)
A brand-new illustrated universe Leo & Marie will soon appear as animated cartoon characters for young learner.
The primary version will include:
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simplified A1 input
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bright illustrations
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phonic-friendly songs
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short story episodes
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flashcards & mini-games
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character-based classroom routines
This creates a seamless journey from age 6 to GCSE.
No other French resource offers this continuity.
Coming 2026-2027!
Why Teachers Love the Leo & Marie Universe
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Human characters learners connect with
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Genuine cultural context
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A coherent storyline
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A structure that supports real acquisition
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Zero-prep lessons (Presentation lessons coming soon!)
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Resources designed by a teacher, not a corporation
Start with the first story lesson
Download free worksheets
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