teacher
The teacher helps us learn.
← All first-word topicsPeople Who Help Us
Out in the world · AGES 3–5 · WITH A GROWN-UP
People Who Help Us
Meet some helpful people.
Look at these people with a grown-up. Listen to their job names and talk about one way each person helps. Your child can listen, point or try a word.
LOOK · LISTEN · SAY
Our picture words
Tap Listen to hear the word and sentence. A grown-up can read them aloud too.
Audio plays only when you tap.
doctor
The doctor helps people feel better.
firefighter
The firefighter puts out fires.
farmer
The farmer grows food.
cook
The cook makes food.
postal worker
The postal worker brings letters.
Grown-up tip for this topic
Firefighter is used for a person of any gender. Postal worker is also called a mail carrier. Cook is a broad word; chef is another job name used in kitchens. Uniforms and tools vary. People of any gender can do these jobs, and we cannot identify someone's job or trustworthiness from clothes alone.
LET’S PLAY TOGETHER
Listen. Look. Choose.
Hear or read the prompt together, then tap a picture. Take your time.
Picture 1 of 3
Point together, or tap a picture.
A lovely moment of learning.
You explored three pictures together. Now try the off-screen activity, or enjoy the pictures again.
Try the off-screen activity ↓NOW TAKE THE WORDS INTO YOUR WORLD
Help a pretend character
Pretend a toy wants to learn a new word. Be its teacher together. Say a familiar word and let your child point, gesture or speak for the toy. Swap roles if they wish.
A drawing or an imaginary character works too. No special costume or equipment is needed.
Choose another topic whenever you’re ready →FOR PARENTS & CAREGIVERS
You make the learning meaningful.
Stay with your child, talk about the pictures and follow their interest. Saying a word is optional: pointing, gesturing and listening are welcome. Use your home language alongside English.
How much should we do?
Choose just a few words to begin. There is no target score, streak or required finish. Pause for real-world play and stop when your child is ready.
About the audio and pictures
These original ESS illustrations and synthetic English audio support shared practice. Listen uses a saved audio file from this website. It does not turn on your microphone or record your child. If audio will not play, check your device volume or read the visible words aloud.
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Grown-up links and help
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