23:12 Nov 14, 2011 

Actually, my daughter's teacher this year is American, I get why I had never heard of "notebook" in this context before. Thanks for shedding a light on my "cahier"!

22:04 Nov 14, 2011 

Indeed "copybook" does sound a little archaic (never heard of it in the UK) but for some reason, that's what teachers call the "cahiers" here in France :-)
I think "exercise-book" is the word I need, many thanks to all.

20:20 Nov 14, 2011 

Looks like your daughter's curriculum is focusing on American terminology rather than UK. If so, it's a big switch from the old standards, when US English was considered substandard.

18:22 Nov 14, 2011 

"Exercise book" is the usual term for a school "cahier" in UK English, even if they don't do any "exercises" and just take notes. A "notebook" is usually about half the size or less of an exercise book and might be used for e.g. vocabulary lists.

13:13 Nov 14, 2011 

This is ESL at primary level and the children won't be doing many exercises but rather gathering information (sticking handouts essentially). So maybe "English notebook" would be OK?

10:46 Nov 14, 2011 

Googling specifically for images of "school xxxxbook" will clearly demonstrate that "school exercise book" is what you are looking for, IMO.

09:30 Nov 14, 2011 

I take "carnet " to be a book for writing down information such as a History notebook, a Science notebook or a vocab. notebook for Languages. I see a "cahier" as being an exercise book, where exercises for Maths, English, Languages etc. are done.