ant
This is an ant.
← All first-word topicsInsects
Out in the world · AGES 3–5 · WITH A GROWN-UP
Insects
A closer look at tiny creatures.
Look at these tiny creatures with a grown-up. Listen to a name, then point to its picture. Your child can watch, gesture or try saying 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.
bee
This is a bee.
ladybird
This is a ladybird.
grasshopper
This is a grasshopper.
dragonfly
This is a dragonfly.
fly
This is a fly.
Grown-up tip for this topic
Ladybird is common in British English; ladybug is common in American English. Both name the same insect. These pictures show adult insects, which have six legs. Butterfly already has a card in Garden. The pictures are enlarged and are not to scale.
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
Make a tiny insect walk
Tap two fingers gently along your other hand and pretend an ant is walking. Name the ant. Invite your child to watch, point or make a tiny walk too.
Use any comfortable gesture, or draw an ant together. You do not need to find or touch a real insect.
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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