The Start of the School Year: English Words and Phrases You Need to Know

Every new school year brings new opportunities, knowledge, and encounters with friends. If you are learning English, fall is a great time to add new words and phrases related to education to your vocabulary. Below is a list of terms that will be useful during the learning process. We will also look at an essay that describes a student’s first day at school. It begins with the preparation for school, including gathering school supplies and putting on a uniform. It then describes the first impressions of the classroom, lessons, meeting the teacher, and interacting with classmates. The essay also includes details about completing homework, new classroom rules, and plans for future learning. The text uses these words to show their application in real life.

Task: Essay on the Topic: My First Day at School

Read the essay and fill in the missing words using the list: assignment, blackboard, classroom, desk, experiences, homework, library, lesson, page, subjects, supplies, teacher, textbook, uniform, vocabulary

Time's up

School Supplies

Every student knows that before the start of the school year, it’s important to prepare school supplies. Knowing the names of these items in English will help you easily navigate the classroom and purchase the necessary materials. Here is a list of common school supplies:

• Backpack — essential for carrying books, notebooks, and other items. The backpack should be comfortable and durable to withstand the weight of school materials. Example: “She packed her books and lunch in her backpack.”
• Notebook — used for taking notes during lessons, homework, and jotting down information. Notebooks can be lined (lined notebook) or grid (grid notebook). Example: “He writes all his math notes in a notebook.”
• Pencil case — a small container used to keep pens, pencils, erasers, rulers, and other stationery items. Example: “My pencil case is full of colorful pens and pencils.”
• Pen — a writing instrument. The most popular types are ballpoint (ballpoint pen) and gel (gel pen). Example: “Please use a blue pen to fill out the form.”
• Pencil — used for writing or drawing, often with an eraser (eraser) at the end. Example: “I need a sharp pencil to draw this diagram.”
• Eraser — used for removing pencil marks. Example: “He made a mistake and used an eraser to correct it.”
• Ruler — used for measuring length and drawing straight lines. Example: “Use a ruler to draw straight lines for your geometry homework.”
• Highlighter — used to mark important information in text. Example: “She used a yellow highlighter to mark the important dates.”
• Glue stick — convenient for gluing paper or cardboard. Example: “We need a glue stick to finish this art project.”
• Scissors — used for cutting paper and other materials. Example: “Be careful when using scissors to cut the paper.”
• Calculator — a device for performing mathematical calculations, often used in math classes. Example: “I always bring my calculator to math class.”
• Folder — used to store papers, printouts, and other documents. Example: “Keep all your worksheets in a folder to stay organized.”
• Sharpener — a tool for sharpening pencils. Example: “My pencil is dull; I need to use a sharpener.”
• Sticky notes — small sheets of paper with a sticky edge for brief notes. Example: “She left a sticky note on my desk with a reminder.”
• Binder — used for organizing and storing notes and documents. Example: “He keeps all his important papers in a binder.”
• Textbook — a primary source of educational material for various subjects. Textbooks usually contain theory, examples, and exercises for better understanding of the topic. Example: “Students are required to bring their textbook to every class.”
• Diary / Planner — used for recording homework, important dates, and planning study schedules. A diary helps stay organized and keep track of tasks. Example: “She writes her homework assignments in her planner every day.”
• School uniform — special clothing worn by students in many schools. A school uniform may include a shirt, blazer, trousers, or skirt. Example: “All students must wear the school uniform during school hours.”

Classroom Vocabulary

The classroom is the environment where students learn, interact with classmates and teachers, and develop their knowledge. Knowing English words related to the classroom will help you better navigate school life. Here are key terms:

• Blackboard / Whiteboard — the surface on which the teacher writes with chalk or a marker during lessons. Example: “The teacher wrote the new vocabulary words on the blackboard.”
• Desk — the furniture where students sit during lessons. Each desk typically has a table and storage space for books and notebooks. Example: “She always keeps her desk clean and organized.”
• Chair — the seat used by students at their desk. Example: “Please take your chair and move it to the front of the class.”
• Classroom — the room where lessons take place. A classroom may be equipped with a blackboard, desks, chairs, projector, etc. Example: “The classroom was decorated with colorful posters and student artwork.”
• Classmate — another student in your class. Classmates work together on projects and assignments. Example: “She always helps her classmates with their homework.”
• Teacher’s Desk — the teacher’s workspace, where they keep materials, books, and other items needed for lessons. Example: “The teacher keeps all the lesson plans on the teacher’s desk.”
• Projector — a device used to display images or videos on a large screen or classroom wall, often used for presentations and demonstrations. Example: “The teacher used a projector to show the science experiment video.”
• Chalk / Marker — tools for writing on the board. Chalk is used on blackboards, and markers are used on whiteboards. Example: “She picked up a piece of chalk and started writing on the board.”
• Bulletin Board — a surface where announcements, schedules, and student work are posted. Example: “The bulletin board displays students’ artwork and upcoming events.”
• Assignment — a task given to students to complete in class or at home. Example: “Today’s assignment is to write an essay on your favorite book.”
• Attendance Sheet — a document where the teacher marks students’ presence in class. Example: “The teacher checked the attendance sheet at the beginning of the class.”
• Schedule — a document or table showing the times and order of lessons or activities. Example: “I always check my schedule to know which class is next.”
• Gradebook — a special book where the teacher records students’ grades for tests, homework, projects, and other activities. It often also tracks attendance. Example: “The teacher recorded the test scores in the gradebook.”
• Homework — tasks assigned to students to complete at home after classes. Homework can include reading, writing essays, solving problems, etc. Example: “Don’t forget to do your homework before tomorrow’s class.”
• Quiz — a short test to assess students’ knowledge on a specific topic. It is usually used to check understanding of the material. Example: “There will be a quiz on the chapter we studied last week.”
• Exam — a more extensive test covering a large amount of material. Exams are usually given at the end of a term or school year. Example: “The final exam will cover all the topics we’ve learned this term.”
• Classwork — tasks completed by students during lessons. This can be individual or group work. Example: “Today’s classwork involves solving problems in pairs.”
• Syllabus — a document outlining the topics and materials to be covered in a course, along with information about assessment, important dates, etc. Example: “The professor handed out the syllabus on the first day of class.”
• Lecture — an oral presentation by a teacher or professor providing new information or material. Lectures are often accompanied by notes or presentations. Example: “The lecture on world history was very informative.”
• Break — a short period of rest between lessons or activities. Breaks allow students to relax and prepare for the next lesson. Example: “Students have a ten-minute break between classes.”
• Locker — a small personal storage space at school where students can keep their belongings, textbooks, and other supplies. Example: “He keeps his books and sports gear in his locker.”

School Subjects

In schools, students study a variety of subjects to develop different skills and knowledge. Here is a list of core and elective school subjects that may be part of the curriculum:

• Mathematics — a major subject that includes arithmetic, algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and calculus. Mathematics teaches problem-solving, logical thinking, and data analysis. Example: “We learned how to solve quadratic equations in Mathematics today.”
• English — the study of grammar, vocabulary, literature, writing, and speaking. English is one of the most widely spoken languages in the world. Example: “Our English teacher asked us to write an essay on our favorite book.”
• Science — a general subject covering natural sciences such as biology, chemistry, and physics. Students learn about natural phenomena, laws of nature, and conduct experiments. Example: “In Science, we conducted an experiment to observe chemical reactions.”
• History — the study of past events, cultures, civilizations, and notable figures. History helps understand how societies have developed and how historical events influence the present. Example: “Our History class today focused on the causes of World War II.”
• Geography — the study of the Earth’s physical features, climate, population, resources, and economic activities in different regions of the world. Example: “In Geography, we learned about the different climate zones of the world.”
• Physical Education (PE) — activities aimed at developing physical skills, endurance, and a healthy lifestyle. Usually includes sports, games, and exercises. Example: “Today’s PE class included a soccer game and some stretching exercises.”
• Art — lessons that develop students’ creative abilities, including drawing, painting, sculpture, and other visual arts. Example: “We used watercolors to paint landscapes in Art class.”
• Music — the study of musical theory, singing, playing instruments, and music history. Example: “In Music class, we are learning to play the guitar.”
• Biology — the study of living organisms, their structure, function, evolution, and ecology. Example: “We dissected a frog in Biology class to learn about its anatomy.”
• Chemistry — the science of chemical elements, compounds, and reactions. Students learn about substance structures, properties, and changes. Example: “We learned about the periodic table of elements in Chemistry.”
• Physics — the study of physical laws of nature, such as gravity, electricity, magnetism, mechanics, and thermodynamics. Example: “In Physics, we studied Newton’s laws of motion.”
• Computer Science / Information Technology (IT) — the study of programming basics, computer operations, information systems, networks, and cybersecurity. Example: “Our Computer Science teacher taught us how to code in Python.”
• Economics — the study of economic principles, markets, financial systems, and the behavior of consumers and producers. Example: “In Economics, we discussed the impact of inflation on the economy.”
• Civics — the study of citizens’ rights and responsibilities, government functions, and democratic principles. Example: “Our Civics class learned about the structure of the government.”
• Foreign Languages — the study of languages other than your native one, such as French, German, Spanish, Chinese, etc. Example: “I’m taking Spanish as a second language.”
• Literature — the study of literary works, including analyzing plots, characters, writing styles, and cultural contexts. Example: “We are reading Shakespeare’s plays in our Literature class.”
• Social Studies — a comprehensive subject covering history, geography, economics, political science, and other social sciences. Example: “Today’s Social Studies lesson was about the industrial revolution.”
• Philosophy — the study of fundamental questions regarding existence, thought, knowledge, ethics, and society. Example: “In Philosophy, we discussed the concept of existentialism.”
• Psychology — the study of human behavior, thought processes, emotions, and perception. Example: “Our Psychology teacher explained the different types of memory.”

