big
This balloon is big.
← All first-word topicsOpposites
Look, count & compare · AGES 3–5 · WITH A GROWN-UP
Opposites
Words that go in pairs.
Look at each pair with a grown-up. Follow the arrow for the first four words. Your child can point, gesture, listen or say 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.
small
This balloon is small.
long
This ribbon is long.
short
This ribbon is short.
open
The box is open.
closed
The box is closed.
Grown-up tip for this topic
Big and large often mean the same thing. Short describes length here, not a person's height. Compare the same kinds of things together. The arrows show which balloon or ribbon each card describes.
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 opposite gestures
Stretch your arms wide and say, ‘Big.’ Bring your hands close and say, ‘Small.’ Invite your child to copy, point or choose which gesture comes next.
Make small comfortable hand movements or draw a big and a small shape. No objects or doors need to be opened.
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.
Privacy in ESS Kids
This section has no adverts, analytics tags, sign-up forms, comments or social embeds. It does not save quiz answers or create a learner profile. The hosting service processes ordinary requests to deliver pages, pictures and audio, which may appear in server logs. Existing cookies from other ESS pages may still be sent by your browser. The main ESS website has separate advertising and analytics features.
Grown-up links and help
These links open the main ESS website, which has a different experience and privacy arrangements. Please keep control of the device when leaving Kids.