60+ Essential Classroom Commands in English for Teachers and Students

This guide provides a comprehensive list of essential classroom commands in English, crucial for effective communication between teachers and students. It covers instructions for managing class activities, maintaining discipline, giving assignments, and facilitating various learning tasks. Mastering these common phrases helps create a clear and productive learning environment, making it easier for students to follow directions and for teachers to manage their classroom efficiently.

Jun 11, 2025, 16:39 IST
Get here list of best classroom commands
Get here list of best classroom commands

In any learning environment, clear and concise communication is fundamental to a productive atmosphere. For English language learners, or in classrooms where English is the primary medium of instruction, understanding common classroom commands is a vital step towards successful learning. These phrases are the backbone of daily interactions, enabling teachers to effectively manage activities, maintain discipline, and convey instructions, while empowering students to understand expectations and participate confidently.

This resource is designed to be a handy reference for both educators and students, offering a collection of frequently used English commands within a classroom setting. From simple instructions like 'Sit down' and 'Listen carefully' to more complex directives for group work or assessments, mastering these phrases will significantly enhance classroom management and student comprehension, fostering a more organized and engaging learning experience for everyone.

60+ Classroom Commands in English

Here is a list of common and essential classroom commands in English:

General Instructions / Getting Attention

Listen carefully. (Pay close attention to what is being said or explained by the teacher or a classmate.)

Pay attention. (Direct your focus and concentration towards the current task, speaker, or lesson material.)

Look at the board. (Direct your eyes towards the whiteboard, blackboard, or projector screen for information or instructions.)

Silence, please! (A polite request for everyone to stop talking, making noise, and become quiet.)

Be quiet! (A direct and firm command to stop making noise.)

Stop talking! (Instructing students to immediately cease any conversation.)

Hands up! / Raise your hand! (The formal way to indicate you know the answer or wish to speak, asking for permission.)

Listen and repeat. (Hear what I say or the audio plays, and then say it exactly the same way to practice pronunciation or phrases.)

Repeat after me. (Say the words or phrase immediately following the teacher's utterance.)

Your turn. (It's now your opportunity to speak, read, or perform the action.)

Again, please. (Ask someone to repeat what they just said or did.)

Follow my instructions. (Do exactly as I tell you, step by step.)

Let's start! (Indicate the beginning of the lesson or activity.)

Are you ready? (Check if students are prepared, focused, and have their materials ready to proceed.)

Eyes on me, please. (A specific request for students to look directly at the teacher to ensure full attention and focus.)

Listen to your classmates. (Encourage respect and attentiveness when others are speaking or presenting.)

Focus, please. (A general reminder to maintain concentration on the current task or discussion.)

Can everyone hear me? (Check if your voice is audible and clear to all students in the classroom.)

Understood? (Confirm if the instructions or concept has been fully grasped by the students.)

Let's begin. (A phrase to signal the commencement of a new activity or topic.)

Movement / Actions

Stand up. (Rise from your seat to an upright position.)

Sit down. (Take your seat or assume a seated position.)

Come in. / Come in, please. (Request students to enter the classroom.)

Go out. / Go out, please. (Instruct students to exit the classroom, often for a break or to leave.)

Come here. (Ask a student or group of students to move closer to the teacher or a specific designated spot.)

Go back to your seats. (Instruct students to return to their assigned chairs or desks after an activity or movement.)

Line up! / Form a line! (Instruct students to arrange themselves in an orderly, single-file queue, usually for exiting or an activity.)

Stand in a line. (Maintain your position in the queue, staying in order.)

Walk slowly. (Move at a gentle, unhurried pace, avoiding rushing.)

Don't run! (Prohibit running, especially indoors or in crowded areas, for safety reasons.)

Move to the [front/back/side]. (Direct students to a specific area within the classroom.)

Change places. (Instruct students to swap seats or positions with another student.)

Gather around. (Ask students to come closer to form a group or listen to a demonstration, often in a semicircle.)

Spread out. (Instruct students to move apart from each other to create more individual space for an activity.)

Take a step back/forward. (Instruct small, precise adjustments in position, often during group activities or line-ups.)

Go to the [door/window/board]. (Direct movement to a specific object or point within the classroom.)

Come to the front. (Instruct a student or group to move to the area near the teacher's desk or the main board.)

Please get into pairs/groups. (Instruct students to form pairs or small teams for a collaborative activity.)

Move quietly, please. (Request students to move without making noise, often during transitions or when getting materials.)

Stay put. (Instruct students to remain in their current location and not move.)

Get up and stretch. (Encourage a brief physical break for stretching.)

Working with Materials / Books

Open your books to page [number]. (Instruct students to turn to a specific page in their textbook or workbook.)

Close your books. (Instruct students to shut their textbooks or notebooks.)

Put your books away. (Instruct students to place their books inside their bags, desks, or designated storage areas.)

