School English: classroom objects and the school day

School words are easiest to learn through the things children pack in their bags and the routines they follow at school every day. Even packing a school bag can become a short English practice.

Classroom objects

pencil, pen, rubber (eraser in American English), ruler, notebook, book, bag, scissors, glue, pencil case, board, desk.

School subjects

English, maths, science, history, geography, art, music, PE. “My favourite subject is art.”

A school day

“I get up at seven. I have breakfast and go to school by bus. School starts at half past eight. We have four lessons before lunch. After school, I do my homework.” Ask your child to describe their own school day with this pattern.

Phrases heard in class

“Open your books.”, “Listen, please.”, “Work in pairs.”, “Can I go to the toilet, please?”, “I don't understand.”, “Can you help me?” The last three matter most, because they let a child speak up in class.

To keep going, see How can I help with my child's English homework? A parent's guide and First English words for children: colours, numbers, animals, and the body.

Frequently asked questions

“Rubber” or “eraser”? British English says “rubber” and American English “eraser”; use the one your child's school teaches.

What if my child is shy about speaking in class? Rehearsing a few phrases at home through play, like “Can I go to the toilet, please?” and “I don't understand.”, builds confidence.