missing assignments report card comments

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168 Sample Report Card Comments (Plus a Printable Version)

Help has arrived just in time for report cards!

Each progress report and report card provides an opportunity for you to give parents insight into their child’s performance beyond a letter or numerical grade for conduct or academics. Parents want to know how their child is doing, but they also want to know that you get their child. Report cards also help students understand what they are doing well … as well as areas where they could improve. The best way to get these points across is via meaningful comments. Need help? We’ve got dozens of sample report card comments below that are sorted for students at every level: emerging, developing, proficient, and extending standards, plus comments that address behavior, social skills, and more.

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Tips for report card comments

Before using the list below, it’s important to know that teacher comments should be accurate, specific, and personal. The comments below are structured to allow you to fill in the blank for a particular subject or behavior, and then expand the comment. Sometimes you might require an action like a meeting with the parent. Other times you may be encouraging the student to do something in school or at home to improve on a skill or get more practice. Either way, these sample report card comments will establish the how that attaches to the what of any number or letter grade you are documenting.

Sample report card comments for students with emerging skills

It’s often difficult to know the cause of why a student’s skills are still emerging. In these situations, parents can often help you get to the bottom of it. Be specific about areas of difficulty in these comments, and don’t be afraid to ask for a parent’s help. Here are some ideas:

• Your student could use some extra practice in [subject]. Please have them study [skill] for [time] each night.
• Your student hasn’t yet had the chance to master [specific skill]. Review sessions are available [time frame].
• Your student may need additional assistance with [skill/subject]. Completing classwork and homework is the first step to improving.

• Your student needs more practice with [specific skill]. Please check that they have completed their homework each evening.
• We will continue focusing on reinforcing your student’s positive efforts.
• Your student should put more effort into [subject area] to avoid incorrect or incomplete assignments.
• Your student would benefit from more active participation in small-group activities.
• This semester/trimester, I would like your student to work on …

Sample report card comments to encourage a follow-up phone call

We can think of many situations where a report card comment can be the first step in scheduling a phone call or meeting to discuss a concern. Write something positive about the child’s personality while requesting a parent meeting or phone call. Some examples are:

• Your student is always respectful, but I am concerned about their work. When can we meet?
• Your child is inquisitive and engaged in class, but they have quite a bit of missing work. Please call me to discuss some strategies.
• Your child has a wonderful sense of humor/is helpful/is kind but fails to turn in their assignments. Let’s meet to come up with a plan to move forward.

• Let’s work on strategies that will help your student follow through on their assignments.

Sample report card comments about (negative) behavior

Parents want to know how their child has behaved, even if they are not surprised by the behavior. Behavior can be even more difficult to write about than academics. Be careful to avoid personal attacks or statements that can make the parent or child feel judged. For difficult behaviors, stick to statistics and/or basic descriptions. Try things like:

• Your student struggles with [DESIRED behavior]. We will continue to work on this behavior at school.
• Your child struggles with [UNDESIRABLE behavior] and needs to focus on [DESIRED behavior].
• When your student is focused, they are a pleasure to have in class. Let’s meet to discuss strategies to keep them on track.
• Your student often struggles to focus in class, which harms their ability to engage well with class activities and assignments.
• [Student] is working on independent work production and staying on task.
• [Student] often struggles to focus in class, which impacts their ability to engage in class activities.
• I encourage [student] to use time wisely to finish tasks in a timely manner.
• I encourage [student] to be more responsible in completing tasks without frequent reminders.
• I encourage [student] to show that they are properly engaged in learning by improving quality of work and use of class time. Please support this at home by [idea here].
• Your student needs to slow down in order to produce quality/carefully done work.

• Your student needs to follow classroom rules more closely throughout the school day.
• Your student has exhibited [UNDESIRABLE behavior]. We will continue to reinforce appropriate behaviors.
• Your student exhibited [UNDESIRABLE behavior] [this many] times this quarter. Let’s work to reduce the incidence of this behavior to [goal] times.
• [Student] is encouraged to demonstrate more responsible attitudes and behaviors in the classroom.
• [Student] is working on using appropriate language at all times.
• [Student] requires encouragement to listen attentively during group instruction.
• [Student] requires frequent reminders to remain attentive during instruction.
• [Student] is working on voicing feelings and opinions and listening to others.

Sample report card comments for students with developing skills

For students who are still developing, focus on any improvement while also providing suggestions to keep the momentum going. Try these comments:

• Your student has come so far in [subject]! Focusing on [important skill] is the next step.
• Your student has made so much progress! They still struggle with [important skill], so that should be our next focus.
• Your child has done well, but I am concerned that their lack of [listening/focus/motivation] has contributed to a lower grade than I know they could achieve.
• Let’s work on motivating your student to reach their potential.
• I would like to see your student pay closer attention to [subject/topic] in order to get a better grade.

• If your student works as hard on [important skill] as they have worked on [improved subject], then they will be caught up in no time!
• Your child is very engaged during whole-group [subject instruction] but struggles to work independently.
• Your student’s persistence is exemplary.
• When motivated, your child does well on class assignments. We need to extend that motivation further.
• Your child has improved significantly but still needs to slow down and check their work to make sure that all answers are correct.
• Your student is struggling to understand new concepts in [subject]. Paying closer attention to the assigned reading and class lecture would be beneficial.
• The hard work is paying off! Let’s keep it up when we start working on [next skill].
• Your child is enthusiastic but still doesn’t understand [topic]. Additional work on this topic would be incredibly helpful.

• Your child requests a great deal of adult assistance when completing school work. Let’s work on encouraging independent work.

Sample report card comments for students with proficient skills

Let the parent know all the positives about their child and perhaps encourage students to dig just a little bit deeper.

• Your student comes to school each day prepared to work hard.
• I appreciate that your student does their best every single day.

• Your student is an enthusiastic member of the class and shows a willingness to learn.
• I enjoy how invested your child is in their learning.
• I appreciate your child’s dedication to their studies in my class.
• Not only is your student strong academically, but they are also a leader in the classroom.
• I appreciate that your student is always committed to doing their best.
• Your student understands the material well. Let’s find a way to help them shine.
• Your child has the potential to be at the top of the class.
• With a little more effort, your child could move up to the advanced group in [the subject where effort is lacking].

• Your child puts in great work in [preferred subject]! If they apply those skills to [non-preferred subject], there’s no stopping them.
• Your child excels at applying what they learn in the classroom to real-world and real-life situations. With a little more work, they could really go far!

Sample report card comments for students with advanced skills

Positive behaviors deserve just as much (if not more) attention as negative behaviors. These comments can be the most fun to write. Begin with a simple stem and then fill in the personal details that will make the parent smile. Example sentence starters are:

• Your child exhibits exceptional focus and diligence in their work.
• Your student is excellent at taking ownership of their learning.
• I appreciate that your child is committed to doing their best.
• Your student seeks new challenges.
• Your child has a fantastic work ethic.
• Your child exceeds expectations on a regular basis.
• Your student avoids careless errors through attention to detail.

• Your child sets high standards for themself and achieves them.
• Teaching your child is always an adventure! I love it when they …
• Your child conducts themself with maturity.
• Your child is able to focus and stays on task during independent work times.
• Your student uses instincts to deal with matters independently and in a positive way.
• I have enjoyed your child’s sense of humor in our classroom, as well as …
• Your child has an impressive understanding and knowledge about their interests.

Sample report card comments to showcase students’ strengths

Students who excel at helping out others deserve to have their skills mentioned in comments!

• [Student] is confident, positive, and a great role model for their classmates.
• [Student] is a valuable part of class. They are among the first to help and mentor classmates.
• [Student] has shown an ability to set goals and work to achieve them.
• [Student] is engaged and able to set their own learning targets.
• [Student] is an active participant. They listen attentively and make an effort to avoid distractions that could disrupt their learning.
• [Student] is accountable for their actions and takes opportunities to improve.
• [Student] relates well to classmates and appreciates peers’ perspectives.
• [Student] demonstrates emotional maturity and responds appropriately to feedback.
• [Student] always looks for ways to be helpful in the classroom.
• [Student] is dependable and reliable and follows through on commitments.
• Your student relates well to classmates and is appreciative of different perspectives and experiences.

• It is a joy teaching your student! I can always count on them to …
• Your child makes the classroom a brighter place. They often …
• Your student’s conduct is exemplary. They …
• Your student works well with classmates and often takes a leadership role.
• Not only is your child a strong student, but they are also a wonderful human being.
• Your student displays good citizenship by assisting other students.
• Your child demonstrates responsibility daily by caring for the materials in our classroom conscientiously.
• Your child is exceptionally organized and takes care of their things.
• Your child is thoughtful and kind in their interactions with others.
• Your student plans and carries out group activities carefully.
• Your child is a very special student and one that I will never forget. I will miss them next year!

While all of these comments can supplement the grades on a report card, you don’t have to wait to use them. Sending notes home between progress reports and report cards with little comments like these can bolster the parent-teacher relationship. Write them in communication folders or on postcards for that extra school-home connection.

Sample report card comments to highlight positive behavior

Sometimes you’ll have a lot to say about a student’s positive behaviors. Parents love to hear that their kids are model citizens. Here are comments that communicate all the good behaviors you see in class.

• [Student] works well with classmates on group work and often takes a leadership role.
• [Student] shows a positive attitude when working with peers. They take and give suggestions and directions effectively.
• [Student] excels at applying what they learn to real-world situations.
• It is a pleasure to have [student]’s enthusiasm and maturity in class.
• [Student] is an enthusiastic member of class and shows a willingness to learn.
• [Student] shows responsible behavior, works well in a group, and shows appreciation for classmates’ efforts.

• [Student] is focused during class activities and participates in discussions.
• [Student] works on independent work with focus and confidence.
• [Student] has overcome big challenges this year.
• [Student] follows directions promptly and accurately.
• [Student] transitions easily between classroom activities without distraction.
• [Student] is polite and uses good manners in the classroom.
• [Student] responds appropriately when corrected.
• [Student] takes classroom jobs seriously and demonstrates responsibility when completing them.

Sample report card comments for math

Providing specific information about how a child is doing in core subjects helps parents know exactly what to expect on the grades portion of the report card. And providing a positive statement about a subject can help you lead into a statement about what the child needs to work on.

• [Student] has a good understanding of math concepts taught this year. They continue to complete work correctly and enjoy math activities.
• [Student] has a positive attitude toward math but has trouble in a few key areas [list here]. Practicing every night at home will help them improve in these areas.
• [Student] demonstrates a good understanding of math concepts and communicates clearly and with strong justification.
• [Student] seems to need continuous encouragement in math. They continue to struggle with foundational math concepts for [grade level].

• [Student] is having a difficult time with certain concepts in math. Areas in need of extra work include [list here].
• [Student] is struggling to maintain pace in math. They could benefit from [practice activity here].
• [Student] is easily distracted during math and this impacts their learning.
• [Student] does well on math assignments but struggles with tests. Please make sure they study and prepare for tests as they approach.

Sample report card comments for reading and writing

Just like with math, it’s good to comment on the specific aspects of academics that students are doing well and those that they can work on. Use these comments to explain where a student is in their reading and writing progress.

• [Student] has made great improvements in [spelling, comprehension, reading] and could use support in [spelling, comprehension, reading]. Please reach out if you need supplemental learning materials to use for practice at home.
• [Student] always puts effort into their writing work.

• [Student] is able to take new skills and apply them to writing assignments.
• [Student] is able to offer responses to text and supports ideas with sound reasoning and examples.
• [Student] reads with fluency and comprehension.  
• [Student] is working on reading fluency. They would benefit from reading aloud at home.
• [Student] is able to understand and discuss text read aloud.
• [Student] consistently reads grade-level material.
• [Student] is able to choose books to read that they really enjoy.
• [Student] uses editing skills to edit writing to improve grammar and punctuation.
• [Student] organizes writing well and organizes thoughts into complete paragraphs.

• [Student] is able to analyze character actions and story plots and make inferences from what they read.
• [Student] is thoughtful and insightful in class discussion and written work. They express their ideas clearly.

Sample report card comments about social skills

As much as school is about academics, parents also worry about social skills and how their child is doing in terms of fitting in, making friends, and managing social situations. For some kids, this will be a strength and for some it will be an area of focus, but make sure to include whatever information parents need to know.

• [Student] has made many friends in the classroom.
• [Student] is well liked by classmates.
• [Student] treats other students with empathy and fairness.

• [Student] handles disagreements with peers appropriately.
• [Student] appears comfortable in new situations.
• [Student] chooses to spend free time with friends.

Sample report card comments about communication

Communication is another important skill that students are learning and honing in school that you can report on. Particularly for kids whose communication skills are either a strength or something they need help with, a comment about this can be very helpful to parents.

• [Student] has a well-developed vocabulary.
• [Student] expresses their ideas clearly.
• [Student] has a vibrant imagination and uses their imagination in storytelling and writing.
• [Student] always participates in whole-group discussions.
• [Student] can make a logical and persuasive argument in oral discussion or in writing.

• [Student] listens to the comments and ideas of others without interrupting.
• [Student] is working on participating in class. Please encourage them to raise their hand or engage in group discussion.
• I would love to hear from [student] more. Please encourage them to participate in class.
• [Student] is working on using their words to solve problems/communicate well with peers.

Sample report card comments about group work

Group work gets at a child’s ability to work with peers, solve problems, and communicate. It’s also often a barometer for social skills. Giving comments about group work can tell parents a lot about how their child is able to succeed in teamwork and if there are any red flags.

• [Student] offers constructive suggestions to peers.
• [Student] accepts recommendations of peers and acts on them when appropriate.
• [Student] takes various roles in group work as assigned or as needed.
• [Student] welcomes leadership roles in groups.
• [Student] shows fairness in distributing group tasks.
• [Student] plans and carries out group activities carefully.

• [Student] works democratically with peers.
• [Student] encourages peers during group work.
• [Student] is working on accepting their share of the work during group assignments.

Sample report card comments about time management

Managing time is a skill that gets more and more important as kids move through school, and it is something that all parents can help with at home. Help parents know how their child is doing managing time with these comments.

• [Student] approaches classroom assignments, tasks, and group work in an organized way.
• [Student] is on time and prepared for class each day.
• [Student] works at an appropriate pace.
• [Student] is able to pace their work for long-term assignments.

• [Student] completes makeup work in a timely fashion.
• [Student] is working on using time wisely.
• [Student] is working on managing time, especially when there are multiple tasks to complete during a work period.
• [Student] is working on organizing their materials and using organization to support work completion.

Sample report card comments about work habits

Same as time management, comments about work habits are helpful for parents because they explain how a student is approaching their work and how their academics are impacted because of these habits.

• [Student] is self-motivated.
• [Student] exceeds expectations with the quality of their work.
• [Student] readily grasps new concepts or ideas.
• [Student] produces neat and careful work.

• [Student] checks work thoroughly before submitting it.
• [Student] pays attention to work and submits work that does not have errors.
• [Student] is working on producing neat work.
• [Student] is working on checking work thoroughly before submitting it.
• [Student] is working on submitting work that does not have errors. They frequently require additional review to ensure that all errors are corrected.

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SHOP RESOURCES

25 Meaningful Report Card Comments

Why does writing Report Card comments have to be so hard?!  Sometimes it’s a mental block.  How do you give parents an honest and clear picture of how their child is doing in one comment? Oftentimes though, teachers have to say things that aren’t easy for parents to hear but need to be told.  Certain information is essential for parents to be aware of if they’re going to work together with you as a team to help their child get the best education possible. Here are some tips to help you write meaningful report card comments to help parents understand their child’s progress… along with examples and 25 actual comments that you can use on your own Report Cards!

Here are my best tips on how to write Report Card Comments

1. start out with a compliment.

• Jack is such a creative thinker!
• Susan gives her best effort every day!
• I can always count on Cody to follow my directions!
• Beth knows all of her multiplication facts all the way up to the 12s!
• I love how Neil is always willing to help his classmates!

If you’re struggling to come up with something positive for a particular student, think of what the rest of your class might say about this child.  Would they say he makes them laugh and is really funny?  Then, “Caleb has a great sense of humor” might be the compliment you’re looking for!

2. Tell the truth in a caring way

• Abby shouts out in class all the time! – “I love that Abby is so willing to participate in class discussions, but blurting out is distracting and prevents others from being able to share.”
• Hunter never reads at night and really needs to! – “It is very important that Hunter reads 20 minutes each night to help improve his fluency skills.”
• Callie talks too much with friends during class! –  “Callie’s desire to socialize with her friends is causing her to lose focus during instructional time.”
• Jason is not growing in any academic areas! – “I am concerned that Jason is not showing the growth I would have expected at this point in the year.”  

3. Give a “next step” solution  

• “Please discuss with Abby the importance of raising her hand before speaking in class.”
• “Feel free to read aloud with Hunter each night for his 20 minutes of reading.”
• “Callie and I have talked about how important listening in class is. Please remind her of this at home as well.”
• “Let’s get together and talk about a plan on how we can help Jason.  Call or message me to let me know dates that you are available to meet.”

Don’t know where to start?

• “I am so proud of (Student’s Name) for (something positive he or she does). He/she is a joy to have in class!  Keep working hard!”
• “(Student’s Name) does a really great job (something positive he or she does). I have noticed that (name a problem the student has). Let’s meet to discuss how we can help your child with this issue.” 
• “I love the way (Student’s Name) (something good he or she does)! I think that if he/she would (something the student needs to stop doing or start doing), it would really help him/her grow in (area of needed improvement). Thank you for your support!” 

Need more report card comment inspiration?

Positive Comments

• (Student Name) is a hard worker and does all that I ask of him/her.
• (Student Name) perseveres even when tasks are difficult.
• (Student Name) is a good leader for other students to follow.
• (Student Name) completes work neatly and on time.
• (Student Name) works well in partners and groups.
• (Student Name) participates appropriately in class discussions.
• (Student Name) is kind to others and well-liked by his/her peers.
• (Student Name) is making great growth in Reading/Math/Writing etc…
• (Student Name) has wonderful artistic talent! I love his/her drawings!
• I appreciate how (Student Name) comes to school each day excited to learn!
• (Student Name) is so organized and always uses his/her class time wisely.
• I am so proud of the effort (Student Name) is putting forth to become a better reader!
• (Student Name) has excellent critical thinking skills.
• I appreciate how honest and trustworthy (Student Name) is!
• I love hearing the dramatic way (Student Name) reads aloud!

Needs Work Comments

• (Student Name) has difficulty staying focused in class.
• (Student Name) has many missing assignments that have caused his/her grade to drop.
• (Student Name) often comes to class unprepared.
• (Student Name) can be very talkative during silent work time.
• (Student Name) struggles to follow written and/or oral directions.
• (Student Name) has difficulty completing assignments when given a time limit.
• I find that (Student Name) seems very tired each morning and struggles to stay awake.
• (Student Name) often relies on me or other students to help him/her complete his/her work.
• (Student Name) struggles with working memory and retention of skills.
• (Student Name) lacks confidence in his/her abilities which keeps him/her from giving her best effort.

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60 Report Card Comment for Struggling Students

60 report card comment for struggling students.

Writing report card comments for struggling students is quite challenging. On one hand, teachers need to inform parents about the actual performance of the students, while on the other hand, remarks on the report card are aimed at motivating the students to take next steps.