Take out your [notebooks/pens/pencils]. (Instruct students to retrieve specific writing or study materials from their bags.)

Put your pens down. (Instruct students to stop writing and place their writing instruments on the desk.)

Take notes. (Instruct students to write down important information, key points, or summaries from a lecture or discussion.)

Pass your papers forward. (Request students to hand their completed assignments or papers to the front of their row for collection.)

Collect the papers. (Instruct a student or helper to gather all submitted papers from the class.)

Hand in your assignments. (Instruct students to submit their completed homework, projects, or tasks to the teacher.)

Clean up your desks. (Instruct students to organize and clear any clutter, trash, or unnecessary items from their personal workspace.)

Get out your [scissors/glue/crayons]. (Instruct students to retrieve specific art or craft supplies.)

Share your [materials/resources]. (Encourage students to let others use their supplies or learning resources, promoting collaboration.)

Don't write in your books. (Prohibit writing directly in textbooks or library books, emphasizing care for shared resources.)

Use a ruler. (Instruct students to use a ruler for drawing straight lines, measuring, or underlining.)

Erase that. (Instruct students to remove a written or drawn mistake using an eraser.)

Highlight this. (Instruct students to mark important text or information using a highlighter pen.)

Underline the keywords. (Instruct students to draw a line beneath significant words or phrases for emphasis or study.)

Circle the answer. (Instruct students to select the correct option by drawing a circle around it.)

Match the words. (Instruct students to connect corresponding words, phrases, or images, often by drawing lines.)

Put the caps on your pens. (Remind students to cover their pens or markers to prevent them from drying out or leaking.)

Put your names on your papers. (Remind students to write their names on their assignments or worksheets.)

Activities / Learning

Read aloud. (Instruct a student to read the text in a voice loud enough for everyone to hear.)

Read out loud. (A common synonym for 'Read aloud'.)

Write this down. (Instruct students to transcribe the given information, notes, or instructions onto their paper or notebook.)

Copy this. (Instruct students to reproduce the exact text, drawing, or diagram as shown on the board or in a handout.)

Look at the picture. (Direct students' attention to a visual image, illustration, or diagram for analysis or understanding.)

Draw a picture. (Instruct students to create an image using drawing tools, often related to a concept or story.)

Color this. (Instruct students to add color to a given drawing, outline, or diagram.)

Circle the correct answer. (Instruct students to select the right option in a multiple-choice question by drawing a circle around it.)

Underline the word. (Instruct students to draw a line beneath a specific word or phrase, usually for emphasis or identification.)

Match the words. (Instruct students to connect corresponding words or phrases from two different lists, often with lines.)

Fill in the blanks. (Instruct students to complete sentences or passages by providing the missing words.)

Work in pairs. (Instruct students to collaborate on a task with one other student.)

Work in groups. (Instruct students to collaborate on a task with a small team of students.)

Discuss with your partner. (Encourage students to talk about the topic or problem with the person sitting next to them.)

Share your ideas. (Encourage students to present their thoughts, solutions, or insights to the class or their group.)

Present your work. (Instruct a student or group to showcase their completed assignment, project, or findings to the class.)

Solve this problem. (Instruct students to find the solution to a given mathematical question or logical task.)

Answer the questions. (Instruct students to provide responses to a set of queries, either verbally or in writing.)

Think about it. (Encourage students to ponder a given problem, concept, or question deeply before responding.)

Brainstorm ideas. (Instruct students to generate multiple ideas on a given topic, usually in a quick, uninhibited manner.)

Complete the exercise. (Instruct students to finish a given task or practice set.)

Work individually. (Instruct students to complete a task by themselves, without collaboration.)

Read the instructions. (Remind students to go through the directions carefully before starting an activity.)

Discipline / Classroom Management

Don't talk! (A direct and firm command to stop talking.)

No chewing gum! (A rule prohibiting the chewing of gum inside the classroom.)

Stop fiddling! (Instruct students to cease playing distractingly with objects or their hands.)

Don't disturb others. (Remind students to refrain from distracting or bothering their classmates who are trying to work or listen.)

Behave yourselves. (Instruct students to act in an appropriate, polite, and respectful manner according to classroom rules.)

Keep your hands to yourself. (Instruct students not to touch other people or their belongings without permission.)

Raise your hand before you speak. (Reinforce the rule that students must seek permission before talking or answering a question.)

Wait your turn. (Instruct students to be patient and await their designated opportunity to speak or act.)

Don't touch that! (A specific prohibition against touching a particular item, often for safety or preservation.)

Sit properly. (Instruct students to adjust their posture to sit upright, attentively, and respectfully in their chairs.)

No running in the classroom. (Strictly prohibit running indoors due to safety concerns and to maintain order.)

Quiet down! (A firm command to reduce the overall noise level in the classroom.)

Eyes on me. (A request for students to look directly at the teacher, indicating that full attention is required.)

Listen when I'm talking. (Emphasize the importance of listening to the teacher's instructions or explanations.)

