Hello and welcome to this English vocabulary lesson about School Life vocabulary!
Today, we’re going to learn simple school-related words. This lesson is designed for A1 learners. Learning school vocabulary helps you talk about education, daily school activities, and conversations about your studies.
Introduction to School Life Vocabulary
Knowing school-related words is very important. These words help you understand what happens at school and allow you to talk about your teachers, classmates, subjects, and daily routines. When you learn these words, you can easily navigate conversations about lessons, activities, and events at school.
Listen and repeat to practice your speaking! 
Common School-Related Nouns
People in School
Teacher: A person who helps you learn at school.
Student/Pupil: A person who goes to school to learn.
Principal/Headteacher: The person in charge of the school.
Librarian: A person who takes care of books in the library.
Janitor/Caretaker: A person who cleans and fixes the school.
Counselor: A person who helps students with problems.
School Nurse: A person who helps students when they are sick.
Coach: A person who teaches sports and exercise.
Secretary: A person who works in the school office.
Registrar: A person who keeps school records.
Assistant Teacher: A person who helps the main teacher.
Class Monitor: A student who helps keep the class organized.
Tutor: A person who gives extra help in a subject.
Librarian Assistant: A helper in the library.
Activity Leader: A person who leads school clubs or activities.
Places in School
Classroom: A room where you learn with your teacher.
Library: A place with many books for reading and study.
Cafeteria/Canteen: A place where you eat your lunch.
Gymnasium/Gym: A room or building for sports and exercise.
Playground: An outdoor area where you play during breaks.
Auditorium: A large room for school meetings or shows.
Laboratory: A room where you do experiments in science.
Computer Room: A room with computers for learning.
Office: A room where school staff work.
Hallway: A passage that connects classrooms.
Art Room: A room where you make art or crafts.
Music Room: A room for practicing music.
Science Lab: A special room for science experiments.
Study Room: A quiet place for reading and studying.
Sports Field: An outdoor area for sports and games.
School Supplies
Notebook: A book for writing notes.
Textbook: A book that contains the lessons you study.
Pen: A tool for writing with ink.
Pencil: A tool for writing with lead.
Eraser: A tool to remove pencil marks.
Ruler: A tool to measure or draw straight lines.
Backpack/School Bag: A bag to carry your school things.
Crayons: Colored sticks used for drawing and coloring.
Marker: A pen with bright ink for drawing or writing.
Scissors: A tool used to cut paper.
Glue Stick: A tool to stick papers together.
Dictionary: A book that explains the meaning of words.
Calculator: A tool for doing math.
Highlighter: A tool to mark important words in a text.
Paper: Sheets you use for writing or drawing.
Common School Subjects
Mathematics (Math): The study of numbers, shapes, and calculations.
Science: The study of nature and how things work.
English: The study of language, reading, and writing.
History: The study of past events and people.
Geography: The study of the Earth and its places.
Art: The study of drawing, painting, and creativity.
Physical Education (PE): The class where you exercise and play sports.
Music: The study and practice of singing and playing instruments.
Foreign Languages: Learning languages other than your own (like Spanish, French, or German).
Computer Science: The study of computers and technology.
Literature: The study of stories, books, and poems.
Social Studies: The study of people, communities, and cultures.
Biology: The study of living things like plants and animals.
Chemistry: The study of substances and how they change.
Physics: The study of matter, energy, and how things move.
Daily School Activities
Lesson (Class): A period when you learn a subject with your teacher.
Break (Recess): A short time to rest and play between lessons.
Lunch: The meal you eat in the middle of the day at school.
Homework: Work given by the teacher to do at home.
Exam (Test): A paper or activity to check what you have learned.
Study: The act of reading and learning.
Reading Time: A time set aside to read books.
Writing Time: A time set aside to write notes or stories.
Drawing: A time when you make pictures with pencils or crayons.
Group Work: When you work together with other students.
Assembly: A meeting of all students in the school.
Sports: Physical activities or games played at school.
Library Time: A time when you read or borrow books from the library.
Art Class: A class where you learn to create art.
Science Experiment: A time when you try simple experiments in science.
School Timetable
- 08:00 – 08:45: Mathematics
- 08:45 – 09:30: English
- 09:30 – 10:15: Science
- 10:15 – 11:00: History
- 11:00 – 11:45: Geography
- 11:45 – 12:30: Art
- 12:30 – 13:15: Lunch
- 13:15 – 14:00: Physical Education
- 14:00 – 14:45: Music
- 14:45 – 15:30: Foreign Language
- 15:30 – 16:15: Computer Science
- 16:15 – 17:00: Library/Reading
- 17:00 – 17:45: Social Studies
- 17:45 – 18:30: Science Lab
- 18:30 – 19:15: Free Study/Revision
Common Phrases and Expressions in School
Classroom Commands
- “Please open your books to page [number].”
- “Listen carefully.”
- “Raise your hand if you have a question.”
- “Work in pairs.”
- “Work in groups.”
- “Please be quiet.”
- “Sit down, please.”
- “Line up.”
- “Repeat after me.”
- “Write this on your board.”
- “Close your books.”
- “Take out your homework.”
- “Look at the board.”
- “Time to clean up.”
- “Let’s start the lesson.”
Asking for Help
- “Could you please explain this again?”
- “I don’t understand this part.”
- “May I go to the restroom?”
- “Can you help me, please?”
- “What does this mean?”
- “I’m confused, can you explain?”
- “Could you repeat that?”
- “Can I have some help?”
- “Please show me how to do this.”
- “I need help with this exercise.”
- “Can you clarify this point?”
- “I’m stuck, please help.”
- “Can you give me an example?”
- “I don’t get it, can you try again?”
- “Would you mind explaining this?”
Talking About Preferences
- “My favorite subject is [subject].”
- “I enjoy studying [subject] because it is fun.”
- “I like [subject] a lot.”
- “I’m not very fond of [subject].”
- “I love learning [subject].”
- “I prefer [subject] over others.”
- “I find [subject] interesting.”
- “I don’t like [subject] very much.”
- “I really enjoy [subject] classes.”
- “Studying [subject] makes me happy.”
- “I look forward to [subject] lessons.”
- “I enjoy [subject] because it is creative.”
- “I think [subject] is challenging.”
- “I enjoy [subject] activities.”
- “I feel excited about [subject].”
Cultural Variations in School Systems
School systems can be different around the world. In some countries, school days start earlier or later, and the names of school years and subjects may vary. Some schools have more classes, while others focus on fewer subjects. Understanding these differences helps you appreciate the diversity of education systems and learn how students in different cultures experience school life.
A Simple Story About School Life
Listen and repeat aloud to improve your pronunciation!
Every day at school is an adventure. Anna arrives at school with her backpack full of notebooks, pencils, and textbooks. She meets her teacher, Mrs. Green, who welcomes her with a smile. In her classroom, Anna sits with her classmates and listens carefully as the lesson begins. During break time, she plays in the playground and talks with her friends about their favorite subjects. At lunchtime in the cafeteria, she enjoys a meal and shares jokes with others. After class, Anna goes to the library to read her favorite book and then attends a fun art class where she draws and paints. Before going home, she helps clean up the classroom and says goodbye to her friends. Every part of her school day, from the lesson to the lunch break, is filled with learning, fun, and friendship!
