The Playground

Learning English vocabulary in context makes it easier to remember and use in real life. Today, we’re going to explore playground vocabulary—words and expressions you can hear and use when talking about places where children play, have fun, and make friends.

Definition

Playground (noun)
A playground is an outdoor area provided for children to play in, usually equipped with swings, slides, climbing frames, and other recreational structures.

Vocabulary Examples

Here are some common playground-related words and expressions:

1. Swing – A seat hanging by ropes or chains that moves back and forth.

   • Example: "The kids took turns on the swing."

2. Slide – A smooth surface that children slide down from a height.

   • Example: "She climbed up the ladder and slid down the slide laughing."

3. Seesaw (or teeter-totter) – A long board balanced in the middle, where two people sit on each end and push off the ground.

   • Example: "They played on the seesaw until it got dark."

4. Monkey bars – A climbing structure with horizontal bars.

   • Example: "He crossed the monkey bars without falling once."

5. Sandbox – A box filled with sand where children can dig and build.

   • Example: "They built castles in the sandbox."

6. Climbing frame – A structure for climbing, usually made of metal or plastic bars.

   • Example: "The climbing frame was shaped like a dome."

7. Roundabout (UK) / Merry-go-round (US) – A rotating platform that children can sit or stand on.

   • Example: "They pushed the merry-go-round as fast as they could."

8. Ladder – A set of steps used to climb up playground equipment.

   • Example: "He held the ladder while his sister climbed up to the slide."

Practical Exercises

Exercise 1: Match the Word with the Picture

(Insert images of each item: swing, slide, seesaw, etc.)

Match each word to the correct picture:

• Swing

• Slide

• Seesaw

• Monkey bars

• Sandbox

• Climbing frame

• Merry-go-round

• Ladder

Exercise 2: Fill in the Blanks

Fill in the blanks with the correct playground word:

1. I love going down the ________ at full speed.

2. The kids pushed each other on the ________.

3. She hung upside down from the ________.

4. They took their buckets and shovels to the ________.

5. He climbed the ________ to reach the top of the structure.

Exercise 3: Speak or Write

Write 5 sentences about your favorite playground memory. Try to use at least 3 of the vocabulary words from the list.

Question: What’s your favorite piece of playground equipment, and why?
Comment below or share your answer on social media using the hashtag #EngFluentPlayground!