To help you write honest remarks on each struggling student while keeping their moral high, below are some report card comments that you can use.

Report Card Comment for Struggling students - Learning Skills

• {student name} can learn what is taught in class if {he/she} puts {his/her} mind to it. On various occasions they have displayed such capacity, but {he/she} needs to be much more consistent in their efforts.
• {student name} may be able to learn better if they practise more frequently what is taught in class. I suggest they use the weekends to revise the lessons to be more consistent.
• {student name} seems to understand the lessons in class, but is unable to reproduce well in exams. Following a routine to practise the coursework more religiously would be helpful.
• {student name} is frequently distracted in class and retains very little of what is taught in class. One method that is often successful in such cases is practising the lessons while writing them or revising the lessons during weekends to better retain the information shared.
• {student name} finds it difficult to concentrate for long periods of time during class and that leads to {him/her} missing important information shared in the class. If {he/she} practises concentration techniques, I’m sure they’ll be able to perform better at school.
• {student name} seems to be bright but is frequently distracted in the class, if {he/she} could put their efforts into concentrating, they would achieve much better results.
• {student name} is a quiet student and often completes assignments but there are plenty of errors in their work. I understand that they are putting effort into completing their tasks but find it difficult to understand the concepts. Practising more often is advisable. Parent’s support will be very helpful for the child.
• {student name} is a well behaved student but {he/she} is very particular about what subjects they like. While they do well in a couple of subjects, they refrain from working on those that they dislike. This often affects their final results. A little encouragement from parents to study all subjects may prove helpful.
• {student name} is a very cheerful soul and loves physical activities outside the classroom. However, they pay little to no attention in theoretical classes. {He/She} is capable of learning, but needs to develop interest in the theory part first to perform well in {his/her} exams.
• {student name} often surprises me with their success in extra curricular activities. Sports are a great way to develop body and mind. However, {he/she} finds little time to study and therefore, more often than not barely pass their exams. I’m sure if they organise their time better, they will be able to perform better at school.

Report Card Comment for Struggling students - Effort

• {student name} is a kind soul and is very helpful to their peers. But, when it comes to putting effort into their class work or assignments, they refrain from doing so for as long as they can. I suppose it isn’t the most interesting thing for them to do, but if they understand the importance of school in their life and career, they might feel more motivated to put in the effort.
• {student name} has been performing consistently low in all {his/her} subjects this past 6 months. Their previous performance had been better in comparison. I’m sure there’s room for progress and improvement if parents can collaborate with us to form a reliable routine for the student to follow on a daily basis.
• {student name} seems to be a quiet and well behaved student and often participates in sports and other co curricular activities. Nonetheless, given her performance in them, I have come to the conclusion that {he/she} only participates to avoid coursework and attending classes. If {he/she} attends class and puts in effort to learn, I’m sure they will benefit greatly.
• {student name} is a regular student, attends class regularly and also completes their assignments most of the time. Nonetheless, I find that {he/she} does not perform in exams and is unable to answer questions in class. To my understanding, {he/she} puts minimal effort in {his/her} assignments. They could benefit from paying more attention while working.
• {student name} is generally a happy and fun loving student. If {he/she} puts as much effort in her coursework as {he/she} puts in avoiding them, we would be able to see {his/her} real potential.
• {student name} has attended very few classes and based on that attendance, {his/her} performance isn’t bad. However, I believe, if {he/she} could be more regular in class and put an effort to complete {his/her} assignments, we would see {his/her} true potential.
• {student name} is an introvert, does really good art work and we’re proud to have him. Nevertheless, since academic coursework is more important towards shaping their future, I would appreciate it if they could put more effort into their academic coursework, especially in {subjects} where they have been performing consistently low.
• {student name} puts minimal effort in completing their assignments and therefore, often does them in class while the teachers are teaching a different topic. Although they attend class regularly, they don’t benefit enough. I recommend that they follow a more structured timetable to be able to finish their assignments at home.
• {student name} is a fine student but I’m afraid {he/she} isn’t efficiently utilising the school system to their benefit. {He/She} frequently struggles to get the concepts in class but doesn’t feel comfortable asking questions. I suggest that {he/she} share their doubts within class or after class with peers or teachers to get assistance if that is more comfortable to {him/her}.
• {student name} is working on {his/her} weak areas and puts effort to be attentive in class, but is easily distracted. {He/She} may greatly benefit from participating in activities at school that help improve concentration in children. I encourage {him/her} to keep working on honing their skills.

Report Card Comment for Struggling students - Work Habits

• {student name} doesn’t always complete {his/her} assignments and when {he/she} does them, {he/she} makes numerous mistakes which indicates {he/she} hasn’t been able to grasp the concepts. I encourage {him/her} to ask questions in class.
• {student name} rarely completes homework assignments and misses class often when there is a submission. I encourage {him/her} to present {himself/herself} in class and discuss their problems with teachers or peers. Oftentimes, students benefit from discussing the topics with their peers.
• {student name} is timid and introverted and finds it difficult to open up in class leading to incomplete homework as well as class assignments. Social interaction with friends outside school might help in opening up and finding solutions to their problems.
• {student name} frequently submits incomplete assignments and is often absent in class as well as co curricular activities. {He/She} needs motivation to come to the class or participate. An open discussion with parents might help us understand her motivations and disinterests.
• {student name} often takes help from {his/her} peers to complete assignments and eventually submits later than the due date. This is a frequent occurrence and I believe can be overcome by using their weekoffs to prioritise and complete assignments.
• {student name} understands the topics discussed in class, but isn’t organised enough to revise them and retain them for exams. Eventually, feeling burdened at the time of exams. Better time management at home should help {him/her} reach their potential.
• {student name} is often late in class, although {he/she} manages to keep their homework complete. Being punctual is important and practising it during school days helps form the habit early on and makes them more efficient in their lives.
• {student name} is punctual and regular in class. However, they do not make efficient use of their presence as they seldom participate in any activity- academic or co curricular. Parent’s involvement and support may help change this pattern and encourage them to be involved in their class.
• {student name} has a habit of keeping things stacked till the last moment. As a result, {he/she} is relaxed during sessions but nervous and tense before exams. Organising {himself/herself} is important to avoid stress and discomfort during exams.
• {student name} does not like to follow rules and often operates as an individual contributor. But when collaborating is essential, it becomes difficult for {him/her} to work as other students are involved. Following instructions will help {him/her} coordinate better in class.

Report Card Comment for Struggling students - Behaviour

• {student name} doesn’t always follow instructions in class and gets distracted very easily. {He/She} seldom pays attention to what is being taught in class. {He/She} needs to conduct themselves with more accountability.
• {student name} needs to put significant efforts into their social skills to collaborate with peers and even teachers. Oftentimes, {he/she} engages in arguments unprovoked and needs a lot of time to calm down. Practising calming techniques at home like yoga might help {him/her} avoid unproductive engagements.
• {student name} performs very well in theoretical subjects but finds it difficult to do collaborative work with other students. {He/She} often passes remarks on those who aren’t doing as well academically. This makes group work difficult for {him/her}. {He/She} needs to be more accepting of other students and their ideas.
• {student name} could conduct {himself/herself} more effectively if they engage in collaborative discussions in class. {He/She} is a good individual contributor but lacks patience to work in groups.
• {student name} is not regular in class and refuses to participate in class projects most of the time. However, {he/she} participates in selective activities individually. {He/She} may benefit from more social interactions with family friends.
• {student name} often engages in heated arguments with peers and it takes time for {him/her} to disengage from it. This creates a stressful environment for {him/her} on a personal level and keeps {him/her} disintegrated with the rest of the class. Parental consultation is required for {him/her} to improve {his/her} school experience.
• {student name} is particularly stressed around exams and needs a lot of handholding to calm down. If {he/she} can manage to study regularly, this problem would eventually subside. Parental assistance will be very helpful for the student.
• {student name} is a shy student and doesn’t share much with other students. In the process, {he/she} consistently finds {himself/herself} alone with their problems which leads to a lot of stress for the student. I would encourage {him/her} to speak with respective teachers to solve course related problems and destress a little in that regard.
• {student name} is a lively student who is good to be around as {he/she} has a good sense of humour and keeps everyone entertained. Nevertheless, it is hard for {him/her} to pay attention in class and follow instructions. {He/She} needs to learn to concentrate for longer periods of time to benefit from their classes.
• {student name} doesn’t get along with his peers and frequently engages in arguments which doesn’t let {him/her} experience a wholesome day at school. To enhance {his/her} experience at school, {he/she} may find it useful to discuss it at home to understand how to resist from engaging in such interactions.

Report Card Comment for Struggling students - Attitude

• {student name} has a casual attitude towards school work which keeps him away from stress on one hand but brings him below average results on the other. {He/She} should develop a more serious attitude towards school.
• {student name} frequently forgets to submit assignments and most of the time their assignments are not complete. {He/She} needs to understand that it is their responsibility to follow the instructions and make submissions in a timely manner. I expect to see a more structured approach towards school work.
• {student name} is a smart student but seldom applies {himself/herself} seriously to {his/her} work. A more serious attitude towards school is necessary for their overall development.
• {student name} doesn’t take homework seriously and often comes to class without having prepared or done their assignments. In the long run, this will not prove to be the most efficient way of learning. I encourage the student to work with peers to feel motivated to complete assignments.
• {student name} has a very casual attitude towards extracurricular activities and often participates only to show attendance. This discourages other students from working hard on their physical education. Understanding the importance of sports is crucial in developing interest and motivation.
• {student name} often interacts less courteously than they should and this creates a stressful environment for {him/her} at school. Putting in effort towards dealing with others more politely can change their attitude towards school.
• {student name} should show an active participation in class discussions, but {he/she} refrains from involving and engaging themselves with other participants. The student should benefit from more familial interactions to gain confidence to participate in school.
• {student name} exerts little to no effort in trying out new things. {He/She} should experiment more often to benefit from school set-up.
• {student name} is not very receptive to instructions laid out by teachers for assignments and projects and often does things in their own way. Creativity is appreciated, but {student name} does not put much work into their assignments.
• {student name} does not follow rules and instructions which makes it difficult for {him/her} to collaborate with other students. {He/She} will benefit from learning to collaborate and contribute positively to the group.

Report Card Comment for Struggling students - Group Work

• {student name} is more of an individual contributor which is good for their individual assignments, but it is really important to be able to collaborate with other students to successfully complete group activities.
• {student name} finds it difficult to work with peers on group projects as {he/she} often dictates the working of the project without listening to ideas from the team. {He/She should make room for listening to every member of the group before moving ahead.
• {student name} relies on the group to complete the project without participating and devoting time to the group work. {He/She} needs to understand the importance of individual contributions in the group and put effort into collaborating with the team.
• {student name} seldom participates in group projects and lets the team complete the project without any support from {him/her}. {He/She} is expected to participate to be able to benefit from group work.
• {student name} often takes a leadership role in group projects and ends up doing all work alone without involving the team. The essence of teamwork is lost in the process. {He/She} should try to be more collaborative and learn to work with the team.
• {student name} shows minimal participation in group work and frequently takes the least significant tasks to work on. Active participation is necessary to discover the entire project and engage meaningfully.
• {student name} is generally good with individual projects, but has never been able to stick with one group during a project. {He/She} frequently changes groups thereby missing out on the essence of group work. Collaboration is a necessary skill and I encourage {him/her} to develop it.
• {student name} finds it difficult to adjust with large groups and follow instructions within the group to contribute meaningfully. {He/She} should put more effort in organising and setting priorities when working with larger groups.
• {student name} struggles to communicate their work with group members to collaborate positively. Working in harmony within a team is important and communication is a necessary skill to facilitate that. I encourage her to participate more often in group work to develop these skills.
• {student name} often discards ideas from peers when working together in group projects. Lack of discussion and involvement from team members doesn’t produce good end results. I encourage {him/her} to be more receptive to peers and discuss with the team to reach final decisions.

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180 Report Card Comments for All Grades in 2024

Report card comments are a vital component of a child’s education. A small but meaningful comment can make a HUGE difference in the classroom experience.

According to Education Week , about 67% of parents feel that report cards are important to knowing if their child is on grade level .

However, creating custom comments for every student while still making an impact can be both time-consuming and draining for any educator who has a class of 20-30 students.

Good news: we have created 180 report card comments for all grades, including preschool and kindergarten, for you. You’re sure to find the perfect comment for every student below.

The 180 comments you see in this article can be leveraged to create dynamic feedback based on students' performance.

Tips For Writing Report Card Comments & Remarks

Writing report card comments is a critical aspect of a teacher's job, whether it's for math , English, or other subjects. It's not just about assigning grades but also about providing feedback in your remarks that can help students grow and improve.

Here are some tips that can make these comments more meaningful and impactful:

Be Specific : Instead of general statements, pinpoint exact strengths and areas for improvement. This helps students understand what they are doing well and what they need to work on.

Use Positive Language : Focus on the student's progress and potential. Even when addressing areas for improvement, frame your comments positively to encourage rather than discourage.

Include Examples : Whenever possible, reference specific assignments or incidents. This makes your feedback more tangible and easier for the student to relate to.

Offer Solutions : Don’t just point out what’s wrong; suggest ways to improve. This could be strategies for studying, time management, or resources for extra help.

Be Concise : Keep your comments clear and to the point. Long comments can be overwhelming, and the key messages may get lost.

Make It Personal : Tailor your comments to each student. Generic comments can feel impersonal and may not be as effective.

Highlight Improvements : Acknowledge any progress or improvements, no matter how small. This can motivate students to keep working hard.

End on a Positive Note : Always conclude with an encouraging statement. This leaves the student feeling supported and understood.

Crafting report card comments with these tips in mind can transform them from a mere formality into a powerful tool for communication and growth.

It shows students that their teachers are paying attention not just to their grades but to their development as learners. With thoughtful and constructive feedback, teachers can inspire their students to strive for excellence and overcome challenges.

Types of Report Card Comments

Report card comments go beyond just academics; they touch on various aspects of a student's performance and behavior in school. These comments can provide a holistic view of a student's development, strengths, and areas that need attention.

Here's a look at different types of report card comments that can be used to convey a well-rounded perspective:

Attitude : These comments focus on the student's approach towards learning and school activities. They can highlight positivity, willingness to take on challenges, or areas where a more constructive attitude could be developed.

Behavior : This type addresses how the student interacts with rules and norms in the classroom and school environment. Comments can point out exemplary behavior or suggest ways to improve in managing impulses and respecting boundaries.

Character : Character comments reflect on the student's moral and ethical development. They may commend integrity, honesty, responsibility, and empathy, or offer suggestions for growth in these areas.

Communication : These remarks evaluate how effectively a student expresses themselves and understands others. They can praise strong verbal or written skills and encourage improvement in listening and articulation.

Group Work : Comments in this category assess the student's ability to work in teams. They can highlight skills in collaboration, leadership, and contributing positively to group tasks.

Interest & Talent : This type of comment identifies specific areas where a student shows enthusiasm or exceptional ability, whether it's in a subject, a sport, or the arts, and encourages further development.

Social Skills : Social skills comments focus on how the student interacts with peers and adults within the school. They can applaud empathy, friendliness, and inclusivity, or offer advice on navigating social situations more effectively.

Work Habits : These comments examine the student's approach to their studies, including organization, time management, persistence, and attention to detail. They can recognize good habits or suggest strategies for improvement.

Using a mix of these types of comments allows teachers to provide feedback that recognizes the multifaceted nature of student growth.

ESL comments are another common type of report card comment that is used to provide feedback for students learning a language.

Check out our list of the Best EdTech Tools for teachers!

How to Automate Writing Report Card Comments & Remarks

Writing out full comments can take a lot of time. Using abbreviations like “GC” for good conduct can help, but it still takes time.

Instead of writing out remarks to students manually, use Text Blaze . Text Blaze helps educators create smart text templates and insert them anywhere with keyboard shortcuts.

With Text Blaze, you use keyboard shortcuts to automatically insert report card comments & remarks and personalize each comment for your students.

Automate repetitive report card comments & remarks with keyboard shortcuts.

Text Blaze is 100% free forever !

Text Blaze works on any site or app !

Use placeholders to personalize student feedback with ease!

Write report card comments 5x faster , save time, and boost productivity!

Here's an example of a Text Blaze snippet that you can use to automate report card comments (see GIF above to see it in action):

180 Report Card Comments

100 general report card comments.

Here are 100 general report card comments that you can apply to your classroom:

• [Name]‘s grades have suffered as a result of missing assignments.
• [Name] achieves success in all their academic endeavors.
• [Name] likes learning and shows enthusiasm for classroom activities.
• [Name] enjoys school, and their upbeat demeanor brightens the classroom.
• [Name] loves their academic studies and performs admirably.
• [Name] finds reading difficult and would benefit from a nightly routine.
• Basic addition and multiplication lessons would be extremely beneficial to [Name].
• [Name] shares information that contributes greatly to classroom discussions.
• [Name] successfully uses data from graphs and charts in a profound manner.
• [Name] comes to school every day with a positive attitude.
• [Name] completes difficult assignments by utilizing critical thinking skills.
• [Name] consistently produces insightful work.
• [Name] creates well-organized essays.
• [Name] demonstrates extensive knowledge in the field of [topic].
• [Name] must learn to pay close attention and follow directions in class.
• [Name] employs advanced reading comprehension skills every day.
• Encourage [Name] to learn every day so that they improve their grades in [subject].
• [Name] enjoys participating in class and brings insight to our discussions.
• [Name] establishes high goals and achieves them.
• [Name] has difficulty locating school supplies and would benefit from a cleaner desk.
• [Subject] tests are challenging for [Name] and [he/she] would benefit from extra study time.
• [Name] gets along well with other classmates.
• [Name] has an impressive vocabulary, which improves their writing synthesis.
• [Name] has a wonderfully optimistic attitude and is always willing to help.
• [Name] has a strong sense of storytelling and development, which improves writing.
• [Name] has a warm persona and sense of humor.
• [Name] has improved abilities in [Name].
• [Name] performs exceptionally in the areas of [subject].
• [Name] has put in the effort to improve grades in [subject], and I appreciate it.
• [Name] has trouble adhering to classroom rules and needs help focusing.
• I admire [Name]‘s motivation to succeed and have enjoyed teaching them.
• I admire [Name] ‘s work, which has been done with care.
• I am worried about [Name]’s organizational skills and ability to submit work on time.
• I am extremely proud of [Name] and wish them the best of luck next year.
• I had a great time teaching [Name] and will miss them next year.
• [Name] should concentrate on [topic] this year to improve.
• [Name] should focus on [topic] this year.
• [Name] should emphasize greater focus in [topic] because it is going to be a considerable part of this year.
• [Name] 's lack of listening affected their grades in [subject].
• [Name] made great progress across all areas of academia.
• [Name] is making good progress in the classroom.
• [Name] struggles with organizational skills neaten their desk.
• [Name] must slow down when working.
• [Name] must learn basic math skills to progress further.
• [Name] exemplifies good stewardship toward others.
• I enjoyed [Name]’s sense of humor this year.
• [Name] has made significant progress in [subject].
• [Name] has outperformed expectations in [subject].
• [Name] is a kind student and is always willing to help.
• [Name] is a creative writer who excels in every area.
• [Name] is always a delight to be around.
• [Name] is a fantastic student who improves classroom discussions.
• [Name] is a focused student who performs well in all subjects.
• [Name] is a gifted artist, and I admire the passion with which they create work.
• [Name] is a good role model and follows classroom rules consistently.
• [Name] is an excellent classroom helper and a leader.
• [Name] is a hard worker who never leaves an assignment half-finished.
• [Name] is a joy to teach because of their positive attitude.
• [Name] is a one-of-a-kind student who I will never forget and always miss.
• [Name] is a problem solver with a strong sense of persistence.
• [Name] is a quick learner who adapts well to new situations.
• [Name] is a responsible student who completes assignments on time.
• [Name] stays on task when working independently.
• [Name] is always wonderfully efficient with their time.
• [Name] is a terrific reader with excellent comprehension skills.
• [Name] is an excellent student who is a pleasure to teach.
• [Name] is hardworking and should be proud of their accomplishments.
• [Name] can achieve a higher grade in [subject] but must practice more to advance.
• [Name] is courteous to classmates and school staff.
• [Name] is driven by a desire to please others.
• [Name] is eager to learn and asks the right questions when necessary.
• [Name] is always focused when in class.
• [Name] is gaining momentum in [subject] but could use some help from practicisng more.
• [Name] is intelligent, but their quality of work is below expectations.
• [Name] is a natural leader and works well with peers.
• [Name] is very chatty in class, which is distracting to others.
• [Name] is well-liked and respectful of their classmates.
• [Name] is well-organized and can quickly locate the materials she requires.
• It’s terrific to see [Name] consistently put forth their best effort in [subject].
• I’ve enjoyed getting to know [Name] this year.
• I’ve enjoyed seeing [Name]’s art projects and creativity.
• I’ve had a fantastic year getting to know [Name] and wish them all the best.
• I’ve loved having [Name] in our class this year, and I’ll miss them terribly.
• [Name] likes poetry, reading, music, science, and art and is very good at it.
• [Name] likes tests and would benefit from additional mocks tests.
• [Name] makes good use of class time.
• [Name] meticulously completes their work.
• [Name] participates actively in both small group and whole-class discussions.
• [Name] pays close attention to detail in assignments.
• [Name] pays close attention to instructions.
• Reading skills are a problem for [Name] at times and [he/she] would benefit from finishing extra questions from chapter 3.
• [Name] reads out loud with a good sense of expression.
• [Name] is an inspiration to everyone in the classroom.
• [Name] does an outstanding overall.
• [Name] made significant progress in [subject].
• [Name] worked extremely hard this year, and it shows.
• [Name] would benefit from improving their basic math skills, particularly in [Name].
• [Name] needs extra time for memorization.
• [Name] works well independently and completes enrichment activities alone.
• [Name] struggles to work quietly and would do well to learn boundaries.

