Back to school • Vocabulary • Printable resources
Back to School Unit
The beginning of a new school year is one of my favourite times to introduce (or review) school-related vocabulary. The topic is immediately relevant, and students get to use the language throughout the day instead of only during English class.
Rather than following a fixed lesson sequence, I've designed this unit as a collection of flexible resources that can be mixed, matched, and adapted to suit your class. Whether you're teaching school supplies, classroom vocabulary, school subjects, or simply helping students get comfortable speaking English again, you can pick and choose the activities that best fit your students and your teaching style.
What's Included
This unit includes a variety of printable resources covering:
- School supplies
- School subjects
- People at school
- Classroom vocabulary
- Conversation questions
- Matching activities
- Word searches
- A board game
- “What's in My School Bag?”
- Back-to-school review activities
Some activities focus on vocabulary building, while others encourage speaking, reading, writing, observation, or problem solving. Most can be used as independent work, pair activities, small-group tasks, or even whole-class games.
Make It Your Own
One of the biggest advantages of WordyWhiz resources is that they aren't locked into a single format.
If a worksheet is a little too easy, make it harder.
If it's too difficult, simplify it.
Need fewer questions? More vocabulary? Different images? A version for early finishers? A simpler version for students who need extra support?
Open the worksheet in the free WordyWhiz editor and adjust it however you like. You can even create multiple versions of the same worksheet so every student is working at an appropriate level while still participating in the same activity.
Every class is different. Your worksheets can be too.
Black & White by Design
Most worksheets are intentionally provided in black and white.
Besides keeping printing costs low, black-and-white pages give students the opportunity to colour illustrations themselves. This often keeps early finishers engaged, adds a creative element to the lesson, and provides a simple extension activity or homework option.
You'll also find a selection of colour resources throughout the unit where colour adds interest or supports the activity.
Five Ways to Use These Resources
Although I'm sure you'll come up with plenty of your own, here are a few ways I like to use these materials.
School Supplies
Before handing out the worksheet, place real classroom objects around the room. Have students find them, name them, or race to collect items you call out.
School Subjects
Use the subject worksheets as conversation starters.
Instead of simply completing the page, ask students questions like:
- What's your favourite subject?
- Which subject is the easiest?
- Which subject is the most difficult?
- What do you want to learn this year?
The worksheets become a springboard for discussion rather than the lesson itself.
What's in My School Bag?
Bring in a real backpack filled with classroom objects.
Let students guess what's inside, describe objects before revealing them, or challenge them to remember everything after a quick look.
Board Game
The board game works well as a review activity once students are familiar with the vocabulary. Encourage complete answers rather than one-word responses, or let students ask follow-up questions to keep conversations going.
Word Searches
Word searches don't have to be quiet individual work.
Try using them as timed partner challenges, vocabulary races, or warm-up activities before introducing new words.