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ESS KidsAges 3–5 · With a grown-up
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Out in the world · AGES 3–5 · WITH A GROWN-UP

Playground
Places for pretend play.

Look around this picture playground with a grown-up. Listen to the names and point to something you recognise. Your child can choose a favourite picture without needing to speak.

6 words · 3 gentle picture prompts · No timer

The six Playground pictures used in this lesson. Each picture is described below.

LOOK · LISTEN · SAY

Our picture words

Tap Listen to hear the word and sentence. A grown-up can read them aloud too.

slide

This is a slide.

swing

This is a swing.

seesaw

This is a seesaw.

climbing frame

This is a climbing frame.

sandbox

This is a sandbox.

tunnel

This is a tunnel.

Grown-up tip for this topic

Sandbox is common in American English; sandpit is common in British English. A seesaw may also be called a teeter-totter. A climbing frame is equipment built for climbing. Different playgrounds have different equipment.

LET’S PLAY TOGETHER

Listen. Look. Choose.

Hear or read the prompt together, then tap a picture. Take your time.

NOW TAKE THE WORDS INTO YOUR WORLD

Draw a little playground

Draw a simple slide and swing together on paper. Name each one and invite your child to point to where an imaginary toy would like to play.

A grown-up can draw while your child chooses by looking or pointing. A real playground visit is not 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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