10 Positive Report Card Comments: Attitude

Below are 10 positive report card comments based on a student’s attitude:

• [Name] ‘s an enthusiastic learner who enjoys school.
• [Name] exhibits a positive outlook in the classroom.
• [Name] appears refreshed and ready for each day’s activities.
• [Name] shows genuine enthusiasm for our daily classroom activities.
• [Name] shows impressive initiative and always seeks out new ways to get involved.
• [Name] uses strong instincts to deal with matters independently.
• [Name] strives to reach their full potential.
• [Name] is committed to doing their best.
• [Name] seeks new challenges.
• [Name] takes responsibility for their learning.

10 Positive Report Card Comments: Behavior

Here are 10 positive report card comments based on a student’s behavior:

• [Name] maturely conducts themselves.
• [Name] cooperates with other students in a consistent manner.
• [Name] follows the rules of the classroom.
• [Name] is courteous and has good manners.
• [Name] is helpful and kind to everyone in the classroom.
• [Name] maintains a sharp focus on the task at hand.
• [Name] sets a high standard for behavior and cooperation.
• [Name] easily avoids tempting distractions.
• [Name] responds appropriately to instruction.
• [Name] easily transitions between classroom activities.

10 Positive Report Card Comments: Character

These are 10 positive report card comments based on a student’s character:

• [Name] showcases good relationship skills.
• You can count on [Name] to follow instructions.
• [Name] demonstrates responsibility by caring for school supplies.
• [Name] demonstrates a high level of respect for teachers and peers.
• [Name] is dependable and is ready to assist when needed.
• [Name] faithfully completes classroom assignments.
• [Name] has incredible self-discipline and always gets work completed promptly.
• [Name] is a caring young person who shows concern for their peers.
• [Name] is a model citizen in our classroom.
• [Name] is sensitive to the feelings of others.

10 Positive Report Card Comments: Communication Skills

Here are 10 positive report card comments based on a student’s communication skills:

• [Name] has a well-developed vocabulary.
• [Name] carefully and impressively selects their words.
• [Name] expresses thoughts clearly.
• [Name] has a bright imagination and is an excellent writer.
• [Name] discovered their voice through poetry.
• [Name] uses vivid language in writing.
• [Name] writes clearly and purposefully.
• [Name] completes writing assignments with purpose.
• [Name] can make a convincing and logical argument.
• [Name] listens to others’ comments and ideas.

10 Positive Report Card Comments: Group Work

These are 10 positive report card comments based on a student’s group work:

• [Name] provides constructive feedback to peers.
• [Name] accepts peer recommendations and acts on them when necessary.
• [Name] is receptive to other people’s ideas and opinions in the group.
• [Name] takes on various and active roles in the workgroup environment.
• [Name] enjoys taking on leadership roles in groups.
• [Name] demonstrates fairness in the delegation of group tasks.
• [Name] carefully plans and executes group activities.
• [Name] collaborates with peers democratically.
• [Name] encourages the group’s other members to perform better.
• [Name] keeps the workgroup on track and focused.

10 Positive Report Card Comments: Interest And Talent

Below are 10 positive report card comments based on a student’s interest and talent:

• [Name] discusses ideas that they’ve read regularly.
• [Name] enjoys showing off their musical abilities to the rest of the class.
• [Name] reads every day for pleasure.
• [Name] has a firm grasp of their interests.
• [Name] has a neat hobby that they shared with the rest of the class.
• [Name] has a wide range of interests.
• [Name] independently seeks out additional information on classroom topics.
• [Name] is a fantastic performer.
• [Name] is a gifted musician.
• [Name] possesses a witty sense of humor.

10 Positive Report Card Comments: Social Skills

Below are 10 positive report card comments based on a student’s social skills:

• [Name] makes friends quickly.
• [Name] is well-liked by their peers.
• [Name] deals with peer disagreements in a mature manner.
• [Name] treats other students with respect and fairness.
• [Name] is a well-liked student in the class.
• [Name] has empathy for peers and others.
• [Name] appears to be at ease when confronting challenges.
• [Name] enjoys conversing with friends.
• [Name] spends their free time with friends.
• [Name] makes their friends laugh and smile.

10 Positive Report Card Comments: Work Habits

Below are 10 positive report card comments based on a student’s work habits:

• [Name]’s attention to detail helps to avoid careless mistakes.
• [Name] always double-checks work before submitting it.
• [Name] completes homework assignments regularly.
• [Name] creates awe-inspiring home projects.
• [Name] demonstrates self-discipline.
• [Name] exceeds expectations in terms of work quality.
• [Name] is a responsible and hardworking student.
• [Name] is a student that possesses self-motivation skills.
• [Name] is self-sufficient and independent.
• [Name] makes good use of unscheduled class time.

Report Card Generator

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Wrapping Up

Writing report card comments is critical to improving student learning, but it can be time-consuming and draining. If you have a class of 20+ students and you want to leave 2-3 comments on each report card, it will take quite a long time to write the 40-60 comments.

Use Text Blaze to make the process more efficient by allowing you to use keyboard shortcuts and quickly insert all relevant comments per student.

Teaching can be tough, and the last thing you need to worry about as a teacher is trivial writing tasks. There are just a lot of other important things on your plate. We understand that, and that’s why we created Text Blaze : a tool that can help you get back to what matters!

Text Blaze is free forever ! Give Text Blaze a try for free today !

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120 ESL Report Card Comments in 2024

160 math report card comments in 2024, two customizable esl writing rubric templates, 5+ vipkid feedback templates and examples.

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Report Card Comments — Academic Achievement & Improvement

Academic Achievement, Improvement & Student Progress Comments — All Grades

Positive Comments:

______ has shown exceptional growth in _______ and continues to excel.

______'s progress in _______ has been impressive; [he/she] has a strong understanding of _______.

______ has shown a great understanding of _______ .

______'s _______ skills have significantly improved.

______ has shown a strong grasp of complex mathematical concepts.

______ has demonstrated a deep understanding of _______ studied in class.

______'s passion for learning is evident in [his/her] consistent academic performance.

______'s understanding and application of _______ is excellent.

______ consistently demonstrates a high level of dedication to academic tasks.

______'s ability to approach complex problems with a positive attitude is commendable.

______ has made significant strides in mastering new concepts.

______'s dedication to ongoing learning is truly impressive.

______'s improvement in critical thinking skills is noteworthy.

______ has shown great resilience in overcoming academic challenges.

______'s ability to analyze complex problems has greatly improved.

______ consistently shows a positive and proactive approach to learning.

______ has made remarkable progress in [his/her] overall academic performance.

______'s tenacity in learning complex topics is commendable.

______ has shown a consistent improvement in [his/her] problem-solving skills.

______'s understanding of new concepts has been steadily improving.

Needs Improvement Comments:

______ is encouraged to participate more in class discussions to enhance understanding.

______ should spend more time on _______ homework to grasp concepts better.

______ should focus more on improving _______ in written assignments.

______'s understanding of _______ could be improved with additional study.

______ would benefit from reviewing _______ with a tutor.

______ should continue to work on _______ skills.

______ is encouraged to seek help when struggling with _______.

______ should focus on developing more detailed and coherent written responses.

______ would benefit from spending more time on homework assignments to improve understanding.

______ is encouraged to ask for clarification when instructions are not clear.

______ has had difficulty with learning ______, so in the coming term we will focus on ______.

______ could benefit from more time dedicated to revision and study.

______ is encouraged to practice more to reinforce learned concepts.

______ needs to take more initiative in seeking help when needed.

______ should work on setting achievable academic goals.

______ is encouraged to stay more focused during lessons to improve comprehension.

______ should work on enhancing [his/her] note-taking skills to better retain information.

______ needs to improve on [his/her] class preparation for more effective learning.

______ should consider forming a study group for a better understanding of complex topics.

______ could benefit from improving [his/her] test-taking strategies.

______ should work on managing [his/her] study time more efficiently for better academic outcomes.

Looking for more report card comment examples?

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Academic Achievement Comments for Elementary School

______ consistently demonstrates enthusiasm for learning.

______ is a quick learner and grasps new concepts well.

______ has an exceptional ability in mathematics.

______ shows excellent reading comprehension skills.

______ is a creative thinker and it shows in [his/her] assignments.

______ has shown great improvement in handwriting skills.

______'s problem-solving skills are commendable.

______ has an excellent grasp of scientific concepts.

______ is skilled at working well on team projects.

______ consistently produces high-quality work in art class.

______'s growth in vocabulary skills is impressive.

______'s ability to express ideas clearly in writing is noteworthy.

______ has shown a significant improvement in [his/her] attention to detail.

______'s curiosity and eagerness to learn new topics is commendable.

______ demonstrates strong analytical thinking skills in math lessons.

______ shows great initiative in seeking help when needed.

______'s active participation in class discussions enhances learning for everyone.

______ has shown a remarkable improvement in [his/her] ability to work independently.

______'s commitment to daily reading is having a positive impact on [his/her] reading fluency.

______ is making great strides in developing effective study habits.

______ could benefit from more practice in reading to improve fluency.

______ needs to work on following instructions more closely.

______ should focus more on improving [his/her] spelling skills.

______ would benefit from devoting more time to math homework.

______ needs to participate more actively in class discussions.

______ should work on improving [his/her] organizational skills.

______ could benefit from more practice in writing to improve clarity.

______ should work on improving [his/her] attention span during lessons.

______ needs to spend more time on homework to reinforce learning.

______ should focus more on improving [his/her] time-management skills.

______ should spend more time reading to improve vocabulary.

______ needs to practice more on math problems to enhance [his/her] problem-solving skills.

______ could benefit from peer discussions to improve [his/her] social learning skills.

______ should work on maintaining neatness and organization in [his/her] notebook.

______ needs to put more effort into completing in-class assignments for a better understanding of topics.

______ could improve in listening skills to follow instructions more accurately.

______ should practice more at home to improve handwriting skills.

______ needs to ask more questions in class to clear doubts.

______ could benefit from using learning aids to understand complex topics.

______ should work on improving [his/her] presentation skills for better class participation.

Academic Achievement Comments for Middle School

______ is consistently engaged during class and contributes insightful thoughts.

______'s assignments are always well thought out and thoroughly completed.

______'s ability to grasp complex concepts is impressive.

______ shows a great understanding of the class material and is always ready to take on more challenging tasks.

______ has shown a commendable improvement in [his/her] writing skills.

______'s ability to work well in group projects shows [his/her] strong teamwork skills.

______'s enthusiasm for the subject is evident in [his/her] active class participation.

______'s problem-solving skills are a strong asset to the class.

______ is doing an excellent job at applying what [he/she] has learned to real-world situations.

______'s eagerness to ask questions and seek understanding is commendable.

______'s depth of knowledge in the subject matter is commendable.

______'s consistent accuracy in assignments is impressive.

______ has shown a remarkable improvement in [his/her] comprehension skills.

______ consistently exhibits a positive attitude toward learning.

______ has made significant progress in [his/her] critical thinking skills.

______'s dedication to meeting academic challenges head-on is commendable.

______'s mastery of new topics has been excellent.

______ shows a high level of enthusiasm in group discussions.

______'s consistent efforts to improve have led to great progress in all subjects.

______'s ability to relate theoretical concepts to practical situations is impressive.

______ needs to dedicate more time to studying to improve test scores.

More focus on homework assignments would greatly benefit ______'s understanding of the material.

______ would benefit from seeking additional help on more challenging topics.

______ should work on improving [his/her] time management skills to better handle classwork.

______ could benefit from more active participation in class discussions.

______ should continue to work on [his/her] mathematical skills.

______ needs to focus more on proofreading [his/her] assignments to avoid careless mistakes.

______ should devote more time to improving [his/her] writing skills.

______'s grasp of the material could improve with additional studying.

______ is encouraged to ask questions when concepts are not clear.

______ needs to put more effort into group projects to support [his/her] peers.

______ could benefit from utilizing school resources to improve [his/her] understanding of complex subjects.

______ is encouraged to review class notes regularly to reinforce learning.

______ should work on improving [his/her] listening skills to better understand class discussions.

______ needs to focus more on class participation to enhance [his/her] learning experience.

______ could benefit from setting specific academic goals to track [his/her] progress.

______ should spend more time on revision to improve [his/her] test scores.

______ needs to improve [his/her] organizational skills for better management of schoolwork.

______ is encouraged to use feedback effectively to improve [his/her] assignments.

______ should work on developing a consistent study schedule to improve academic performance.

Academic Achievement Comments for High School

______ is consistently exceeding expectations in [his/her] coursework.

______ has shown a remarkable ability to tackle complex concepts.

______'s work ethic is commendable and sets a great example for peers.

______'s dedication to [his/her] studies is evident in [his/her] academic accomplishments.

______ has a deep understanding of the material that goes beyond the curriculum.

______'s critical thinking skills have greatly improved and are impressive.

______'s class participation enhances our discussions and learning environment.

______ has shown significant improvement in [his/her] writing skills this term.

______'s commitment to [his/her] science coursework is admirable and has resulted in excellent grades.

______ has a positive attitude towards challenging tasks which is truly inspiring.

______'s proficiency in problem-solving is exceptional and noteworthy.

______ has made impressive strides in [his/her] mastery of complex mathematical concepts.

______'s ability to maintain a high standard in all assignments is commendable.

______ has shown a significant increase in [his/her] confidence when tackling academic challenges.

______'s active engagement and insightful contributions in class discussions are exceptional.

______ has shown a great improvement in [his/her] research and analytical skills.

______'s consistent demonstration of initiative in learning is truly admirable.

______'s growth in [his/her] understanding of the course material has been phenomenal.

______'s dedication to [his/her] coursework is inspiring and has resulted in substantial academic progress.

______'s resilience in overcoming academic difficulties is commendable and has led to impressive improvement.

______ is encouraged to participate more in class to deepen [his/her] understanding of the material.

______ could benefit from taking more time to complete assignments thoroughly.

______ needs to put more effort into studying for exams to improve test scores.

______ should focus on enhancing their problem-solving skills for better performance in math.

______ is advised to seek assistance when struggling with complex concepts.

______ has the potential to excel in science but needs to work on lab techniques.

______ could improve their academic performance with better time management.

______ needs to review their work for errors before submitting.

______ is encouraged to make use of office hours for additional help.

______ should aim to contribute more to group projects for a more balanced team effort.

______ should work on improving note-taking skills for better information retention.

______ could benefit from setting specific study goals to better track progress.

______ needs to improve on time management for more effective learning.

______ should consider seeking peer assistance for concept clarification.

______ could enhance their understanding by engaging more in group study sessions.

______ needs to practice more on problem-solving tasks to improve their skills.

______ should work on improving their presentation skills to better communicate their understanding.

______ could benefit from using additional resources to reinforce their learning.

______ needs to improve their consistency in assignment completion to avoid last minute rush.

______ should seek regular feedback to understand areas of improvement.

Phrases — Academic Achievement

______ is strong in _____.

______ has earned a very fine report card.

______ has a vast background knowledge of _______.

______ is a very fine and serious student and excels in ______.

______ is working well in all basic subjects.

______ is working above grade level in ______.

______ is especially good at ______.

______ demonstrates a high level of understanding in _______.

______ consistently delivers high-quality work in _______.

______ shows exceptional problem-solving skills in _______.

______'s mastery of _______ is noteworthy.

______ demonstrates impressive growth in _______.

______ exhibits excellence in _______.

______'s progress in _______ has been outstanding.

______'s understanding and application of _______ is commendable.

______ is capable of much better work.

______ still needs guidance and support from both you and me.

______ has been receiving low quiz/test scores.

______ does not work up to her ability.

______ has difficulty understanding the material.

______ could benefit from putting more effort into studying.

______ needs to improve focus during class.

______ should work on improving organizational skills.

______ requires additional practice on core concepts.

______ should aim for more consistent class participation.

Phrases — Student Progress

______ is continuing to grow in independence.

______ has improved steadily.

______ has been consistently progressing.

______ has shown a good attitude about trying to improve in ______.

______ seems eager to improve.

______ has shown strong growth in _______.

______ is making steady progress academically.

______'s quality of work is improving.

______ has strengthened [his/her] skills in ______.

______ has shown an interest in improving ______.

______ would improve if [he/she] developed a greater interest in _______.

______ has made good progress this reporting period.

______ is maturing well, and I hope this continues.

______'s classroom attitude shows improvement.

______ is improving [his/her] time management.

______ is progressing in working independently.

______ is better at applying learned concepts.

______ is more willing to participate in discussions.

______ has shown notable progress in _______.

______ is developing a deeper understanding of _______.

______ is showing consistent growth in their ability to _______.

More Report Card Comments and Phrases.

