| Level | Topic | Speakers | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| Intermediate | Baby Toys | Man – Woman | 01:05 |
Pre-Listening Exercise
What are some popular toys for children in these age groups?
- Infants (0-1 year)
- Toddlers (1-3 years)
- Preschoolers (3-5 years)
- Gradeschoolers (5-12)
- Teens (12-18)
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- Having too many toys can make children less grateful.
- Babies should have fewer toys so they learn to be more creative.
- Technology-based toys (like tablets or electronic games) are good for young children’s development.
- Traditional toys, like blocks and dolls, are better for learning than digital toys.
- Outdoor play is more important than indoor play.
- Playing with other children is more valuable than playing alone.
- Parents should play with their babies every day.
- Childhood play activities prepare children better for school than formal lessons.
- Every culture should protect and teach its traditional games.
- Too much playtime can stop children from learning responsibility.
Idioms
“toy with something” = consider an idea or plan.
“I’m toying with the idea of traveling to Europe, but I’m not sure I have enough money.”
“like a kid with a new toy” = very happy with something
“My father is like a kid with a new toy. He can’t stop playing with his new iPhone.”
Listening Exercise
Listen to the recording and answer the questions. (See transcript)
Vocabulary and Sample Sentences
Here are some words and expressions that appear in the recording:
- cool (adjective): great or awesome
– These toys are so cool. Your son will love them. - have got to (modal of advice):
– We‘ve got to buy these things for the birthday party. - a bit (quantifier): a small amount
– I have a bit of a cold today, so I’m staying home. - bonding time (noun phrase): a time for creating a close relationship
– Eating together with family is a great bonding time for everyone .
Post-Listening Exercise
What was your favorite toy when you were growing up? Who gave it to you? What did you like about it? What happened to it: did you give it to someone else, or did you throw it away?
Online Investigation
What are five of the most famous or influential toys of all time? What made them so popular? In what country did the toy first appear? Was the toy made for boys, girls, or both? Here are two examples. Use the internet to find more:
- The Rubik’s Cube
- Barbie