No food or drink in class. (A rule prohibiting the consumption of food or beverages in the classroom, except perhaps water.)

Stay in your seats. (Instruct students to remain seated in their assigned places.)

Respect your classmates. (Encourage students to treat their peers with consideration, kindness, and politeness.)

Put your phones away. (Instruct students to store their mobile phones out of sight, usually during lesson time.)

Stop fidgeting. (Tell students to cease restless or nervous movements, which can be distracting.)

Pay attention to the lesson. (Redirect focus back to the teaching content if students are distracted or off-task.)

No shouting. (A clear rule against raising voices to a high volume.)

Follow the rules. (A general reminder to adhere to the established classroom regulations.)

Asking Questions / Responding

Any questions? (Ask if students have queries about the topic just covered or the instructions given.)

Do you understand? (Check for comprehension of the material or instructions.)

Do you have any questions? (A more polite and comprehensive way to ask if students have queries.)

Answer my question. (Directly ask a student to provide a response to a specific query posed by the teacher.)

Say it again. (Ask for a repetition of a spoken word, phrase, or sentence for clarity or practice.)

Can you explain that? (Ask for clarification or elaboration on a student's statement or an idea.)

What does this mean? (Ask for the definition, interpretation, or significance of a word, phrase, or concept.)

How do you know? (Ask for the reasoning, evidence, or source of information behind an answer or statement.)

What comes next? (Ask for the subsequent step, idea, or sequence in a process or narrative.)

Is that clear? (Confirm if the explanation or instruction provided is easy to understand and unambiguous.)

Who can tell me...? (Open a question to the class, inviting volunteers to provide an answer.)

Give me your answer. (Request a student's solution, response, or opinion to a question.)

Everyone, think about it. (Encourage collective thought and silent reflection on a problem or question before responses are given.)

Let's hear from someone else. (Invite another student to speak or offer a different perspective after one student has responded.)

Don't call out! (Remind students not to answer or speak without raising their hand and receiving permission.)

Raise your hand to answer. (Reiterate the rule for participation and answering questions.)

Can you rephrase that? (Ask for a statement to be put into different words, often for clarity or to test understanding.)

What's your opinion? (Ask for a student's personal view or belief on a topic.)

Is there another way? (Encourage students to think of alternative solutions, methods, or perspectives to a problem.)

Any doubts? (Ask if there are any remaining uncertainties, confusions, or questions that need clarification.)

Ending Class

Pack up your bags. (Instruct students to gather and organize all their belongings into their school bags, preparing to leave.)

Put everything away. (Instruct students to store all materials, books, and supplies in their designated places, clearing desks and common areas.)

Stand by your desks. (Instruct students to rise from their seats and stand next to their assigned desk, signaling readiness for dismissal.)

You may go now. (Give formal permission for students to exit the classroom.)

See you tomorrow! (A common and friendly farewell used at the end of the school day or a class that meets daily.)

Have a good day! (A warm wish for students for the rest of their day, whether they are going to another class or home.)

Don't forget your homework. (A final reminder to students about any assigned tasks they need to complete outside of class.)

Tidy your area before you leave. (Request students to clean and organize their personal workspace or surrounding area before exiting.)

Collect your belongings. (Ensure students have gathered all their personal items, such as jackets, water bottles, and stationery, before leaving.)

Line up quietly. (Instruct students to form an orderly and silent queue at the door, ready for dismissal.)

Dismissed! (A formal and final announcement that students are free to leave the classroom.)

See you next class. (A farewell specific to the next lesson or period, rather than the next day.)

Don't forget to study! (A reminder about academic preparation for upcoming tests or lessons.)

Walk out quietly. (Instruct students to exit the classroom without making noise, showing respect for other ongoing classes.)

Have a good weekend! (A farewell specifically used on Fridays or before a long break.)

Make sure your area is clean. (Reiterate the importance of leaving the workspace tidy.)

Is everyone ready to leave? (A final check to ensure all students are prepared for dismissal and have everything they need.)

Pick up any trash. (Ask students to pick up any litter or discarded items on the floor or around their desks.)

Don't forget to [specific item/task]. (A final specific reminder about something crucial, e.g., "Don't forget to hand in your project tomorrow.")

Goodbye, everyone! (A general and friendly farewell to the entire class.)

Anisha Mishra
Anisha Mishra

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Anisha Mishra is a mass communication professional and content strategist with a total two years of experience. She's passionate about creating clear, results-driven content—from articles to social media posts—that genuinely connects with audiences. With a proven track record of shaping compelling narratives and boosting engagement for brands like Shiksha.com, she excels in the education sector, handling CBSE, State Boards, NEET, and JEE exams, especially during crucial result seasons. Blending expertise in traditional and new digital media, Anisha constantly explores current content trends. Connect with her on LinkedIn for fresh insights into education content strategy and audience behavior, and let's make a lasting impact together.
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