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100 Report Card Comments You Can Use Now

When teachers talk about the joys of teaching, I’m pretty sure they aren’t talking about report card writing. It may just rank right up there with indoor recess, yard duty, and staff meetings. But report cards don’t have to be such a pain.

Here are a few report card general principles, followed by my handy dandy list of editable go-to phrases…

Three Report Card Comment Principles

1. Be Truthful but Kind

A report card’s main purpose is to inform parents about their child’s progress. While there should be no major surprises ( BIG/major issues should have already been discussed with the child’s parents/guardians ), regardless of how well the child is doing or how poorly, the report card should be an honest reflection of that child’s performance.

Having said that, of course, we want to word things in a way that is as positive as we can be and in a way that is encouraging, offering suggestions for improvement, rather than discouragement.

2. Follow the Magical Report Card Comment Format

If the child is doing well overall… you are golden!!! An easy report card is one that I LOVE to do. Unfortunately, not all students are Einsteins or angels, and we have to mention some areas that need improvement. That’s when we use the magical format, which is…

A. Start with a compliment… you might have to dig deep here and get creative, while still being genuine. Remember, every student has attributes we can praise, even the most challenging ones. You might mention the child’s attitude, personality, social skills, sense of humor, willingness or desire to help, special skill in art/music, etc.

B. Next, add a line or two about what is challenging the child , and how he/she struggles in a certain area. Don’t include a laundry list of 20 things to work on. Prioritize the list and highlight the MOST important issues. Also, do make sure to offer a solution or suggestion that is practical and helpful .

C. End on a positive note. Again, a compliment is a nice touch any time of the year, and for the end of the year report card, a best wishes for ____ grade or have a wonderful summer, or I’m so glad to have been ____’s teacher this year, and so on works well.

3. Proofread and Check, then Proofread Again

Report card time is crunch time, and when we’re trying to speed through things and get them done, those nasty little typos pop up where we least expect them.

Do make sure to double-check everything before you hit enter/print to send them home. All communication with parents is seen as a reflection of ourselves as teachers and should be as perfect as we can make it.

Now that the principles are out of the way, here is my list of 100+ report card comments (updated to include 150 comments!).

I’ve included a wide variety of comments for the wide variety of ability levels and behavioral challenges of the students that we teach in our classrooms..

Want your own set of 150 comments in three formats – Printable PDF, editable PowerPoint, and Editable Digital? Click here to take a peek!

OPENING / CLOSING – POSITIVE:

• _____has worked very hard this semester/year, and I am proud of all of his/her accomplishments.
• ______ is making/has made good/excellent/wonderful/outstanding progress in _____ grade.
• _____ has done a(n)/fantastic/exemplary/wonderful/excellent job this year/semester in _____ grade and has worked so very hard.
• I appreciate _____’s quality work/motivation to do well/attitude, and I am enjoying/have enjoyed being his/her teacher.
•  ______ arrives at school each day with a positive/cheerful/happy attitude, ready to learn.
• _____ is an excellent _____ grader, and he/she has made our classroom a better place.
• _____ is doing/has done an(a) excellent/ outstanding/wonderful/ great/ fantastic job overall this semester/year.
• _______has made good/excellent/extraordinary/fantastic/outstanding progress in all academic areas.
• _____ is bright, motivated, and hard-working and can be proud of his/her accomplishments this semester/year.
• _____ is intrinsically motivated and strives to please/produce top-quality/excellent work. I am enjoying/have enjoyed being his/her teacher.
• _____ seems to enjoy school, and his/her positive attitude brightens up our classroom.
• _____is a bright and inquisitive student who enjoys learning. He/she is a pleasure to have in class.
• _____ has learned a great deal this semester/year and has shown particular progress/improvement in _____.
• _______ is a(an) hard-working/attentive/determined student and is working/doing well in all subject areas.
• _____ is a very polite/hard-working/bright student and a pleasure to be around. I am enjoying/have enjoyed being his/her teacher.
• _____is a(n) awesome/wonderful/amazing/fabulous ____ grader, and I have enjoyed getting to know him/her this year.
• I am so proud of _____ and wish him/her well for _____ grade and beyond.
• I have truly enjoyed being _____’s teacher and will miss him/her next year.
• I have enjoyed teaching ______ this year. He/she loves to learn and has shown growth throughout the year. Wishing him/her continued success.
• _____ has been a wonderful_____ grader, and I’m so glad to have him in class. His/her great attitude/strong work ethic/hard work/determination are to be admired. He/she has a bright future ahead.
• _____ is a hard-working/bright/likable/motivated student. I have thoroughly enjoyed having him/her in class this year. Have a wonderful summer!

ACADEMIC – POSITIVE :

• _______has made good/excellent/wonderful/fantastic/outstanding progress in all academic areas.
• _______ is a(an) hard-working/attentive/determined student and is working well in all subject areas.
• _____ shows strong knowledge/strengths in the area of _____.
• _____ has exceeded expectations in ______.
• _____ demonstrates superior work in ______. I appreciate his/her dedication and effort.
• _____ consistently puts forth his/her best effort in _____, which is wonderful/lovely/great to see.
• _____ shows special/unique/particular strengths in the area of social studies/science/reading/writing/math… and has done very well this trimester/year.
• _____ seems to enjoy reading/writing/math/science/social .. and has done an excellent/amazing job this year.
• _____ has a good understanding/sense of theme/the main idea/ characters/ plot/ inferences, which strengthens his/her reading ability.
• _____ reads smoothly and with good expression.
• _____ is able to use data from graphs and charts/use a compass successfully/convert measurements correctly.
• _____ uses reading strategies such as _____ effectively, which increases his/her reading comprehension.
• _____ has a large/extensive/rich vocabulary, which adds to his/her ability to write effectively.
• _____ enjoys poetry/reading/music/science/art… and excels in it.
•  _____ is a very talented artist/writer, and I truly enjoy the detail/attention/ passion he/she puts into his/her artwork/writing.
• _____ excels in creative/narrative/opinion/expository/report writing…
• _____ produces stories/essays/paragraphs/research reports that are well-organized/ developed.
• _____ has strong reading comprehension/math computation skills.
• _____ is a creative student, and I have enjoyed seeing the wonderful writing/art projects/drawings he/she has created/written.
• _____ uses higher-level thinking skills to complete challenging assignments.
• _____ demonstrates a good understanding of math/reading/social studies/science… concepts.
• _____ shows strong problem-solving skills in math/decoding skills in reading/grammar skills in writing/map skills in social studies…
• _____ goes beyond grade-level expectations in _____. He/she often/ consistently sets and meets/exceeds academic goals.
• _____ demonstrates a deep understanding of _____ concepts.
• _____ has an impressive understanding and knowledge of _____.

ACADEMIC PROGRESS SHOWN – POSITIVE:

• ______has strengthened his/her skills in _____.
• ______has made good/excellent/wonderful/fantastic/outstanding progress in all academic areas.
• ______ has made good/great/tremendous/significant improvement in _____.
• _____ has worked hard to raise his/her grade in _____, and I appreciate his/her effort.
• _____ has learned a great deal this semester/year and has shown particular improvement in _____.
• _____ has shown steady progress/strong gains/excellent progress in the area of _____. I’m pleased with his/her effort.
• _____ is making good progress in ______ this semester. Please encourage him/her to continue to ______.
• _____ has shown improvement in _____, which is great to see. Please encourage him/her to continue to _____ each day/in the coming weeks to keep the momentum going.
• _____ is making good progress in ______ but would benefit from ______ to continue showing growth.
• I have been pleased to see that _____ is continuing to grow/consistently progressing/improving steadily in independence in/with ______.
• _____’s quality of work has shown good/great/exceptional growth this semester.

ACADEMIC – IMPROVEMENT NEEDED:

• _____is intelligent but works below his/her capacity/potential due to a lack of motivation/attention to quality work.
• Unfortunately, _____’s grades have suffered from missing assignments.
• _____is gaining confidence in _____ but would benefit from _____.
• Please encourage _____ to _____each day to help him/her improve in _____.
• _____ seems to find _____ challenging and would benefit from reading nightly/practicing math facts/working online…
• _____ is capable of achieving a higher grade in _____ but needs to______ in order to make progress.
• _____ seems to have difficulty at times with reading comprehension/ math computation/writing paragraphs… and would benefit from _____.
• _____ needs to slow down in order to produce quality/carefully done work.
• _____ needs to memorize his/her basic math facts in order to complete complex math problems more easily/efficiently/quickly.
• _____ would benefit from _____ to fully memorize basic math facts.
• Memorizing basic addition/multiplication math facts would be very helpful to _____.
• Science/social studies tests have been very difficult for _____, and he/she would benefit from increasing the time spent studying the material.
• This trimester, I would like to see _____ to work on _____.
• This trimester, it would be helpful for _____ to focus on _____ in order to _____.
• _____ needs lots of repetition and practice in order to retain _____.
• I would like to see _____ pay closer attention to _____ in order to _____.
• When ______ is motivated, he/she does well on class assignments.
• _____ is excelling in many skills but needs to concentrate on ______.
• I would like to see ____ focus on _____ each day/in the coming months.
• _____ shows interest/has enthusiasm/seems motivated for everything we do in class. However, he/she is having some difficulty with ______. It would be helpful if he/she would ______ each night.
• Even with extra help, _____ experiences difficulty with _____. It would benefit ______ to ______.
• _____ rarely asks for help when he/she is confused/doesn’t understand something. We will continue to encourage _____ to ask for assistance whenever it is needed.
• _____ exhibits minimal confidence in his/her ______ skills. It would be helpful to _____.
• _____ is struggling to meet/maintain grade-level expectations in _____. Let’s work together to help _____ be successful in this area.

WORK HABITS AND QUALITY OF WORK – POSITIVE:

• _____ completes his/her work carefully and completely/thoroughly.
• I appreciate _____’s neat work, which is carefully done.
•  _____ is very organized and finds needed materials easily.
• ______ pays attention to detail in his/her assignments, and I appreciate the high quality of his/her work.
• _____ turns in work that is beautifully/carefully/thoroughly done.
• _____ has a strong work ethic and never completes any assignment halfway.
• _____ is very responsible and turns in assignments/homework on time.
• ____ takes tremendous pride in his/her work and completes assignments carefully.
• _____ is focused on creating quality work and completes assignments carefully/thoroughly.
• _____’s attention to detail can be seen in the quality of his/her work. I appreciate the care he/she takes in each assignment.
• _____ takes pride in his/her work and consistently turns in neat and carefully completed work.
• _____’s motivation/attitude is reflected in the work he/she turns in/creates. I am pleased to see his/her well-thought-out/thoroughly completed assignments.
• I appreciate ______’s dedication to his/her learning/studies in class.

WORK HABITS AND QUALITY OF WORK – IMPROVEMENT NEEDED:

• _____ needs to complete his/her work carefully and completely/ thoroughly.
• _____ would benefit by taking responsibility to turn in assignments and/or homework on time.
• I am concerned about _____’s organizational skills and his/her responsibility related to turning in assignments on time.
• ______ struggles with organizational skills in the classroom and needs to keep his/her desk/workspace neater to make his/her day run more smoothly.
• _____ struggles to find needed papers/materials and would benefit from using a folder/a binder/keeping a neater desk…
• _____ tends to work too quickly, often resulting in careless mistakes.
• I would like to see _____ focus on _____ in the coming months.
• This trimester, I would like _____ to work on _____.
• I would like to see _____ pay closer attention to ____ in order to _____.

CLASSROOM BEHAVIOR – POSITIVE:

• _____ follows classroom rules consistently and is a good role model.
• _____ has a positive attitude and is a joy to teach.
•  _____ is on task regardless of the activity.
•  _____ seems to enjoy school, and his/her positive attitude brightens up our classroom.
•  _____ listens attentively to directions, and I appreciate his/her ability to understand the assignment and to start work right away.
•  _____ has an excellent attitude and is always willing to lend a hand.
•  _____ is a(an) wonderful/excellent helper and a classroom leader.
•  _____ is polite to classmates and to all adults on staff at school.
• _____ arrives at school each day with a positive/happy attitude, ready to learn.
• _____ works independently and is able to complete enrichment activities when he/she is finished with required assignments.
• _____ is able to focus and stays on task during independent working times.
•  _____ uses class time constructively/efficiently/wisely.
•  _____ works respectfully during independent work times.
• ____ is a hard-working student who sets goals and reaches them.
• _____ is a dependable/responsible/conscientious student.
• _____ has made great strides this year in terms of _____ in the classroom/on the playground.
• _____ has a strong work ethic and takes responsibilities seriously.
• _____is a very respectful/kind/caring/considerate classmate/student, and I appreciate having him/her in class.
• _____ shows determination/perseverance when faced with a challenging task.
• _____ enjoys participating in class lessons, and his/her background knowledge adds a great deal to our discussions.
• _____ is able to share appropriate and relevant information, which adds to classroom discussions.
• _____ is an active participant in small groups as well as whole-class discussions/activities/projects.
• _____ listens well and takes an active role in class lessons/class discussions/class activities/group work.
• _____’s persistence/determination/hard work in _____ is exemplary.

CLASSROOM BEHAVIOR – IMPROVEMENT NEEDED:

• _____ is intelligent but works below his/her capacity/potential due to off-task behaviors/a lack of motivation/attention to quality work.
• _______ has done well in many areas, but I am concerned that his/her lack of listening/focus/motivation and following directions/working independently/working quietly has contributed to his lower grade in _____.
• _____ struggles with following classroom rules and needs to focus on working quietly/staying in his/her seat…
•  _____ is very talkative during quiet working periods and distracts others around him/her.
•  Working quietly is very difficult for _____, and I would like him/her to focus on his/her work so that he/she, as well as others around him/her, are able to attend to the task at hand/learn more effectively/concentrate…
•  _____ needs to listen and follow directions carefully during class time.
•  I would like to see _____ put more effort into showing respect/kindness/ thoughtfulness to his classmates to strengthen social skills.
•  _____ needs to work on taking turns speaking/working more cooperatively with classmates.
• _____ needs to focus on raising his/her hand to speak/listening to others/waiting for others to finish before speaking/listening skills.
• ______’s listening skills need improvement.
•  This trimester, I would like _____ to focus on _____ in order to _____.
• Academically, _____ is doing well overall. I would like him/her to focus on showing more kindness/respect/cooperation to his/her classmates.
•  _____ needs frequent reminders to stay on task throughout the school day.
• _____ needs to follow school rules at lunchtime and on the playground.
•  _____ gets along well with classmates, but needs to work on staying on task and not socializing.
• _____ is an intelligent student with great potential. However, he/she needs to work on staying focused in class and following directions.
• _____ is very social and is well-liked. His/her conversations during independent work times, though, have made it difficult for _____, as well as those around him/her, to finish work successfully/to create quality work/to concentrate on the task at hand/to learn/ to complete assignments.
• _____ has a social personality, but his/her chatting in class can be disruptive. He/she needs to work on staying focused during class so he/she and others around him/her can complete class assignments/stay on task.
• _____ is often eager to participate in class discussions but needs to remember to raise his/her hand/wait to be called on…
• _____ has made progress with ______ but is still struggling. Let’s continue to encourage ______ to ______.

MOTIVATION – POSITIVE:

• _____ succeeds at whatever task he/she puts his/her mind to.
• _____ sets high standards for himself/herself and reaches them.
• _____ is intrinsically motivated and strives to please/produce top-quality/excellent work.
• _____ enjoys being challenged and would benefit from _____.
• I appreciate _____’s quality work/motivation to do well/positive attitude, and I am enjoying/have enjoyed being his/her teacher.
• _____ is truly/genuinely eager to learn and asks questions appropriately when needed.
• _____ shows interest and enthusiasm for classroom activities and seems to enjoy learning.
• _____ shows determination/perseverance when faced with any task/a challenging task.
•  _____ is a hard-working student who sets goals and reaches them.
• _____ is self-motivated and consistently produces quality work.

SOCIAL SKILLS/CHARACTER – POSITIVE:

• _____ is respectful to his/her classmates and is very well-liked.
•  _____ is helpful and kind and is a pleasure to be around.
• _____ works well with other students.
•  _____ not only works well with his/her classmates but is a natural leader.
• _____ is very compassionate and always shows kindness to others.
• _____ is polite to classmates and to all adults on staff at school.
• _____ is respectful and considerate of others.
•  _____ demonstrates positive character traits in the classroom.
• _____ is positive/confident and is a great role model for his/her classmates.
• _____ is an exceptionally thoughtful student who is consistently considerate/respectful/kind to others.
• _____is a very respectful/kind/caring/considerate classmate, and I appreciate having him/her in class.
• _____ is a likable student with strong social skills. He/she works well with others.
• _____has a positive attitude/is a very polite student and is a joy to teach.
• _____ is a hard-working student who sets goals and reaches them.
• _____ is a problem solver and shows a great deal of persistence.
• _____ displays good citizenship in our classroom.
• _____ has an excellent attitude and is always willing to lend a hand.
• _____ is a(an) wonderful/excellent helper and a classroom leader.
• I am enjoying/have enjoyed _____’s sense of humor in our classroom.
• _____ has a wonderful personality, and his/her sense of humor makes me smile.
• _____ is a flexible learner and adapts easily to new challenges.
• _____ works respectfully during independent work times.
• _____ makes a sincere effort and works hard in class.
• _____ is a kind and caring student who is a good friend to others.
• _____ does his/her best in school each day. I appreciate his/her positive attitude/motivation/determination.
• _____ is an enthusiastic member of the class and comes to school each day ready to learn. I appreciate his/her positive outlook/hard-working attitude/approach to learning.

SOCIAL SKILLS/CHARACTER – NEEDS IMPROVEMENT:

•  _______ is an intelligent student with great potential. He/she needs to work on staying focused in class and following directions.
•  ______ needs frequent reminders to stay on task/focus throughout the school day.
•  _____ is excelling in many skills but needs to concentrate on ______.
• I would like to see ____ focus on/work to improve _____ in the coming months.
• ___ needs to focus on/practice raising his/her hand to speak/listening to others/waiting for others to finish before speaking/listening skills.
• I would like to see _____ put more effort into showing respect/kindness/ thoughtfulness to his classmates to strengthen/improve social skills.
• _____ needs to work on taking turns speaking/working cooperatively with classmates.
• _____ has a wonderful personality but needs to work more respectfully during independent/quiet work times…
• _____ needs to work on showing more respect/kindness/ compassion/ cooperation to his/her classmates.
• _____ needs to practice showing cooperation when working with other students/in small groups/during centers/during specials…

If you’d like your own set of report card comments in three formats (printable PDF, editable PowerPoint, and editable Digital in Google Slides) from The Teacher Next Door, please click here: 👉 100+ Report Card Comments You Can Use Now

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Peas in a Pod Lessons

Helpful classroom resources, editable report card comments for elementary school teachers: tips and examples.

