People who help us: what children learn
People in our community have jobs that help us, from firefighters to teachers and vets.
Each card shows a person. Children match them with the job they do.
This topic links to an early learning goal in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) statutory framework for England (Past and Present). Children at the expected level of development will: “Talk about the lives of the people around them and their roles in society”. Reception children are usually aged 4–5.
How to play
Pick a card on the left, then the card on the right that matches it. Each game has 4 pairs. Wrong matches are counted as mistakes, and you get three stars for a game with no mistakes.
Step by step
- Play together. Sit with your child and read the words on screen aloud. Let them do the tapping and dragging.
- Name the person. Look at the picture and say who it is.
- What do they do?. Ask how they help us.
- Make the match. Find the job card.
Worked examples
Example 1: 👩🚒 Firefighter
Working: Firefighters come in a fire engine.
Answer: puts out fires
Example 2: 🐾 Vet
Working: Vets help poorly pets.
Answer: looks after poorly animals
Example 3: 🧑🏫 Teacher
Working: Teachers work in schools.
Answer: helps us learn at school
Common mistakes and how to fix them
- Mixing up doctors and dentists Dentists look after teeth.
- Mixing up vets and doctors Vets help animals; doctors help people.
- Thinking only uniforms show jobs Many helpers wear everyday clothes.
Activities to try at home
- Spot people who help on a walk, such as postal workers or bin collectors.
- Play doctors, vets or shops.
- Talk about who helps your family.
Ideas for the classroom
- Invite a local helper to visit.
- Set up a role-play area for a helper.
- Make thank-you cards for helpers.
Free printable game and worksheet
The free printable starts with a game sheet, such as a colour-by-answer picture, an answer maze or a secret-code joke, followed by a worksheet. Both use the same checked questions as the online game, and the answers are on the last page. Print it, or save it as a PDF from your browser’s print menu.
Open the free printable game and worksheet
Frequently asked questions
Why is this in history?
The early learning goal asks children to talk about the lives of people around them and their roles in society.
What should my child do in an emergency?
Tell a grown-up straight away. Grown-ups call 999 in an emergency.
Can it be played with a keyboard?
Yes. Tab to a card, press Enter to pick it, then pick its partner.