The English We Speak: Playing Up

This phrase comes from a longer idiom, ‘like ships that pass at night’. It’s used when two people have busy schedules, and struggle to find time to meet for more than just a brief encounter. Learn how to use it here, with Georgie and Feifei.Find a free transcript here: https://ww ... Show More

This slang phrase is about knowing what you have to do for a task, and doing it perfectly. Hear examples and learn how to use it in this programme, with Georgie and Feifei.As always, find a free transcript here: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-englis ... Show More

Onto something suggests progress or a good idea. Maybe not a complete answer, but you're moving in the right direction. Learn how to use 'onto something' with Becca and Feifei.As always, find a free transcript here: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-en ... Show More

We all remember playgrounds when we were children – slides, swings, climbing frames. But have you heard of the new playgrounds which are designed to include things that others might consider junk... like old tyres and wooden pallets! Pippa and Phil discuss this and teach you some ... Show More

In episode 6 we ask the question: How can we use play to teach English? First up this week, Chris talks about how he has used play in his teaching, and introduces We'am to a game from his childhood days. Then they talk to Elly Setterfield, a young learner ELT specialist. Elly dis ... Show More

Let's talk about playing with our children and why it is such a great tool. Children at play are in their natural state and when we can meet them there, we can guide them to connect, think more clearly and cooperate more easily. Play definitely did not come naturally to the two o ... Show More

1. when a child misbehaves, e.g. "The kids were playing up all morning, it was a nightmare!" 2. when something fails to function properly. e.g. "The battery in my phone is playing up" 3. when a part of your body causes you pain or doesn't function properly "my back's been playing ... Show More

Liz Waid and Bruce Gulland look at games children play all around the world. These games are more important than people know. https://spotlightenglish.com/sport/games/traditional-childrens-games/ Download our app for Android at http://bit.ly/spotlight-android Download our app for ... Show More

<p>In this English lesson I&apos;ll be helping you learn vocabulary used to talk about kids toys. I&apos;ll be talking about old toys, new toys, common toys, and more. It&apos;s getting close to Christmas and many people will be starting to shop for gifts. If they have kids or ne ... Show More

One verb in English can be followed by various prepositions to make many different phrasal verbs. So you might know the basic meaning of the verb play (play sports, play the piano, etc.) - but do you know what it means to play at something or play along with something? Today you' ... Show More

Send us Fan MailIn today’s episode, we talk about play! There are so many opportunities for play with items around our home and Emma from @play_at_home_mummy has an Instagram account that beautifully illustrates this. We chat about setting up a playroom, different types of play, ... Show More

Liz Waid and Bruce Gulland look at games children play all around the world. These games are more important than people know. https://spotlightenglish.com/sport/games/traditional-childrens-games/ Download our app for Android at http://bit.ly/spotlight-android Download our app for ... Show More