Teaching can be equal parts fulfilling and exhausting. However, coming up with report card comments can be especially difficult because we are exhausted after teaching, assessing, & juggling all the extra duties. We have students with IEPs, ESL students, gifted students, and students with all sorts of challenges. Writing these comments can be downright daunting. However, writing report cards does not have to be a painful experience. I’m here to help take some of the overwhelm out of the end of the year & make the process more manageable. These pre-written, editable sentences, you can save hours of time and still provide thoughtful and personalized feedback to your students and their families. These comments cover a range of topics, from academic progress to social skills and behavior. Check out the editable report card comments I use HERE .

1. Be Specific & Clear

When writing report card comments, it’s crucial to be specific and clear. Avoid using vague language that doesn’t provide any real insight into the student’s progress. Instead, use specific examples of their achievements and areas that need improvement. For example, instead of saying, “Johnny is a good student,” you could say, “Johnny consistently completes his assignments on time and shows a strong understanding of math concepts, but needs to work on his spelling.”

2. Focus on the Positive

While it’s important to highlight areas that need improvement, it’s also crucial to focus on positive achievements. Start by mentioning something positive about the student’s progress before discussing areas that need work. For example, “Emily has shown excellent progress in her reading comprehension this semester, and with some additional practice, she will continue to improve.”

3. Use Age-Appropriate Language When Possible

When writing report card comments, it’s essential to use language that is age-appropriate. Keep in mind the grade level of your students and use language that they will understand. Avoid using jargon or technical language that may confuse students or parents.

4. Be Objective

Avoid personal biases and stick to the facts. For example, if a student is struggling in math, avoid saying things like “I think Johnny doesn’t like math.” Instead, use objective language like, “Johnny needs additional support with understanding multiplication and division concepts.”

5. Provide Constructive Criticism

It’s essential to provide feedback that is helpful and actionable. Instead of saying, “Samantha needs to improve her behavior in class,” provide specific examples of the behaviors that need improvement and suggestions on how to make improvements. “Samantha can improve her behavior in class by raising her hand before speaking and listening to her classmates.” It’s always nice to sandwich any criticism between two positive comments.

Don’t forget to proofread and double-check report cards. During crunch time, mistakes can easily be made. As communication with parents reflects on teachers’ professionalism, report cards should be as perfect as possible.

To make the report card writing process more efficient, here is a list of general report card comments that can help you get started in a pinch.

• I am concerned about  _ ‘s organizational skills and his/her responsibility related to turning in assignments on time.
• _  is helpful and kind and is a pleasure to be around.
• _  has done well in many areas but I am concerned that his/her lack of listening/focus/motivation and following directions/working independently/working quietly has contributed to his lower grade in  _ .
• _  has made good/excellent/outstanding progress in all academic areas.
• _  is bright, motivated, and hardworking and can be proud of his/her accomplishments this year.
• Unfortunately,  _ ‘s grades have suffered from missing assignments.
• _  is gaining confidence in  _  but would benefit from  _ .
• _  follows classroom rules consistently and is a good role model.
• Please encourage  _  to  _  each day to help him/her improve in  _ .
• _  has a positive attitude and is a joy to teach.
• _  seems to find  _  challenging and would benefit from reading nightly/practicing math facts/working online…
• _  is a(n) awesome/wonderful/fabulous grader and I have enjoyed getting to know him/her this year.
• _  is capable of achieving a higher grade in but needs to _ in order to make progress.

If you would like to generate comments in half the time, I also have a full collection of report card comments / remarks for elementary school teachers . This is the template I reference each year. I just edit, cut, and paste into my report cards each trimester. The trimesters are color coded.  1st trimester is green, 2nd trimester is red, and 3rd trimester is black. Behavior and work habits tend to coincide with academic achievement, but as you know, that is not always the case. Since each student is so unique, I have organized my comments from highest academic performance to lowest. It is my hope that these drafted comments will make writing report cards just that much easier for you too!

They cover social skills, personal responsibility, and academics for students at grade level, below grade level, and above grade level. I also provide specific comments for students who joined the class later in the grading period. If you want SAVE HOURS writing report card comments then these editable, polished, pre-written sentences are for you! 

While report card writing may not be the most enjoyable part of teaching, following these general principles and using a handy list of phrases can help make the process less stressful and more efficient. We can provide honest and constructive feedback that encourages students’ growth and development.

Need a new marking pen for your report cards?  These are my favorite! I love the bright colors that don’t bleed through.

Happy Teaching!

I hope you find these suggestions helpful!  Click here to follow  Peas in a Pod  on Tpt for more classroom tips & freebies .

*This post contains Amazon Affiliate links. If you purchase through one of these links, I receive a few cents on the dollar. This commission directly supports my small business and ensures that we can continue to create high-quality content for teachers, like yourself! As always, the products shared are tried, true, and tested. Enjoy! 

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Report Card Comments Roundup

Report card comments can be blessing or a curse depending on how they are approached.  If you have a catalog of options for different scenarios then they aren’t so hard when those end of the year final reports go home.

If you are struggling to write comprehensive original comments for students’ behavior, social skills, specific subjects, work habits, or general notes, then this post is perfect for you!

Keep reading to gather some quick samples to use for your next parent teacher conference!

One of the tasks I always dreaded was looking at the blank comments box in my online grade book, knowing that I needed to come up with a new original comment for each student at the elementary level.

Of course, I realize each child is unique, but how do you fit those specifics into a tiny box that applauds the positive qualities, while still allowing room to mention those qualities which leave a little room for improvement?

Being that I know classroom systems are a must for anything I have to do more than once, I decided to create a teacher toolbox of report card comments in various categories.  Having these at hand allowed me to have a starting point.

Starting with a copy and paste for the student made it much easier to expand once that box was no longer an empty void.  Plus, it saved me so much time from having to retype the same thing out over and over again.

I was able to leave my comments in the box for the parents, so when they arrived for their student-led conferences, I had very little to add beyond what the child had already discussed – and the specific comments I had left.

You might also be interested in:

This program is 62 pages, and includes 26 templates that are completely editable so you can personalize your conferences to your liking! Also includes forms for having ongoing Data Folders – recommended for grades 2-12! Parent Conference Night has never been so easy! Discover for yourself!

See more pages here.

How do you motivate students to do their best?

All teachers want students to feel safe and to want to be a learner in and outside of the school building.  It doesn’t matter what grade level you teach.

But there is a difference between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation and that is a little tougher to implement when the student is not even sure what he or she wants.

Having a learning environment that encourages all students to freely share their triumphs and mistakes is a great place to start.  Leading by example is also important.

While there are lots of tests to be given and lesson plans to teach, I know from personal experience that motivation comes from students when they make a connection with their teacher.  Without that connection, no positive motivation will be in sight.

How do teachers deal with a bad report card?

When you have to send home a less than stellar report card home can strike the fear into any teacher.  The icy cold feeling drops in your heart as you are hitting the save button, knowing that one or more of the following will happen:

-You are going to have a less-than-happy parent contacting you

-The child is going to be punished at home (maybe excessively)

-You’ll hear crickets and the student will not even flinch <= This option might be the worst of all because no improvement can be made if there is no collaboration amongst the stakeholders in the child’s life

For me, I love doing student led parent conferences because it forces students, parents, and teachers to work as a team to discuss how things are really going in an honest fashion, and to set some expectations for the future.

Even if the conference can’t be completed at school due to parent no-shows or work schedules, they can be completed at home.

With few options in some cases, this is the best solution to try and form those connections with students and parents, whether you are teaching Kindergarten or High School.

Report Card Comment Examples

Here is a list of 65 options below to set up for your own classroom systems .  Always work smarter, not harder.

1. Frequent tardies have hindered _________________’s progress.

2. Excellent attendance this quarter!

3. There has been little positive effort from ________________ to catch up on work missed due to absences.

4. Absences and tardies have affected _______________’s grades.

5. Thanks you for your continued help in getting _____________ to school on time. He/She has greatly benefitted from the routine. Academics

6. ________’s grades demonstrate an acceptable knowledge of the covered material.

7. ________’s progress this quarter is excellent!

8. _________ is extremely conscientious and has made excellent progress.

9. A satisfactory standing has been achieved by _____________.

10. While achievement is satisfactory, __________ has not worked to his/her fullest potential.

11. Poor test scores from ________ have resulted in the low grade this term.

12. The grade reported is a direct result from __________ not handing in assignments, even after several attempts to get them from him/her.

13. Because __________ struggles in reading, he/she had a hard time with math story problems, which resulted in the lower math grade this semester.

14. Fluency rates for ____________ were off the charts!

15. ____________ really worked hard with the reading strategies this school year and I am super proud of his/her progress throughout the school year!

You might want to check out:

Need some new ideas for your assessment and parent conference routine?  This 114 page digital book has you covered!

Includes 17 articles from Organized Classroom, including topics such as:

• Saving Grading Time
• 65 Report Card Comments
• Custom Sticky Notes and Rubrics
• How to Set Up Student Data Folders
• Self-Assessment for Students
• Managing Your Centers
• Quick Informal Assessment Hacks

…and even more!

Includes 9 additional freebie files!  No need to enter in an email address for each one separately – just click and go!

See it HERE.

16. ________’s effort and pleasant attitude have been outstanding this semester.

17. Talking in class has interfered with _________’s listening and learning.

18. Sometimes ____________ appears to be overly bossy to other children in the class, and that causes friction before, during, and after school.

19. I have noticed how much ___________ has matured and taken on additional responsibilities this year.

20. There has been a positive change in attitude and work habits from ______________.

21. An apparent lack of motivation has resulted in unsatisfactory grades this marking period.

22. _______________ is still learning when it is appropriate not to talk back, and how to raise a hand if he/she needs to politely express something during a lesson.

23. Having a positive attitude even when frustrated with the work has been a delight to see from __________________.  He/She is a great role model for other students.

24. Always sharing in nature, _______________’s cooperative attitude is an example to all other students.

25. Lack of respect by ____________ for himself, his teacher, and other students in the classroom have proven to be tough to overcome this year.

Participation

26. It is a pleasure to teach ____________. He/She participates enthusiastically in all activities.

27. Classroom behavior from ____________ is frequently unacceptable.

28. There has been a limited contribution to group work.

29. ____________ is a good listener and asks relevant questions.  Way to show initiative!

30. A good contribution has been made to class discussions.  Please continue this great example!

31. ________________’s classroom work shows a strong aptitude for artistic expression.

32. Participation in class discussions has been poor and his/her listening skills need improvement.

33. Good work habits have been demonstrated by ________________.

34. Excellent participation in class discussions.

35. _____________ has made a good contribution to group work.

36. Homework has been incomplete or not attempted.

37. _____________ has made a good effort, but finds this subject difficult.

38. Good work habits have been shown by _____________, who is well organized, confident, and responsible.

39. The quality of assignments has improved since the midterm report. Well done!

40. Homework scores indicate a thorough understanding of concepts taught.

41. The grade is a direct result of ___________ not handing in assignments.

42. ___________ seems satisfied with a minimal effort on homework, if at all.

43. ______________ constantly produces quality assignments.

44. Quality of homework assignments is poor.

45. A very good effort has been made to turn in the majority of homework assignments on time.

46. Grades have improved tremendously! Well done ______________!

47. It is a delight to teach ____________, who constantly strives for excellence.

48. Very little effort has been made to meet grade level expectations.

49. There appears to have been little effort to proofread assignments before turning in.

50. A strong effort by _____________ has produced an acceptable level of achievement

51. Poor use of class time has resulted in incomplete assignments and this low grade.

52. Good work habits & attitude have combined to produce above average achievement.

53. Although the final standing is low, a solid effort has been noted from _________________.

54. Poor attitude and work habits have resulted in unsatisfactory achievement this quarter.

55. ____________ tends to hurry through assignments in order to be the first one done, and repeatedly turns in messy, and sometimes, incomplete work.

56. ________________ constantly produces quality assignments.

57. ____________ is a creative thinker, which is wonderful most times, but sometimes he/she tends to overthink the assignments and ends up with an incorrect answer.

58. Not knowing basic math facts has resulted in _____________ struggling in more advanced math concepts this year.

59. __________ is highly gifted, but the tendency to be a perfectionist prohibits her/him from finishing assignments on time.

60. __________ appears to enjoy math very much, and I challenge her/him to investigate even further this summer with more advanced mathematical principles.

61. ___________________’s writing is a pleasure to read.

62. _____________’s student work is well done, but tests and written work have not been top notch.

63. Poor spelling and punctuation detract from ____________’s writing.

64. Work on in class assignments has made noticeable improvements since last grading quarter. Great work!

65. Little attempt has been made to make up for missed projects due to frequent absences.

How do you decide what report card comments to use on your assessments?  I would love to hear in a comment below!

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223 Copy and Paste Final Report Card Comments

Hey, Teacher! Is it report writing time again?

Hopefully these comments for student report cards will come in helpful.

Copy and paste these report card comments for your students. It’ll save you time and heartache!

Read below for my full list of report card comment ideas:

Positive Comments

Use a few positive comments to show the strengths of the student and how they’ve improved recently.

Positive Attitude to Learning

• Comes to class every day ready and willing to learn.
• Has an inquisitive and engaged mind.
• Is excited to tackle her tasks every day.
• Likes to come to school and learn with her friends.
• Has a positive attitude to self-development.
• Tends to come into the classroom with a big smile and an open mind.
• Sets herself very high standards and strives to meet them each and every day.

Showing Improvement

• Is consistently improving.
• Is developing very well for her age.
• Has shown strong signs of growth in all learning areas.
• Has made clear and commendable gains.
• Improves each and every day.
• Her hard work and effort has paid off.

Positive Behavior

• Is always very well behaved during class time.
• Has a good ability to avoid peers who she sees may be distractions to her learning.
• Is always willing to listen to instructions.
• Is a very helpful and respectful student.
• Never misbehaves in class.
• Sets a good standard for classmates to follow.
• Is very good at following the rules.

Read Also: Words to Describe a Student

Shows Respect for Others

• Has a great deal of respect for all visitors to the classroom.
• Cares for and respects her classmates.
• Is always respectful to classroom equipment.
• Always puts her hand up and follows instructions.
• Is very considerate of others and often puts others’ needs and interests at the front of her mind.
• Is a very respectful and responsible classmate.
• Has proven to be a courteous and polite classmate.
• Is held in high regard for her kindness to others.
• Is a very outgoing, positive and upbeat student.
• Tackles every task with enthusiasm and self-belief.
• Is building her confidence more and more every day.
• Has shown remarkable growth in confidence this year.
• Has reached many achievements this year, which is reflected in her budding confidence.
• Is a self-assured young learner who is always willing to try something new.
• Can always be trusted with tasks assigned to her.
• Conducts herself with honesty and integrity at all times.
• Is trusted with school equipment including expensive computer technology.
• Is open, honest and upfront about her thoughts and beliefs.
• Shares thoughtful and genuine opinions during lessons.
• Is always willing to self-reflect and provide genuine analyses of her progress.

Self-Expression

• Is a very expressive and confident student.
• Has a great ability to express thoughts and feelings in writing.
• Is always willing to express herself in front of the class with a bold and confident voice.
• Has artistic talent and can articulate her thoughts through drawing and painting very well.
• Is a very articulate public speaker when talking about issues that she knows well.
• Is always willing to contribute her own thoughts and beliefs in class discussions.
• Uses her body and hand movements to express herself artistically.

High Motivation

• Has a great deal of intrinsic motivation . She’s a real go getter!
• Has bucket loads of initiative.
• Has an active mind and is eager to achieve.
• Comes to class with a huge willingness to participate.
• Never wants to waste a day in the classroom.
• Loves to soak up all the information around her.
• Is an ambitious and proactive student.
• Knows her goals and strives every day to achieve them.

Strong Communication Skills

• Projects her voice very well when communicating in class.
• Is effective at using the written word to express herself.
• Has a great deal of confidence when speaking to groups.
• Is very good at clearly and succinctly speaking up when she feels she has a valuable contribution.
• Consistently provides valuable contributions to class discussion.
• Is a skilled public speaker.
• Has shown great strides in written communication skills in recent months.

Is Neat and Tidy

• Always keeps her belongings neatly organized.
• Looks after her belongings very carefully.
• Always has neat book work which shows respect and high regard for her own work.
• Keeps her desk space very tidy, clean and organized.
• Takes pride in keeping her work neat, clean and tidy for every submission.
• Keeps her personal work spaces very well organized.

Good Listening Skills

• Is an active listener who is always ready to respond with relevant and engaging questions.
• Listens thoughtfully to other people’s ideas and contributes her own thoughtful ideas.
• Listens with an open mind to her classmates’ perspectives.
• Always listens intently with the hope of learning new things.
• Concentrates and pays close attention during demonstrations to ensure she understands task requirements.
• Takes directions well and is quick to apply directions to tasks.
• Is always attentive in class and asks for clarification when required.
• Is good at working in small groups unaided by a teacher.
• Listens intently to others and takes their opinions in mind.
• Excels when given leadership roles in small groups.
• Appears to thrive in group learning situations.
• Has developed strong skills in communicating in groups.
• Works productively in groups of all sizes to get tasks done.
• Has a knack for managing multiple personalities in group situations.
• Could work on sharing resources more fairly during group tasks.
• Needs to work on allowing other group members equal time to speak during group discussions.

Strong Organization and Time Management

• Always arrives to class on time with her books and is ready to learn.
• Is exceptionally good at completing tasks in a timely manner.
• Is a natural organizer and is often seen helping to get her peers organized and ready for tasks.
• Is always trusted to meet deadlines.
• Uses color coding and headings in her books effectively to organize her notes.
• Keeps a neat and organized work space at all times.

Good at Homework

• Always comes to class with very neat and well written homework.
• Tends to complete independent homework tasks with ease.
• Thrives with independent homework tasks, which are always presented in a timely manner.
• Comes to class with great questions based on the assigned homework tasks, showing thoughtfulness and independence.
• Can be trusted to complete her homework in time.
• Often asks for extra homework. She has shown great thirst for knowledge.

Read Also: 27 Pros and Cons of Homework

Strong Participation

• Is always willing to jump in and participate in any task.
• Is a great helper, always giving people a hand when she sees they are in need.
• Participates in all tasks, no matter her skill level. This enthusiasm is laudable.
• Always comes to class willing to get involved in the daily activities.
• Is always the first person to put their hand up to volunteer for a task.
• Loves to learn by getting involved and gaining first-hand experiences.
• Is beginning to develop her own interest and is eager to learn more about them.
• Has a strong personal interest in ________ and has been taking the initiative to explore the topic.
• Is very enthusiastic about ________ and has shown great promise in this area.
• Has picked a great extracurricular hobby of _____. Her skills learned in this hobby has helped to boost her confidence in the classroom.
• Shows interest in a variety of different topics which she has been enthusiastically exploring during free study time.
• Always finds personal interest in topics presented in class.

Independence

• Is showing increasing independence to learn and study without the need for excessive guidance.
• Is a fiercely independent person who knows what she wants and goes out to get it.
• Has an independent and free spirited mind.
• Is not afraid to go against the majority if she is certain of her beliefs and thoughts.
• Happily goes about her tasks independently but seeks help when required.
• Shows confidence striking out on her own to do things she is interested in.