Common School Phrases

These phrases are commonly used by teachers, students, and school staff during the educational process. Knowing these expressions will help you navigate an English-speaking school environment more effectively.

General Phrases for Teachers and Students:

• Take your seats — A phrase used by teachers to ask students to sit down in their places before the lesson starts. Example: “Please take your seats; the class is about to begin.”
• Open your books to page… — A phrase used during a lesson to direct students to a specific page for reading or assignment. Example: “Open your books to page 45 and read the first paragraph.”
• Raise your hand — An instruction for students to raise their hand if they want to say something or ask a question. Example: “If you have a question, please raise your hand.”
• Pay attention — An instruction to students to listen carefully. Used when the teacher wants to focus the class on important information. Example: “Pay attention, this part is crucial for your test.”
• Hand in your homework — A phrase used by teachers to remind students to submit their homework. Example: “Please hand in your homework at the beginning of the class.”
• Take out your notebooks — An instruction for students to prepare their notebooks for writing or assignments. Example: “Take out your notebooks and write down today’s date.”
• Work in pairs/groups — An instruction for students to complete a task together with classmates. Example: “For this activity, you’ll need to work in pairs.”
• Can I go to the bathroom? — A question students use to ask for permission to leave the classroom. Example: “Can I go to the bathroom?”
• What does this mean? — A question students ask when they do not understand the meaning of a word, phrase, or concept. Example: “What does this mean? I don’t understand the word.”
• I’m sorry, I don’t understand. — A phrase students use when they have difficulty understanding the teacher’s explanation or instructions. Example: “I’m sorry, I don’t understand. Could you explain it again?”

Phrases for Interacting with Classmates:

• Can I borrow a pencil? — A polite request to a classmate to lend a stationery item. Example: “Can I borrow a pencil? I forgot mine at home.”
• Do we have any homework? — A question to a classmate or teacher about the existence of homework. Example: “Do we have any homework for tomorrow?”
• What did I miss? — A question a student might ask if they were absent and want to know what was covered in class. Example: “What did I miss in yesterday’s class?”
• Can we work together? — A question to a classmate about the possibility of collaborating on a project or task. Example: “Can we work together on this project?”

Phrases for Teachers:

• Let’s review the material — A phrase used by teachers to go over previously covered material before a test or assignment. Example: “Let’s review the material we covered last week.”
• Any questions? — A question asked by the teacher to check if students have any questions after explaining a topic or assignment. Example: “After explaining the task, the teacher asked, ‘Any questions?'”
• Please be quiet — A request to lower the noise level in the classroom. Example: “Please be quiet while others are working.”
• Turn in your assignments — A reminder for students to submit their written work or projects by a certain time. Example: “Turn in your assignments by the end of the day.”