Classroom objects
| Word | Word |
|---|---|
| desk | chair |
| board / whiteboard | screen |
| pen | pencil |
| pencil case | rubber (UK) / eraser (US) |
| ruler | scissors |
| book | textbook |
| notebook / exercise book | folder |
| bag / school bag | backpack |
| sharpener | glue |
People at school
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| student / pupil | a person who attends school |
| teacher | the person who teaches the class |
| headteacher / principal | the head of the school |
| classmate | a student in the same class |
| librarian | person who manages the library |
School subjects
| Subject | Subject |
|---|---|
| English | Mathematics / Maths |
| Science | History |
| Geography | Art |
| Music | Physical Education (PE) |
| Computer Science / ICT | Religious Studies (RS) |
| Design and Technology (DT) | Languages |
Classroom actions
| Verb phrase | Meaning |
|---|---|
| to study | to work and learn |
| to read (aloud) | to read out loud to the class |
| to write | to put words on paper |
| to listen | to pay attention to the teacher |
| to ask a question | to put your hand up and ask |
| to answer | to reply to a question |
| to hand in | to give your work to the teacher |
| to copy | to write what is on the board |
Useful classroom phrases
| Phrase | When to use |
|---|---|
| Can you repeat that, please? | you didn't hear or understand |
| I don't understand. | something is unclear |
| How do you spell ___? | asking for spelling |
| What does ___ mean? | asking for the meaning of a word |
| May I go to the toilet? | asking permission to leave |
| I've finished. | you've completed the task |
Real world: on your first day at a new school
"Where is the library?" "Can I borrow a pen?" "What subject do we have next?" — knowing basic classroom vocabulary helps you navigate a new school and communicate with teachers and classmates from day one.
Practice Problems
What is the US English word for 'rubber' (erasing mistakes)?
Show answer
eraser
What do you say if you didn't hear the teacher?
Show answer
Can you repeat that, please?
Name the word for the head of the school.
Show answer
headteacher (UK) / principal (US)
What does 'to hand in' mean?
Show answer
To give your completed work to the teacher.