ball
This is a ball.
← All first-word topicsToys
Home & play · AGES 3–5 · WITH A GROWN-UP
Toys
Time for pretend play.
Look at the toys together. A grown-up can play each clip and invite a point, a gesture or 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.
teddy bear
This is a teddy bear.
doll
This is a doll.
blocks
These are blocks.
drum
This is a drum.
kite
This is a kite.
Grown-up tip for this topic
Teddy bear is often shortened to teddy. Blocks are also called building blocks; the picture shows several, so we say these are blocks. Toy names can vary between families.
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
Play a pretend toy shop
Draw two toys on paper. Your child can point to choose one. Say, “Here is a ball,” or name their chosen toy. Take turns choosing.
Use drawings or familiar toys you already have. No purchases are 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
These links open the main ESS website, which has a different experience and privacy arrangements. Please keep control of the device when leaving Kids.