School items in English

When you attend classes, whether in person or online, you will often encounter various objects. These include desks, chairs, whiteboards, and markers. Knowing their purpose and how to use them can help you succeed in your studies.

This reference will guide you through the essential classroom objects you’ll find in a typical classroom. Familiarizing yourself with these can make your learning experience smoother and more efficient.

List of Classroom Objects in English

• backpack / school bag
• binder / ring binder
• binder clips
• blackboard
• book
• bulletin board (American English) / noticeboard (British English)
• calculator
• calendar
• chair
• chalk
• clipboard
• clips / paper clips
• clock
• colored pencils / coloured pencils
• compass
• computer
• crayons
• desk
• eraser (American English) – rubber (British English)
• globe
• glue
• glue stick
• highlighter
• hole punch
• laptop

Classroom Objects with Examples

Desk

• A piece of furniture with a flat surface and usually drawers or compartments, used for studying or working.
• Example: The student sat at the desk and opened his notebook to take notes.

Chair

• A piece of furniture designed for sitting, often with a backrest and armrests.
• Example: The teacher sat in the chair at the front of the classroom.

Book

• A written or printed work consisting of pages bound together, often used for reading or studying.
• Example: The student read the book and took notes on the important details.

Notebook

• A bound or spiral book used for taking notes or writing down information.
• Example: The student opened his notebook and wrote down the assignment for the next day.

Pencil case

• A container used for holding pencils and other writing instruments.
• Example: She opened her pencil case and took out a pen to fill out the form.

Backpack

• A bag worn on the back, often used for carrying books, supplies, or personal items.
• Example: The student put his books and notebook in his backpack and headed to school.

Scissors

• A tool used for cutting paper, fabric, or other materials, often with two sharp blades joined by a pivot.
• Example: The student used the scissors to cut out pictures for her project.

Compass

• A tool used for drawing circles or arcs, often with two arms, one with a pivot and the other with a pencil.
• Example: The student used the compass to draw a circle on the paper.

Pins

• Small pointed objects used for fastening fabric or paper together, often with a round head.
• Example: The tailor used the pins to hold the fabric in place while she sewed.

Clip

• A small device used for holding papers or other materials together, often with a spring or hinge.
• Example: The student used the clip to hold his papers together for his presentation.

Pencil

• A writing instrument made of graphite or other materials, often with a wooden or plastic casing.
• Example: The student used the pencil to write down the answers to the test.

Coloured pencil (U.K) – Colored pencils (U.S)

• A pencil with a colored pigment instead of graphite, used for drawing or coloring.
• Example: The artist used the colored pencils to create a vibrant and colorful picture.

Pencil sharpener

• A device used for sharpening pencils, often with a blade or abrasive material.
• Example: The student used the pencil sharpener to sharpen his dull pencil.

Stapler

• A device used for fastening papers together with staples, often with a spring or hinge.
• Example: The teacher used the stapler to staple the papers together for the class.

Calculator

• A device used for performing mathematical calculations, often with buttons and a display screen.
• Example: The student used the calculator to solve the complex equations.

Ballpoint

• A type of pen with a small rotating ball at the tip, used for writing.
• Example: The student used the ballpoint pen to write a letter to her friend.

Highlighter

• A pen or marker used for highlighting or underlining text, often with a fluorescent color.
• Example: The student used the highlighter to mark the important information in the textbook.

Rubber (U.K) – eraser (U.S)

• A tool used for removing pencil marks or other unwanted marks from paper, often made of rubber or other material.
• Example: The student used the eraser to remove the mistake from his paper.

Scotch tape

• A type of transparent adhesive tape, often used for sticking paper or other materials together.
• Example: The artist used the Scotch tape to attach the picture to the wall.

Paint

• A liquid substance used for applying color to a surface, often used for artistic or decorative purposes.
• Example: The artist used the paint to create a beautiful landscape on the canvas.

Palette

• A flat surface used for mixing and holding paint, often with multiple wells for different colors.
• Example: The artist used the palette to mix the colors for the painting.

Paint brush

• A tool used for applying paint to a surface, often with bristles made of natural or synthetic materials.
• Example: The artist used the paint brush to create the fine details in the painting.

Protractor

• A tool used for measuring angles, often with a semicircular shape and markings in degrees.
• Example: The student used the protractor to measure the angle of the triangle.

Set square

• A tool used for drawing straight lines or measuring angles, often with a triangular shape.
• Example: The student used the set square to draw a straight line on the paper.

Ruler

• A tool used for measuring length or distance, often with markings in inches or centimeters.
• Example: The student used the ruler to measure the length of the paper.

Glue

• A sticky substance used for joining materials together, often with a liquid or paste form.
• Example: The student used the glue to attach the pieces of paper together for the project.

Beaker

• A cylindrical glass or plastic container used for holding and measuring liquids, often with markings in milliliters or fluid ounces.
• Example: The scientist used the beaker to measure and mix the chemicals for the experiment.

Flask

• A narrow-necked glass or plastic container used for holding and storing liquids, often with a stopper or cap.
• Example: The chemist used the flask to store the solution for the next experiment.

Test tube

• A narrow glass or plastic tube used for holding and testing small amounts of liquids or solids.
• Example: The scientist used the test tube to observe the chemical reaction.

Funnel

• A cone-shaped tool used for pouring liquids or other materials into a narrow opening, often with a stem or spout.
• Example: The chef used the funnel to pour the batter into the muffin cups.

Binder

• A folder or notebook with rings or clips used for holding and organizing papers or documents.
• Example: The student used the binder to keep her notes and assignments organized.

Computer

• An electronic device used for processing and storing information, often with a monitor, keyboard, and mouse.
• Example: The student used the computer to research and write the paper.

Some questions about School items in English

• What is a "pencil" used for?

  • Answer: A pencil is used for writing or drawing. It has a graphite core enclosed in a wooden or plastic casing.

• What does a "notebook" help students with?

  • Answer: A notebook helps students by providing a place to write notes, solve problems, and keep track of their assignments and thoughts.

• What is the purpose of an "eraser"?

  • Answer: An eraser is used to remove pencil marks or mistakes from paper.

• What does a "ruler" do?

  • Answer: A ruler is used to measure length or draw straight lines.

• What is a "sharpener" used for?

  • Answer: A sharpener is used to sharpen the point of a pencil so that it can write or draw more effectively.

• What is the function of a "glue stick"?

  • Answer: A glue stick is used to bond pieces of paper or other materials together.

• What is a "binder" used for?

  • Answer: A binder is used to organize and hold loose sheets of paper together in one place, often with dividers for different subjects or categories.

• What is the purpose of a "calculator" in school?

  • Answer: A calculator is used to perform mathematical calculations quickly and accurately.

• What does a "highlighter" do?

  • Answer: A highlighter is used to mark important text or passages in a book or notes, making them stand out.

• What is the use of a "backpack"?

  • Answer: A backpack is used to carry books, notebooks, and other school supplies, making it easier for students to transport their materials between home and school.