Strong Learning and Thinking Skills

• Is very resourceful and uses the internet, books and peers to find new knowledge.
• Is aware of her learning styles and makes every effort to work to her strengths as a student.
• Uses higher-order thinking strategies like analysis and critique to question assumptions.
• Knows when she needs help and asks for it willingly.
• Thinks deeply about her responses before providing them.
• Is very good at reflecting on her weaknesses and working on them to grow as a person.
• Is great at solving problems using her own initiative.

Good Attention to Detail

• Pays close attention to the details of a tasks so that she doesn’t miss anything.
• Is very systematic about going about her tasks so she can complete them thoroughly.
• Is great at identifying small and nuanced mistakes in her own work.
• Always creates very presentable and professional looking pieces of work.
• Has great self-reflection skills , being able to identify her own strengths and weaknesses.
• Can pause and look at her own work to identify areas for improvement.
• Has the ability to stop and change course when she identifies areas for improvement.
• Is very good at identifying and repairing errors in drafts.
• Has exercised great thoughtfulness about her own capabilities.
• Has shown the ability to empathize with classmates and show great compassion.

Perseverance and Determination

• Shows great determination when is set a challenging task.
• Perseveres through difficulties to achieve her goals.
• Is resilient in the face of significant challenges and problems presented.
• Will always work through struggles and come out the other end more confident and skilled.

Constructive Comments

Present constructive comments to show the areas for improvement for the student. Carefully craft the comments so they’re not overly upsetting or impersonal.

Negative Attitude to Learning

• Occasionally needs special assistance to stay on task.
• Requires some coaxing to complete tasks.
• Is at times distracted or uninterested in learning.
• Is working on paying more attention to her tasks.
• Has some off days where she is uninterested in learning.
• Is easily distracted by friends.
• Will often come to class unwilling to contribute to group discussions.

Needs Improvement

• Needs to work on focus and concentration during class time.
• Has improved in some areas, but continues to slip behind in others.
• Is showing some lack of focus and is slipping behind in some subjects.
• There is still a lot of room for growth and we are working on improving her focus and drive in coming months.
• It would be great to see some improvement in her weakest subjects in the future.
• I would like to see her asking for help when stuck on tasks.

Disruptive Behavior

• Can occasionally disrupt her friends and classmates.
• Is at times a distraction to other students.
• Can be unsettled when entering the class after breaks.
• Can be talkative during quiet times and individual tasks.
• Could work on being more considerate to other classmates.
• Has had a difficult time getting comfortable in class this year.
• Has at times sought undue attention and distracted the flow of lessons.

Read Also: 13 Best Classroom Management Theories

Low Motivation

• Sometimes struggles to engage in class discussions.
• Requires a lot of external rewards to get focused.
• Works well below her capabilities due to lack of motivation to do her best.
• Relies heavily on extrinsic motivation. It would be great to see more intrinsic desire to succeed in coming months.
• Struggles to find things she is interested in.
• Has trouble getting engaged and interested in class topics.
• Will respond well to rewards but struggles to use initiative.
• Needs to dig deep and find greater motivation to learn in coming months.

Is Not Neat and Tidy

• Occasionally presents work that is messy and difficult to read.
• I would like to see her paying more attention to neatness in her writing.
• It would be great to see her showing more care for her workspace to ensure all her belongings are well cared for.
• At times comes to class disheveled and disorganized.
• Presents homework that is untidy and appears to have been rushed.
• Needs to work on ensuring her work is presentable, neat, and error-free.

Weak Communication Skills

• Speaks very softly. An area for improvement is speaking up in class discussions.
• Could work some more on communicating her opinions during discussions.
• Is often shy and intimidated when asked to speak up in class discussions.
• Needs coaxing to share her thoughts in class.
• Can work on being clearer when expressing her thoughts in writing.
• I look forward to seeing further development in expressing her thoughts in class.

Poor Listening Skills

• Has had some trouble paying attention to others during class discussions.
• Has some trouble listening to peers and teachers.
• Is easily distracted during class discussions.
• Is a good talker but needs to work on pausing and listening to others more attentively.
• Is often fidgety and distracted when spoken to.
• Is often resistant to make eye contact and be responsive when spoken to.
• Has trouble repeating and remembering instructions.

Read Also: 47 Best Classroom Rules for Middle and High School

Weak Organization and Time Management

• Tends to leave tasks to the last minute.
• Often submits incomplete drafts due to poor time management.
• Is often disorganized and forgets important school supplies.
• Has submitted homework late on several occasions.
• Could work on using her time more efficiently to complete tasks in allotted time periods.
• I would like to see her working on her organizational skills in coming months so she can use her class time more efficiently.

Bad at Homework

• Will often skip assigned homework tasks.
• Regularly forgets to bring homework to school.
• Her homework is often brought to class incomplete and rushed.
• Is often seen completing homework tasks the morning before they are due.
• I would like to see her working on setting aside more time for homework in the coming months.
• Is good at class work, but needs more initiative to complete her weekly homework in a timely manner.

Poor Attention to Detail

• Could be getting higher grades if she edited her work more carefully before submission.
• Will sometimes make mistakes due to distractedness and carelessness.
• Has started to let carelessness seep into his work for the past few months.
• Often does not pay enough attention to test questions, leading to small unforced errors.

Preschool and Kindergarten Comments

Here are some great comments specifically for children in the early years of their development.

Play Based Learning – Strong

• Plays well with other children.
• Shares resources with her peers during play time.
• Has begun to develop cooperative play skills such as sharing and taking turns.
• Is a creative and imaginative learner.
• Engages in strong exploratory and discovery play behaviors without prompting.
• Is enthusiastic and engaged when given developmentally appropriate resources to play with.
• Thrives in unstructured play environments where she can explore, learn and discover in her own time.
• Has started to use extended vocabulary well during play scenarios.
• Is great at taking measured risks during play which reveals great self-confidence for her age.

Play Based Learning – Needs Improvement

• Plays in parallel with other children, but needs to start developing cooperative play strategies in the coming months.
• Is good at solitary play, but needs more practice sharing and playing with other students.
• Is curious about playing with others, but often sits back due to shyness.
• Needs encouragement to use more language skills during play-based learning .
• Struggles to take turns when playing with others.

Strong Development

• Is developing in an age appropriate way and continues to show good progress.
• Has visibly developed fine and gross motor skills during class sessions.
• Is using language at an age appropriate level.
• Is starting to move out of her comfort zone to explore more and more new challenges.
• Is socially, cognitively and physically on track for transition to school.

Socialization

• Has shown remarkable strides in communication skills at preschool.
• Plays well with others.
• Is a thoughtful and kind student who plays well with others.
• Always shares and thinks about others during play scenarios.
• Is a popular student who finds it very easy to make friends with other children.
• Has been seen to show some great emerging leadership skills during play scenarios.
• Is very happy to play in groups and learn from peers .

Final Thoughts

I will often start with a comment bank like the one above. For each student, I’ll copy four or five of the most suitable statements.

But, I will also follow-up my generic comment from the comment bank with a specific example for the parents to read.

Parents do like to see that you have provided specific and thoughtful statements – so don’t forget to use the student’s name and specific anecdotes as much as possible.

I do hope this comment bank for report card comments has come in handy for you.

Remember to also maintain a positive but honest and constructive voice when writing.

If there is serious concern that might be difficult to express in writing, you should arrange for a parent-teacher conference to have a discussion and see how things progress.

Good luck with your report card writing!

About The Author: Hi, I’m Chris Drew (Ph.D) and I run things around here. I’m an Education expert and university professor.

Chris Drew (PhD)

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107 Report Card Comments to Use and Adapt

Written by Justin Raudys

Reviewed by Sarah Tino, M.Ed.

See your students' performance at a push of a button

With Prodigy's reports, teachers can easily track student progress and see their strengths and growth opportunities – all while the student has fun playing Prodigy Math!

• Teacher Resources

Learning skills (positive comments)

Learning skills (needs improvement), addition and subtraction, skip counting, place value, comparing numbers, addition with regrouping.

• Word problems
• Language (general)

Reading responses

Reading comprehension, response journal, note taking, distance learning.

• Tips for writing effective report cards
• Key considerations for effective end-of-year report cards

Just about every teacher agrees: report card comments are important to provide insights and next steps to students and families. But there are few who actually look forward to writing them.

Because every instructor knows working under tight deadlines to create upwards of 20 unique and detailed reports at the end of the year or term isn’t exactly straightforward (or particularly fun). That's especially true in the era of distance learning.

And while no one at your school knows your students better than you do, writing valuable report card comments for each of them can be a huge challenge.

That’s why we created a list of 107 sample report card comments — starters to help you find ideas, inspiration, and insights while writing your own report cards.

The 107 report card comments in this list will help you:

• Instill a  growth mindset in students
• Build stronger home-to-school connections
• Write stronger leads and use livelier language
• Choose the right phrasing when writing positive and constructive report card comments

Report card comment starters

You'll notice that the report card comments below can act as a springboard for more fully developed ones. But don't worry, using them you'll be able to take some of these one-liners and turn them into insightful and actionable next steps!

For example, you'll be able to take a 1st grade number sense comment like "Your child is able to add and subtract numbers up to 20 using various manipulatives" and transform it into:

Your child is able to add and subtract numbers up to 20 using various manipulatives. This was evident when he was working independently to solve a real-world problem by adding toys in the classroom toy bin. As a next step, they should continue to add to larger numbers to encourage his skills. You can support him by asking him to add his own toy piles at home.

Or taking a responsibility-related learning skill comment from "Your child is able to take responsibility for her own actions both in and out of the classroom" to:

Your child is able to take responsibility for her own actions both in and out of the classroom. She often checks her agenda and day planner to make sure she has all of the necessary materials to complete work at home before leaving. During indoor recess, she takes time to tidy up everything she was playing with.

Notice the difference?

Compared to a single number or letter grade, report card comments can provide even more value to your students and their families. In other words, a number or letter or grade captures the what , while an accompanying comment captures the how .

Depending on the age group or grade level you teach, a letter or grade letter might be enough. However, research in Phi Delta Kappan, the professional journal for educators, suggests:

Comments that identify what students did well, what improvements they need to make, and how to make those improvements, provided with sensitivity to important contextual elements, can guide students on their pathways to learning success and ensure that all learn excellently.

Gather insights into student performance all year long and make report card writing easier with Prodigy, the adaptive math game that students love.

• ________ is confident, positive and a great role model for his/her classmates.
• ________ is frequently among the first to help and mentor other classmates. He/she is a valuable part of the classroom.
• ________ has shown excellent ability to set goals and be persistent in achieving them.
• ________ is interested in his/her own learning, listens attentively, and makes a solid effort to avoid distractions that could interrupt the learning process.
• ________ is accountable and responsible. He/she makes smart decisions, admits mistakes and listens to opportunities to improve.
• ________ relates well to classmates and is appreciative of different perspectives and experiences.
• ________ manages his/her emotions maturely and responds to feedback appropriately.
• ________ always looks for ways to be helpful in the classroom.
• ________ is dependable and reliable, follows directions effectively, and follows through on his/her commitments to him/herself and others.
• ________ is thoughtful, insightful and thorough in written and verbal communication, and has a talent for expressing his/her ideas clearly.
• ________ works well with classmates in group work and often takes a leadership role.
• ________ shows a positive attitude with classmates in group projects and activities, and both takes and gives suggestions and directions effectively.
• ________ shows maturity when solving problems with classmates and uses good communication.
• ________ excels at applying what he/she learns in the classroom to real-world and real-life situations.
• It has been a pleasure to have _______'s enthusiasm, positivity and maturity in my class.
• ________ is an enthusiastic member of the class and shows a willingness to learn.
• ________ shows responsible behavior, works well with a group and shows appreciation for the efforts of classmates.
• ________ is focused during classroom activities and willingly participated in class discussions.
• ________ performs independent work with confidence and focus.
• ________ works independently and takes pride in work done well.
• ________ is focused in class and willingly participates in group discussion.
• ________ is very conscientious and shows excellent effort and care with daily work.
• ________ demonstrates a willing and conscientious effort in his/her daily work.
• ________ shows a conscientious effort to learn.
• ________ has done a great job facing and overcoming big challenges this year. Please continue to nurture and encourage this behavior over the summer.
• ________ shows responsibility and follows directions whenever they are given.
• ________ listens to and follows directions precisely and attentively.
• ________ follows directions promptly and accurately.
• ________ is an active participant in class.
• ________ is a hard worker who calmly perseveres through challenging topics.
• ________ is encouraged to demonstrate more responsible attitudes and behavior in the classroom.
• ________ needs to show more appropriate behavior when interacting with classmates.
• ________ needs to pay attention to the use of appropriate language at all times
• ________ requires encouragement to listen attentively during group sharing times.
• ________  needs to listen to directions more attentively during lessons.
• ________ would benefit from showing a greater desire to contribute ideas in class.
• ________ needs frequent reminders to be attentive during instructions and lessons.
• ________ needs to improve his/her cooperation in group settings. He/she should work on voicing feelings and opinions and listening to others.
• ________ needs to improve his/her work with others. He/she must ensure to accept a share of the work when participating in a group assignment.
• ________ needs to improve on working independently and be sure to ask for assistance only when it is needed.
• ________ often struggles to focus in class, which harms his/her ability to engage well with class activities and assignments.
• ________ is encouraged to use time wisely to finish tasks in the time required.
• ________ is encouraged to be more responsible in completing tasks without needing regular reminders.
• ________ needs to show by the quality of work and use of class time that he/she is properly engaged in the learning process.
• ________ consistently needs reminders to focus on time management.
• ________ needs to follow classroom rules more closely throughout the school day.

Math (general comments)

• ________ is having considerable difficulty with math. I recommend he/she work on studying ________ and ________. This extra practice will help him/her feel more relaxed when doing math in the classroom. Please contact me if you need materials to get him/her started.
• ________ has a good understanding of all math concepts taught so far this year. He/she continues to turn in excellent assignments and especially enjoys hands-on math activities.
• ________  has a positive attitude towards math but continues to have trouble in a few key areas. He should practice every evening at home. Areas that need extra attention are ________  and ________ .
• ________  demonstrates a good understanding of all math concepts studied and communicates with clarity and good justification of reasoning.
• ________ needs to work on increasing his/her speed in math facts. He/she should continue with daily practice with a focus on addition, subtraction, multiplication and division.
• ________ seems to need continuous encouragement in math. He/she continues to struggle with basic math concepts for his/her grade level.
• ________ is having a difficult time in certain areas of math. Areas in need of extra work are ________ . Working on these problem areas every night would help improve his/her learning outcomes.
• ________ is struggling to keep up in math. He/she could benefit from practicing the multiplication table and should also continue to practice the long division process.
• ________ is easily distracted during math lessons and behavioral issues are interfering with his/her learning. We will be working on more difficult subjects and he/she will struggle if he/she does not pay attention in class.
• ________ is having trouble with math tests. He/she does well on assignments, but does not seem to retain information for tests. I always give a week’s notice before tests, so please be sure ________ studies and adequately prepares for them as they approach.
• ________ is able to calculate addition and subtraction facts to 18 with confidence and accuracy.
• ________  is becoming more able to calculate addition and subtraction facts to 18 with confidence and accuracy.
• ________  requires more time and practice in calculating addition and subtraction facts to 18
• ________ needs to put more effort into learning to calculate addition and subtraction facts to 18.
• ________  is able to skip count forward and backward by twos, fives, tens, and hundreds to complete short patterns.
• ________  is learning to skip count forward and backward by twos, fives, tens, and hundreds to complete short patterns.
• ________  needs practice with skip counting forward and backward by twos, fives, tens, and hundreds to complete short patterns.
• ________  needs considerable practice with skip counting forward and backward by twos, fives, tens, and hundreds to complete short patterns.
• ________  is able to demonstrate place value concepts to give meaning to numbers from zero to 1000, identifying ones, tens, and hundreds.
• ________  is developing an understanding of place value concepts to give meaning to numbers zero to identifying ones, tens, and hundreds.
• ________  requires more time and practice to demonstrate place value concepts to give meaning to numbers 0 to 1000, identifying ones, tens, and 100s.
• ________ is able to compare numbers to 1000 using terms such as greater or less and greatest or least.
• ________ is learning to compare numbers to 1000 using terms such as greater or less and greatest or least.
• ________ requires support to compare numbers to 1000 using terms such as greater or less and greatest or least.
• ________ demonstrates a limited understanding in comparing numbers to 1000 using terms such as greater or less and greatest or least.
• ________ can demonstrate and explain the process of addition of whole numbers up to 100, with and without regrouping.
• ________ requires ongoing support to demonstrate and explain the process of addition of whole numbers up to 100 with and without regrouping.
• ________ requires considerable attention and individual instruction to demonstrate and explain the process of addition of whole numbers up to 100 with and without regrouping.

Word problems (math)

• ________ is able to complete word problems using one- and two-digit addition, showing his/her work and writing a full sentence answer.
• ________ is becoming more confident in his/her ability to complete word problems using one- and two-digit addition, showing his/her work and writing a full sentence answer.

As we move into language and literacy, the following sections include starter report card comments which cover reading, writing, oral communication and critical thinking skills.

Language arts (general)

• ________ ’s (comprehension, spelling, reading) has greatly improved, but he/she still needs extra work in (comprehension, spelling, reading). Please contact me if you need supplemental learning materials to use at home for practice.
• ________  is conscious of putting care into his/her daily writing work, and frequently goes beyond the minimum requirements for assignments.
• ________ has trouble with his handwriting. I believe he/she can form letters well, but has to slow down and take a little more time. Neater handwriting will improve his/her schoolwork overall.
• ________ makes a good effort to make his/her handwriting legible. He/she is able to print on the lines, use good spacing, and form letters correctly.
• ________ needs to focus on her spelling. More improvement is needed in the areas of (dictation, weekly spelling tests, sentence structure). Daily practice at home will help improve his/her results.
• ________ shows the ability to quickly use spelling, punctuation and grammar rules that were recently taught. He/she is able to quickly learn new skills and is eager to apply them to his/her writing.
• ________ is having considerable difficulty with reading, particularly with fluency and comprehension.
• ________ speaks well in front of the class, but requires improvement in written language. He/she is having trouble with (dictation, copying words correctly, story writing, creating logical sequences). Further practice is needed in this area.
• ________ continues to make excellent progress in spelling and reading. He/she works hard to submit work that is free of grammatical errors.
• ________ has difficulty remembering previously discussed writing skills and often makes errors with punctuation, grammar, and overall sentence structure. Basic writing skills need improvement.
• ________ is able to offer direct responses to his/her readings and supports ideas with sound reasoning and specific examples.
• ________ is learning to offer more direct responses to her reading experiences supported by reasons, examples, and details.
• ________ needs frequent support to offer direct responses to his/her reading experiences supported by reasons, examples, and details.
• ________ shows good ability when completing reading comprehension tests.
• ________ would benefit from extra practice with reading aloud and discussion of content.
• ________ consistently demonstrates comprehension of short spoken texts by answering questions, and explaining the events described.
• ________ consistently reads grade-level material independently.
• ________ uses good editing skills and correctly places capitals, quotation marks, question marks, apostrophes, commas, and periods.
• ________ is doing a good job of breaking a story into paragraphs
• ________ determines various forms of writing and identifies important ideas through the development of insightful questions and answers.
• ________ is able to analyze character actions, story plots, and shows strong fluency with reading.
• ________ uses correct spelling, grammar and punctuation when writing simple sentences.
• ________ is encouraged to show increased attention to the use of correct spelling, grammar and punctuation with general writing skills.
• ________ needs more time and practice in the use of correct spelling, grammar and punctuation with general writing skills.
• ________ requires considerable assistance to achieve the correct spelling, grammar and punctuation when writing simple sentences.
• ________ shows an excellent understanding of note taking from lectures and readings in preparation for tests and assignments.
• ________ requires ongoing support to develop an understanding of note taking from lectures and readings in preparation for tests.
• ________ was very engaged and focused during distance learning activities, and participated in class discussions.
• ________ stayed motivated to complete assignments during distance learning, and turned in all required materials on time. 
• ________ needed some extra prompting to stay engaged during online lessons, but participated well in discussions when called upon. 
• ________ modeled good online learning behavior for other students.
• ________ was disruptive during online learning and did not meaningfully participate in class discussions.
• ________ handled technical problems well and was always prepared.
• Although he/she couldn’t always access a device, _________ consistently completed online assignments and asked thoughtful questions.
• ________ should ask more questions during online discussions to avoid confusion later.
• ________’s attendance during online lessons was infrequent and assignments were not always completed.
• ________ worked well independently and in a group setting during distance learning activities.
• ________ is excellent at completing distance learning activities independently, but struggled to engage with his/her classmates during breakout sessions or class discussions.
• ________ is a technology superstar! He/she rarely needed assistance and even helped other classmates troubleshoot issues.
• ________ asks good questions and always reaches out proactively when he/she needs help with an assignment or lesson.

