50 Classroom Command Words Teachers Use in English
Teaching becomes easier when students understand the common words teachers use in the classroom.
These words are short, clear, and help students know what to do. For English learners, knowing classroom command words is very helpful. It makes lessons smoother and helps students feel more confident.
I will teach you 50 classroom command words teachers use. I’ll explain each word in simple language, so both teachers and students can understand them easily.
Why Classroom Commands Are Important
Classroom command words are instructions. They tell students what action to take. For example, when a teacher says “listen”, students know they must pay attention. These words are important because:
-
They save time.
-
They reduce confusion.
-
They help maintain discipline.
-
They support English learners in understanding instructions.
Now, let’s look at the 50 most useful classroom command words.
1. Listen
Pay attention to the teacher or sound.
2. Look
Direct your eyes to the board, book, or object.
3. Read
Go through the text carefully, silently or aloud.
4. Write
Put down words or answers on paper.
5. Speak
Say words clearly so others can hear.
6. Repeat
Say or do something again.
7. Answer
Respond to a question.
8. Ask
Put a question to the teacher or classmate.
9. Open
Make your book, notebook, or bag ready.
10. Close
Shut your book, notebook, or bag.
11. Stand
Get up on your feet.
12. Sit
13. Raise
Lift your hand to ask or answer.
14. Point
Use your finger to show an object.
15. Show
Display something to others.
16. Tell
Speak and give information.
17. Spell
Say or write the letters of a word.
18. Copy
Write the same thing from the board or book.
19. Match
Connect items that belong together.
20. Circle
Draw a round line around something.
21. Underline
Draw a line under a word.
22. Highlight
Mark words or sentences with color.
23. Draw
Make a picture.
24. Colour
Fill with colors.
25. Erase
Remove writing with a rubber/eraser.
26. Cut
Use scissors to separate paper.
27. Paste
Stick something with glue.
28. Tick
Put a check mark.
29. Cross
Mark with an “X.”
30. Choose
Pick one option from many.
31. Fill
Write answers in empty spaces.
32. Complete
Finish a task or sentence.
33. Correct
Change the wrong answer to the right one.
34. Check
Look again to make sure it’s correct.
35. Share
Give part of your work, things, or ideas to others.
36. Pair
Work with one partner.
37. Group
Work with a small team.
38. Play
Take part in a game or activity.
39. Stop
End what you are doing.
40. Wait
Pause until the teacher says to continue.
41. Start
Begin an activity.
42. Finish
End an activity.
43. Read aloud
Speak the text so everyone can hear.
44. Discuss
Talk about a topic with others.
45. Think
Use your mind to get an idea or answer.
46. Remember
Keep something in your memory.
47. Forget
Do not keep something in your mind.
48. Bring
Take something with you to class.
49. Take
Hold or pick up something.
50. Give
Hand something to another person.
How Teachers Can Use These Words
-
Use short, clear commands.
-
Speak slowly, especially with young learners.
-
Add gestures or actions to make commands easy.
-
Repeat the command if students don’t understand.
-
Use the same command words regularly for routine.
Tips for Students
If you are a student, here’s how to learn these command words:
-
Listen carefully when the teacher speaks.
-
Watch the action (many teachers show with hand signals).
-
Practice the words daily in class.
-
Make a list of difficult commands and revise them.
-
Try using the words with your classmates.
Conclusion
Classroom command words are small but powerful. They help teachers guide students and help students follow lessons better.
Whether you are teaching young learners or older students, these 50 words will make your classroom run more smoothly.
Remember, communication in the classroom is not only about teaching lessons. It is also about making sure everyone understands what to do.
Using these simple command words will bring clarity, order, and confidence to both teachers and learners.
📌 Final Note: Teachers can print this list and keep it in the classroom. Students can also copy the words into their notebooks to remember them.
Read more:
- Useful Power Words to Increase Conversions
- Between vs. Among: What’s the Difference?
- 10 Advanced English Verbs to Level Up Your Vocabulary
- Mastering Advanced English Verbs: 10 Powerful Verbs
- 30 Powerful Descriptive Words in English
- 20 Advanced English Verbs You Need to Know

