in
The ball is in the box.
← All first-word topicsPosition Words
Look, count & compare · AGES 3–5 · WITH A GROWN-UP
Position Words
Where is the ball?
Look for the red ball with a grown-up. Listen to each position word and point to where the ball is. Your child can look, gesture or speak.
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.
on
The ball is on the box.
under
The ball is under the table.
behind
The ball is behind the box.
beside
The ball is beside the box.
between
The ball is between the boxes.
Grown-up tip for this topic
Beside means next to. Under and underneath often mean the same thing. Between describes the ball with a box on each side here. Point to the ball and the other objects as you read the whole sentence; these words describe a relationship.
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
Move a toy together
Put a soft toy beside a cushion and say, ‘The toy is beside the cushion.’ Move it behind the cushion. Your child can point or choose where it goes next.
Use a drawing or gestures instead. A grown-up can move the objects while your child watches or points.
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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