Tips for teachers to write more effective student report card comments

1. give yourself extra time and start writing comments early.

Somewhere around the halfway point to your deadline for report cards, you make your best effort to use time at the end of each week to reflect — and jot down notes — about your students’ performance and class week.

What are their strengths and weaknesses? How are their social skills developing with classmates? How is their class participation - are they an enthusiastic learner? Have they shown great improvement in one particular subject area? Are homework assignments getting done? Have any new challenges come up that affect learning?

Even just a few minutes of note-taking in the weeks preceding report card deadlines will help to ease your stress when the time comes to write your final comments.

Moreover, having a dated log of information detailed throughout the school year will help you remember how students are performing throughout each week, which can be valuable information come parent-teacher conference time.

This will also help to engage and reassure parents who want relevant and detailed commentary about their child’s performance at school.

2. Use free, curriculum-aligned apps for teachers

Use Prodigy to write insightful report cards with a minimum of hassle. Prodigy Math is an engaging math adventure for students where success depends on correctly answering adaptive math questions. 

As students play, you’ll get insights into:

• Which skills students are practicing
• How far they’ve progressed through the curriculum
• What they’ve mastered and where they need more support

Use one of Prodigy’s eight reports to track student progress throughout the year. When the time comes to write report card comments, you’ll have detailed reports on all your students’ achievements.

Just getting started with Prodigy? No problem! The first time students explore the world of Prodigy Math, they’ll start completing the Placement Test — without even knowing. Once they’re done, you’ll have a snapshot of the grade level they’re at, what they know and specific skills they still need to work on.

Spend more time teaching and less time grading

Prep for standardized tests, deliver adaptive skill practice or test students on a new skill — all while they play Prodigy Math, Prodigy English, or both!

3. Be encouraging, informational and professional

Although every report card cannot be glowingly positive, do strive to write in an encouraging and informational tone. As you write constructive report card comments, use encouraging language that focuses on the student’s opportunity for improvement.

For example, instead of describing a student struggling with listening as a “bad listener,” remark that the student “would benefit from listening more carefully.”

If appropriate, frame a negative comment in terms of what students are doing well -- and consider how this more successful characteristic can help them bolster performance in other areas.

4. Use a consistent format

Lead your report card comments with the positive comments, followed by areas that need more attention.

Choosing the right format for reporting information will simplify the entire process, while resulting in a clearer and more organized final product.

If you are unclear about your school’s format for report cards, request samples or consult with other teachers or staff members to clarify.

5. Be honest

Being open and honest about a student’s performance requires tact and consideration with regard to how you  express  those comments. Be transparent, and remain mindful that your goal is to improve your students’ learning experience.

Openness and honesty are key to ensuring that experience is the best it can be. If possible, discuss what  intervention strategies  you can use to help improve the student’s learning outcomes. 

As elementary teacher Donna Donaghue remarks in her book  A Guide for Beginning Elementary Teachers: Getting Hired and Staying Inspired :

If there is a problem, most parents will be grateful to you for telling them and will want to help you correct it as soon as possible. Many problems that show up at school are also problems noticed at home, so your comments will not surprise parents. Ideally, at some point prior to receiving the progress report, parents have already discussed the problem with you.

6. Move on if you get stuck

If you get stuck completing the comments for a particular student, move on to your other students and return to it later. You will likely have more trouble completing comments for students who have multiple areas needing further improvement and attention.

Feel free to move on and return to those students periodically or as you find the right language to express your insights.

7. Keep parents and guardians in mind

While every report card comment is ultimately about your student, think of your students’ parents or guardians as much as possible and offer suggestions for their participation.

In fact, if you can, keep parents up to date on an ongoing basis. This will help ensure they don't get caught off guard by any of your comments.

As you make note of your students’ strengths and weaknesses, endeavor to include practical insights into how parents can involve and support their child at home. If possible, make reference to how you use  differentiated instruction  to support the student in question.

Simple examples of tips for parents include:

• "Encourage your child to read. It doesn't have to be on your own either. Dedicating time before bed to read together can help make it seem like less of a chore."
• "Find homework help for your child if needed. Myself and other parents who are also getting homework help for their child are great resources to get started."
• "Ensure that your child completes their homework by creating a homework routine with your family where incentives like TV or computer time come after homework."
• "Help your child with organization skills at home. If a room in your house could be tidier, try using that as an opportunity to sort things like toys or dishes and utensils."
• "Help your child prepare for math tests by focusing their skills in addition and subtraction. If they don't like studying with traditional worksheets, try a digital game-based learning tool to help get them excited about the process."

As high school educator and teaching comprehension expert Anne Goudvis writes in her book Strategies That Work:

It is important that you include the parents in your comment so they know the child’s education is a joint mission. Sometimes you need to sound firm so that parents know you need their help and that you will not allow their child to continue inappropriate behavior.

8. Try not to repeat yourself

It is unlikely that your students or parents will compare their report card comments, but it is still a best practice to aim for unique commentary for each student that reflects each, individual learning outcome.

9. Proofread, even if you don’t want to

Report card time is perhaps your busiest period of the year, and it is understandable that you want to simply get them over with.

Despite this, you should make sure to double check all your comments before hitting print and handing them out. All your communications to parents are a reflection of you as a teacher, and should mirror the care and attention you show your students in class.

10. Notify parents

Make use of your school’s parent portal or email system to let parents know — as needed — that report card time is coming up.

This will help parents be prepared, and will also ensure that any important questions they may have are addressed before the final report cards are delivered.

Did you know?

If you're using Prodigy Math in your classroom, you can connect parents to follow their child's progress. A free parent account comes with a monthly report card and insights into classroom learning, helping them stay informed of how their child is doing in class. They can also send their child an encouraging message to cheer their child on as they play and practice skills in Prodigy!

11. Use specific examples with the help of direct observation

Record and use classroom anecdotes in your assessments. No matter how involved you are in your students’ progress, it can still be difficult to produce specific examples related to their performance if you haven’t recorded them along the way.

When you notice a positive or negative skill, ability, strength, or weakness in a class activity or assignment, be sure to note it down so that you may refer to it in your report card comments. Likewise, consider noting a sample of a student’s work every week or two.

To help with ease of access, keep ongoing files of this work in a personal folder or use a digital tool such as a Google Doc.

Putting this into practice is a time-saver and helps prevent last-minute stress. A strategy like direct observation and note-taking (as soon as possible) is far more reliable than trying to recall information and behaviors from weeks or months prior.

12. Try using tech to help

Writer's block happens to all of us, including teachers. If the report card comments in this article didn't help, fear not, there are still plenty of tools and resources to give you a helping hand.

One new option for teachers is using artificial intelligence (AI) to assist with report card ideas. For example, teachers can use tools like ChatGPT to generate examples for their specific needs.

When using chat technology, try to keep your prompt concise and easy to follow. A good template prompt to follow is:

"Write [number] report card comments for students studying [subject] in [grade]."

Here are some more specific examples to help get you started:

• Write 50 report card comments for students studying social studies in 5th grade.
• Generate 20 report card remarks commending a student for a positive attitude to learning.
• Create 10 report card comments that focus on a student needing to improve their attitude to learning.

Alternatively, you can use spreadsheets and report card builders to manually piece together a report card based on a template of comments.

Important tip: When using AI chat technology, make sure you don't submit any personal details about you or your students. Instead let the tool use a placeholder like "Student".

Key considerations for report card comments at the end of the year

Report card comments should aim to deliver feedback to students and parents that is  personalized, detailed,  and  meaningful .

Writing report card comments doesn’t have to be stressful. Use these strategies to create livelier, more meaningful evaluations.

Effective report card comments emphasize and discuss:

• The specific, notable strengths that a student has shown and should attempt to continue to show
• The specific elements of knowledge, skills, and other outcomes recognized in the curriculum that are the most pertinent to a student’s achievement or development in the period of assessment
• The major next steps for improvement that will: identify the student’s most important learning needs, offer next steps for students and offer specific recommendations for how parents and guardians can help the student’s learning habits and skills (or the development of those habits and skills)

Effective report card comments are personalized – customized to each, individual student – and discuss:

• The student’s learning preferences, willingness to learn, and interests
• Detailed evidence of learning or skill-development gathered from in-class observations, and/or student assignments

Effective report card comments are expressed with clear and simple phrasing, using:

• An encouraging and/or positive tone
• Language that is easy to understand for both students and parents, as opposed to educational jargon used from the curriculum

Report Card Comments: Final Thoughts

Common Sense Education observes that "effective parent communication is crucial in helping students learn. But, for busy teachers it can be challenging just to keep up... Transparency and equity are key to managing any communication between home and school."

Personalized report card comments that are clear, precise, and meaningful are essential for informing students and their parents about what students have learned, what their strengths are and how they can effectively progress.

Among the pressure and deadlines of writing report cards, it can be helpful to keep these key goals in mind.

Get inspired by the report card comment examples — and strategies for success — above to ensure that precision, clarity, and meaning shine through in your report card comments.

When it comes time to hand out your report cards, you can do so with the full confidence that you are doing yourself — and each of your students — the justice your hard work deserves.

Gather student insights on Prodigy

Create or log in to your free teacher account on Prodigy — a standards-aligned, game-based learning platform that assesses student progress and performance as they play. Use Prodigy to motivate student learning, control the questions they answer as they play and collect student learning insights all year long.

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325 amazing report card comments and remarks to save your time!

What's more difficult than creating your student report cards? Writing unique and meaningful report card comments. Creating report card comments and remarks can be a daunting and tedious task for teachers.

Every teacher will agree that writing unique report card comments is important as it helps the parents to understand their child's progress, they can take necessary action by understanding the report card comments.

We have made your task easier by providing a list of report card comments for every feedback category and applicable to all grades. Just copy and paste the comment, insert the student's name and you are good to go! You can edit and modify the comments as you like.

• Save your time.
• Help parents understand the feedback in a better way.

Achievement and Improvement - General Comments:

• If _____ continues to put out the effort he has demonstrated in the last two reporting periods, he will benefit greatly from his education.
• The following ideas might help him enhance his _____.
• I'm hoping that the current level of enthusiasm and progress will continue.
• In all academic disciplines, _____ is improving. She's having a hard time with____.
• She has a long way to go, but if she works hard enough, she will see results soon.
• _____ takes tremendous pride in his work and always completes it neatly.
• _____ is a frequent volunteer who makes significant contributions to the class. She has a tendency to work too rapidly, which leads to a lot of unintentional mistakes. At home and at school, we can assist her in correcting this.
• For his age, _____ is a hard worker with outstanding vocabulary skills. He likes to read and write.
• The quality of _____'s work reflects her positive attitude. Thank you for all of your hard work.
• Despite his best efforts, _____ finds it difficult to keep up with the rest of the class. Can we meet to discuss this?
• As we mentioned at our latest meeting, ______'s work is not up to par. I am confident that with more effort and concentration, he will quickly improve.
• _____ is genuinely interested in everything we do in class. She, on the other hand, is experiencing some difficulties with . Please go through this with her every night.

Achievement and Improvement - Academic Achievement:

• In ______, _____ is quite strong.
• _____ has received an excellent grade on his report card.
• ______ is something that _____ knows a lot about.
• _____ is a bright and hardworking student who excels in_____
• In all of the fundamental subjects, _____ is performing admirably.
• In ______, _____ is working over grade level.
• _____ is particularly skilled at______.
• Because of her low achievement level, _____ finds it challenging to keep up with the rest of the class.
• In the domains of ____, _____ is capable of reaching a higher average.
• We will concentrate on _____ in the coming term because _____ has had problems learning .
• _____ is capable of doing a much better job.
• Both you and I must continue to guide and assist _____.
• To get her up to _____ grade level, _____ has been really cooperative and only needs to improve her social studies skills.
• _____ has been getting poor grades on quizzes and tests.
• _____ does not work to her full potential.
• The material is tough for _____ to comprehend.

Achievement and Improvement - Improvement:

• The independence of _____ is increasing.
• _____ has steadily improved.
• _____ has been steadily improving.
• In ______, _____ has demonstrated a positive attitude toward wanting to improve.
• _____ appears to be eager to learn more. In _______, _____ has experienced rapid expansion.
• Academically, _____ is making steady progress.
• The quality of _____'s work is improving.
• _____ has improved her _____ abilities.
• _____ has demonstrated a positive desire to improve herself in _____.
• If he were more interested in _______, his performance would increase.
• This reporting period, _____ has made significant progress.
• I'm pleased to see that _____ is maturing well, and I hope that this trend continues.
• The classroom attitude of _____ has improved.

Work habits - General Report Card Comments:

• As I have stated in my reports, _______ does not manage his time effectively in class. Please explain to him that we study in class and play only at particular times during the school day.
• When ______ is able to relax, she produces considerably better results. She does, however, frequently seek the attention of her peers, which causes everyone to be distracted.
• _________ must continue to improve his work habits, as we mentioned in earlier meetings. We need to encourage him to take his work much more seriously.
• ______ enjoys participating in artistic pursuits. However, I am concerned about how much time she spends painting when she has other responsibilities. Could we possibly meet to explore methods for assisting ________ in resolving this problem?
• _______ is now working on grade-level material. I am confident, though, that he is capable of producing superior work. I'm confident that his work will improve as his attention improves.
• ______ wastes a lot of his work time daydreaming and then fails to finish on time. He is capable of doing the work in the time provided, and he needs to get started.
• _______ has done some good work, but it hasn't been consistent. She is a very gregarious and restless person who frequently does not complete her assignment on time. Thank you so much for your assistance at home. Please keep working with her on this matter.
• _______ is very eager to do her work, yet she can be a nuisance to the other pupils. Despite the fact that she has made improvement in this area over the last month, she still has work to do.
• ______ is having trouble because he frequently speaks out loud, disrupting the other pupils. He's working on changing this unhealthy behaviour, and he's made some progress in the last several weeks.
• _________ needs to continue to improve his work habits, as we mentioned in earlier meetings. We must motivate him to take his task more seriously.
• _______ has done some excellent work, but it hasn't been consistent. She is a social butterfly who is often agitated and frequently fails to complete her tasks on time. I appreciate your assistance at home. Continue to collaborate with her on this matter.
• _______ is very eager to do her work, yet she can be a nuisance to the other pupils. She has made progress in this area over the last month, but she still has work to do.

Work habits - listening skills:

• _____ is improving her ability to pay attention to directions.
• _____ is working on improving her listening skills.
• ______  is learning to listen and share.
• _____ pays close attention to what is being said.
• _____ is a hard worker who listens carefully.
• _____ assesses what she hears.
• All instructions must be followed by _____.
• Directions are tough for _____ to follow.

Work habits - Quality of work:

• The handiwork of _____ is superb.
• _____ appreciates doing nice, meticulous work.
• The work of _____ is tidy and precise.
• _____ creates vibrant and intriguing artwork.
• Work well done is something that _____ is proud of.
• _____ is prone to making careless mistakes.
• _____ is untidy.
• Proofreading is something that _____ must do.

Work habits - Time management:

• _____ is learning to use his free time wisely.
• _____ is always efficient with her time.
• _____ never finishes assignments in the time provided.
• During work hours, _____ is getting more dependable.
• _____ is on the verge of being self-sufficient.
• _____ is growing more self-sufficient.
• On assignments, _____ works autonomously.
• _____ is unable to do individual assignments.
• _____ is a good listener, but she needs to work faster.
• _____ needs to be pushed.
• _____ lacks self-sufficiency.
• _____ is prone to being easily distracted.
• _____ operates at a slow pace.
• _____ does not finish assignments in the time allotted.
• _____ appears unable to complete the required work.
• _____ frequently completes work ahead of schedule.
• _____ is indifferent about the value of time.
• In his written work, _____ sacrifices accuracy for the sake of speed.

Work habits - Work potential and effort report card comments:

• _____ has a lot of potential and is working hard to realise it.
• _____ is performing to the best of his or her ability.
• _____ is a dependable and conscientious worker.
• _____ is enthusiastic about his or her job in general.
• _____ is looking for information.
• _____ is a dedicated student.
• _____ is very conscientious.
• _____ is a pleasant and responsible student.
• _____ is a dedicated worker.
• During the ___ period, _____ is a hard worker.
• _____ is a respectful and conscientious student.
• If _____ is to gain the fundamentals required for ____ grade work, he must improve his work habits.
• _____'s efforts are inconsistent, particularly in ____.
• When not directly supervised, _____ makes little effort. _____ is eager to please.

Personality and Attitude - General report card comments:

• Although ______'s attitude toward his schoolwork has improved, it has not been consistent. Throughout the rest of the school year, he will require consistent guidance from both home and school.
• This report card reflects _______'s attitude toward school. He could do better if he worked harder and cooperated more.
• This reporting quarter reflects ______'s attitude toward our school rules, other students, and myself. She has the potential to be a successful student if she works hard enough.
• As my previous reports have shown, _____ does not complete his schoolwork. He can do better if he makes the decision to work harder and finish his assignments.
• Although _____'s attitude toward her classmates has improved, she still needs to be reminded to be respectful on a regular basis.
• As we discussed in our last meeting, _______ has a negative attitude toward basic skills. Please continue to do a nightly review with her, focusing especially on .
• Thank you for your enthusiasm for our class. I am pleased to report that ______ is improving in terms of his attitude in our classroom.
• ______ has made great strides this year in terms of her attitude in the classroom and on the playground.
• If ______ is to overcome her attitude and social difficulties, I will continue to need your assistance and support. If she can make a positive effort in this area, she will find school much more enjoyable.
• ________'s attitude has improved over time. Thank you for your cooperation and support.

Personality and Attitude - Attitude:

• _____ has a fantastic attitude.
• _____ has a great attitude toward school.
• _____ maintains a positive attitude toward school.
• _____ takes responsibility well and has a pleasant demeanour.
• _____ takes the initiative and thinks things through on his own.
• _____ is changing his attitude toward __ grade.
• _____ must improve his or her classroom demeanour.

Personality and attitude - Personality:

• _____ is a nice student to work with.
• _____ is an exceptionally thoughtful student.
• _____ has a pleasant demeanour.
• _____ is a pleasant and friendly person.
• _____ is cooperative and content.
• _____ is courteous and cooperative.
• _____ has a friendly attitude.
• _____ is a joy to be around.
• _____ is a pleasant and helpful person.
• _____ is a pleasant and cooperative youngster.
• _____ is a cheerful, well-adjusted child, but_____.
• _____ is self-assured and well-mannered.
• We all enjoy _____'s sense of humour.
• _____ is amusing and enjoys the stories we read.
• _____ is easily disturbed.
• _____ is prone to crying.
• _____ appears tired a lot at school.
• Although ____________'s social maturity is increasing, it is inconsistent.

Personality and Attitude - Participation:

• _____ is excited about taking part.
• _____ contributes significantly in class.
• _____ is a frequent volunteer.
• _____ is eager to participate in all classroom activities.
• _____ is enthusiastic about what we do.
• _____ contributes significantly.
• _____ participates actively in discussions about ____
• _____ responds nicely.
• _____ addresses the group with confidence.
• _____ takes turns speaking.
• Participating in conversations and discussions is something that _____ enjoys doing.
• In class, _____ should take an active role in the discussion.

End of Year - General Report Card Comments:

• This year has seen a significant improvement in ______'s study habits. Please keep working on these abilities over the summer.
• Thank you for your interest in this year's schoolwork of _____ . Her work will provide her with a great deal of satisfaction if she continues to put forth the effort.
• ______ is a good citizen who works hard. I've had a great time having him in my class this year. Have a fantastic summer!
• This year, ______ has matured nicely. His progress over the last three months has been impressive. I'm hoping that this effort and attitude will continue into the next school year.
• Thank you for your interest in our class this year and for your support. ______ is a diligent student who should do well in the ____ grade.

End of Year - Phrases:

• This year, both academically and socially, ______ has matured nicely.
• ______'s friendly, genuine demeanour has made him a popular member of the __ grade.
• This summer, ______ would benefit from reading a lot of library books.
• If ______ is to succeed in the _____ grade, he must improve his reading speed and comprehension.
• As the year progressed, ______ continued to bloom.
• ______ made my year more enjoyable.
• ______ is a very pleasant and willing worker who takes a keen interest in all of her work. It's been great having her in my room.
• Thank you for the assistance I'm sure you've provided her.
• Please continue with _____ review and as many reading experiences as possible over the summer.
• Thank you for your interest in ______'s personality.
• I'm sorry I couldn't meet you this year.
• Thank you for your help.
• With her friendly, cooperative demeanour, ______ will always be a welcome addition to any class.
• I've had a good time being associated with ______.
• I had a great time having ______ in my class.
• It was a pleasure having ______ in my class.

Language Arts and Reading - Report Card Remarks:

• ______'s reading has improved significantly over the course of the year. Please continue to read with her every night.
• ______ is an excellent public speaker. Her written work, on the other hand, could be much better. With more effort, progress should be made gradually.
• ______ has made significant progress in her creative writing. She's gotten better at using more colourful words.
• ______ is making great strides in her reading of sight words. Please keep practising with him every night.
• Since the beginning of the school year, ______'s spelling scores have significantly improved. The fact that he studies his spelling words every night has made a significant difference. Thank you for your assistance.
• ______ is having trouble writing clear, fluent sentences, despite her best efforts. Is it possible for us to meet to discuss some useful strategies?

Language Arts and Reading - Listening:

• ______ pays close attention to stories.
• ______ can tell the difference between sounds in words.
• ______ has trouble differentiating between sounds in words.

Language Arts and Reading - Reading and Vocabulary report card comments:

• ______ picks up new words rapidly.
• ______ needs to improve his reading speed and comprehension.
• _______ has a well-developed reading vocabulary.
• ______ is a voracious reader.
• ______ is now aware of and proficient in the use of ____ consonant and vowel sounds.
• The sounds ____ and ____ are mixed up by _____ .
• ______ may blend short words without help by utilising the vowel(s) .
• ______ is working on attacking words on his own.
• The reading of ______ is.. (smooth, jerky, hesitant, rapid, irregular, or fluent).
• ______ understands what she is reading.
• ______ enjoys reading and is passionate about literature.
• ______ is able to read and follow instructions.
• _____ sight words are now recognised by ____ .
• ______ enjoys reading.
• To retain reading vocabulary, ______ requires a lot of repetition and practise.
• ______ continues to mix up words that appear to be the same.
• ______ is starting to read phrases and groupings of words.
• The reading of ______ is getting habitual.
• The reading of ______ is still not automatic.
• ______ enjoys talking about the stories we've been reading.
• ______ can read his sentences back

Language Arts and Reading- Speaking:

• ______ uses entire sentences when speaking.
• ______ expresses himself clearly.
• (Pronouns, verbs) are difficult for ______ to correctly use.
• Dramatization is something that ______ appreciates.
• ______ possesses a strong oral vocabulary.
• ______ employs proper punctuation.
• When speaking, ______ utilises a lot of colourful words.
• When speaking, ______ utilises (complicated, basic) sentences.
• ______ takes part in a group storytelling session.

Language Arts and Reading - Writing:

• ______ must use his or her abilities in all written work.
• ______ is a fantastic writer of creative stories and poetry.
• ______ can accurately arrange periods and question marks.
• In his writing, ______ employs a variety of colourful words.
• In her work, ______ employs (complicated, simple) sentences.
• ______ can now compose a complete sentence on his own.
• ______ can compose a two- to four-sentence original tale.
• ______ arranges words in the correct sequence.
• In writing, ______ demonstrates self-assurance.
• ______ can put together a number of similar sentences.
• ______ is working on expanding his spelling vocabulary.
• To look up unusual words, ______ consults a dictionary.
• ______ enjoys learning new words to spell.
• ______ has an easy time learning to spell words.
• ______ has a tendency of reversing letters in words.
• ______ has trouble memorising non-phonetic word spellings.
• To recall spelling, ______ makes use of hand or body motions.

General and Handwriting - General Report Card Remarks:

• ______'s basic skills are all on grade level, but he is not working to his full potential.
• Over the last quarter, ______'s schoolwork has improved. I sincerely hope that this work will continue.
• ______'s actions are still inconsistent. She continues to struggle with obeying school rules and treating other pupils with respect. Please call to schedule a meeting. Thank you for your unwavering support and assistance from home. It's clear that you've been spending extra time with ______ on his schooling.
• Since our last meeting, ______ has improved. I recommend that you keep working on ______ every night.
• ______ is a well-mannered and vigilant ____ grader. He needs to be encouraged to engage in class because he is a quiet boy. Any assistance you can provide from your own home would be really valuable.
• ______ has made a good transition to her new school. Could you please contact me as soon as you have moved into your new home to arrange a meeting?
• ______ is becoming more self-assured.
• ______ is adhering to grade-level standards.
• ______ does a fantastic job in everything he does.
• ______ is a hard worker who excels in all areas.
• ______ is a person who thinks clearly.
• ______'s thoughts are well-organized.
• It is important to encourage ______ to .
• ______ requires a lot of encouragement.
• ______ is a creative person.
• ______ is a frequent latecomer.
• ______ takes a lot of time off.
• ______ has not completed her makeup work.
• ______ is a bright student who appears to ponder deeply.
• ______ is quick to pick up on new concepts.
• ______ is a person who talks a much.
• ______ should devote more time to his or her allotted job.
• ______ does not devote enough time to his or her homework.
• ______ has to work on his or her self-control.
• A meeting has been requested.
• Please call to schedule a meeting.
• Your unwavering cooperation and assistance are greatly appreciated.
• It is conceivable for ______ to achieve higher grades than expected.

General and Handwriting - Handwriting:

• The handwriting of ______ needs to be improved.
• ______'s motor skills are good/ bad/ fine.
• ______ can print along the lines.
• ______ appropriately spaces letters and words.
• The work of ______ is untidy.
• ______ does not properly form letters.
• Although some of ______'s printing is excellent, it is frequently clumsy in daily assignments.

Category wise:

• Demonstrates perseverance in distance learning and serves as a role model for other students.
• TEAMS is used to submit class assignments and communicate with teachers and classmates.
• Has done an excellent job of navigating new technology and troubleshooting technical issues.
• Completes asynchronous and autonomous work and always meets deadlines.
• When it comes to completing learning assignments, she goes above and beyond in terms of detail and quality.
• With online learning, ____ has successfully maintained his/her class demeanour and work habits.
• _____ is methodical in his approach, thinks things through for himself, and is a quick and eager student.
• _____ is fascinated by the nature of learning and always puts in his or her best effort to find the greatest available solutions.
• _____ is a focused and enthusiastic participant in the online learning session, and works with zeal and determination.
• _____ is able to reach his or her full potential, as evidenced by his or her contributions to conversations and work submitted.
• Maintains focus in online learning despite technological challenges and changes associated with remote learning.
• ___ enthusiastically engages in class discussions and works effectively with peers.
• ___ takes charge of his or her own education and always asks for support when needed.
• Always arrives on time for class and is a dedicated student.
• ___ was usually well-prepared, well-organized, and enthusiastic about making the most of online classes.
• ___ is a dedicated student who participates actively in class. His/her suggestions are useful and entertaining.
• ___ takes an active interest in his or her own learning, pays close attention, and makes a concerted effort to avoid distractions that could disrupt the learning process.
• ___ is a person who takes responsibility and accountability seriously. He or she makes sound decisions and is open to new ideas.
• ___ gets along well with his peers and values varied viewpoints and experiences.
• ___ is constantly looking for ways to assist in the classroom.
• ___ is dependable and trustworthy, follows instructions well, and keeps his or her promises to himself and others.
• In written and verbal communication, ___ is thoughtful, insightful, and comprehensive, and has a talent for clearly conveying his or her ideas.
• When solving problems with students, ___ displays maturity and exhibits good communication skills when sharing thoughts and ideas about a certain topic/concept.
• ___ excels at transferring classroom knowledge to real-world and real-life circumstances.
• It's been a delight having ____'s energy, optimism, and maturity in my class.
• ____ is a classmate who is eager about learning and willing to try new things.
• During class, ____ is focused and willing to provide ideas.
• With confidence and determination, ____ completes solo work.
• ____ is a self-starter who takes pride in her job.
• In class, ____ is attentive and eager to engage in discussions.
• ____ is a very conscientious worker who puts in a lot of effort and attention on a daily basis.
• In his or her daily labour, ____ makes a willing and conscientious effort.
• ____ makes a conscious effort to study new things and improve his or her knowledge.
• This term, ____ has done an outstanding job confronting and overcoming significant obstacles. Throughout the summer, please continue to foster and support this behaviour.
• When given instructions, ____ takes responsibility and follows them.
• ____ has trouble keeping on task and finishing his or her assignment.
• He or she must pay close attention to directions in order to learn to operate autonomously.
• Reminders about the regular classroom schedule are required. It would be beneficial to talk about the classroom routine at home.
• Turns in incomplete work or no homework on a regular basis. Encouraging ____ to complete his or her work on time and according to the timetable and timeline set, so enhancing his or her organisational skills.
• Does not actively participate in group activities; therefore, is encouraged to put forth effort in order to improve communication skills as well as attention and confidence.
• ___ was an active participant in online learning sessions, but she needed to be reminded from time to time to allow other students to share their work and ideas as well.
• ___ participates enthusiastically in online group activities, but finds it difficult to work independently.

Below Average:

• During class, ___'s engagement and behaviour are inconsistent and disengaged.
• ___ is having trouble grasping concepts. It would be useful to pay more attention to the required tasks and to attend the online classes on a regular basis.
• When it comes to schoolwork, ___ needs a lot of help from adults. She has trouble grasping simple concepts and is unable to work on her own.
• In the online learning environment, ___ struggled to engage and participate in discussions and activities.
• ___ has not worked hard enough to satisfy the grade level objectives. It would be great to have regular work habits, active engagement, and the ability to clarify doubts.
• ___ needs to pay greater attention to guidance throughout lessons in order to apply concepts learned and complete given assignments.
• ___ would benefit from demonstrating a stronger desire to participate in class discussions.
• ___ needs to be reminded to pay attention during instructions and lessons on a regular basis.
• ___ has trouble focusing in class, which hinders his or her ability to participate fully in class activities and tasks.
• ___ is encouraged to make good use of his or her time in order to finish things on schedule.
• ___ is encouraged to take greater responsibility for completing chores without the need for frequent reminders.
• ___ must demonstrate that he or she is engaged in the learning process through the quality of his or her work and the efficient use of class time.

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Writing Report Card Comments: A Teacher’s Cheat sheet for SUCCESS

Posted on Published: October 17, 2023

By: Author Jane Morris

Ahh, the art of writing report card comments. None of us love, but we all got to do it!

When teachers are asked to write report card comments, we know we must oftentimes sugarcoat the reality of a child’s performance as much as possible. There must be a nice, productive way of saying even the worst things, e.g. “Your kid kinda sucks!” .

Does the student sit around all day, staring out the window, eating boogers? Just say that he “Has quite an appetite for life!”.

Do they ask to use the bathroom forty times a day? Try “They make a willing and conscientious effort to maintain good hygiene.”

Or if the student cannot stop yelling out inappropriate comments about the teacher’s body parts, you can say they are “Excellent at self-expression!” .

In lieu of meaningful report card comments (because parents can be a wee bit allergic to the truth), there are plenty of helpful words and phrases for writing reports that we can utilize to obfuscate what we mean. The secret is to dodge, duck, and weave like a pro. Little did you know your life in the teaching profession would be playing the role of a politician and mastering the trade of covert communication!

And much like a politician, you can’t come out and tell the truth. It’s just not allowed.

So instead, to help you figure out how to comment on a student report card, I’ve listed a bunch of tips and examples for teachers in this article. As well as some generally hilarious ones. This article will help you save some time and mental labor, of course, but it should also help you formulate remarks on student performance in a way that lets you keep your job!

So without further ado, here are all the comments that you would REALLY like to write on some student report cards. And more importantly, how to make them SFW.

Teacher Report Card Comments By Category: How to Dodge, Duck, and Weave

Alrighty, you ready, fellow educators? The art of writing effective report card comments ( “effective” meaning least likely to rock the boat) is much like the art of quiet quitting teaching ! It takes ingenuity to keep everyone happy while not taking on the stress yourself.

Here’s how you take all those negative comments from teacher evaluations and pad them for parental eyes. I’ve broken it down by category, focusing on:

• Student Behavior
• Work Habits and Performance
• Class and Assessment Grading
• Interim and Midterm Progress Reports

So just skip ahead to the relevant topic. Or read them all because writing ANY report card comments is a pain in the posterior! Either way, keep it evasive and remember to DODGE.

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#1: Comments on Behavior

Oh boy, behavior. Does the student have a positive attitude? Does the student follow classroom rules or just behave like an animal ?

These are the questions we can’t answer honestly. So instead, try these report card comments for failing students!

• If the student is annoying, simply say that they are enthusiastic or eager.
• If the parent’s personality is clearly the reason the kid is awful, just say, “Learning begins at home.”
• When the student is torturing you during classroom activities with their terrible behavior, try saying, “It’s been an interesting semester.”
• “Always smiling” is a good substitute for a kid with no idea what’s happening.
• For students who won’t ever shut up, try writing phrases like “Great language skills” or “Active participant in discussions” .
• A bossy kid “Has many insightful ideas to share during class discussions,” or has “excellent leadership skills” .
• If the kid simply farts too much in class, try “Behavior can be a bit unpredictable.”
• Does the student say, “I hate you” on a daily basis? Just say they are working on having a more positive attitude and better social skills in class.
• If you can’t find anything constructive to say about a kid, consider this: can they tie their own shoes? Then say, “Problem solves independently.”

#2 Comments on Work Habits

Moving away from the ever-worsening crisis of student behavior and over to the ever-worsening crisis of their work habits, let’s look at some more ways to phrase your comments on teacher report cards.

Here’s what to do for kids with crap work ethic!

• Do you have to write a comment for one of six kids in class with a similar name and you can’t really remember which one this is? Just write, “Follows directions,” or “Turns class assignments in on time,” or even “Uses class time wisely.”
• Does the kid lose their mind when working on group tasks? Then say, “Works well independently.”
• Also, “Takes an active role and shows commitment to schooling,” is a nice way of saying they could be absent a bit more.
• The child “Lacks focus and is easily distracted,” is a cordial way of telling a parent that their kid is lost for hours when a bug flies by the window.
• You can always say that the child is “Learning how to be a better listener,” when, in reality, they ask what we are doing after you already explained the directions five times in a row.
• They have “a mature vocabulary” when they curse a lot.

#3 Comments on Grades

Okay, it’s CRUCIAL you get your wording right and use good words in reports about student grades. If there’s one area where parents love shirking responsibility and blaming teachers for their missteps , it’s regarding student grades.

So on that note, here are a few ways you can gently help parents understand their kid’s turd-ness.

If there has been zero academic progress and there’s no way in hell the kid is going to pass, you can say, “I’m not sure passing is possible at this point in the semester.” But of course, assure them that you will do everything you can to help them succeed.

If you have given up trying to get the kid to do just about anything throughout the school day, just say that you’re concerned about their ability to complete tasks.

Are you done giving chances to a particular student? Then say, “____ is a great resource for help with this,” and name the library or a random person in the building.

If the kid has lied about their grades, try saying, “I think we are having a misunderstanding.”

#4 Interim and Midterm Comments

Interims are usually issued for a student who is failing or in danger of failing. If you have to write a comment for these, they will expect you to explain why the student has the particular grade they have (although those zeros should be obvious).

You should also outline what the student can do to improve (even though doing the missing homework assignments and paying attention in class should be obvious). Then, list any outstanding assignments the student owes.

You should always throw in the line about doing whatever is necessary to help them succeed because it gives people warm and fuzzy feelings. Maybe some teacher-centric toxic positivity too about being the candle that will light the student’s way in the dark or whatever nonsense satisfies them.

If you are stuck using “a pleasure to have in class” too much, here are some more things you can comment positively on:

• Intellectual Curiosity
• Academic Motivation
• Academic Promise
• Leadership and Involvement
• Sense of Responsibility
• Participates in Class Discussions
• Warmth of Personality
• Sense of Humor
• Positive Attitude
• Concern for Others
• Open-Mindedness
• Self-Confidence
• Reaction to Setbacks
• Faculty View of Student
• Attitude Towards Learning
• Critical Thinking Skills
• Bright Future Ahead

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More General Report Card Comments: The Good and the Unfiltered

Alrighty! Moving out of the categories now, I want to give you some more generalized comments for teacher report cards.

Some students will be top-notch and probably your favorites too. There are SOME diamonds in the rough.

But then, some students will be so shocking that you’ll be tempted to take your professional filter and throw it out the nearest window.

It doesn’t matter whether you’re a beginner teacher on their first day or a jaded and seasoned multi-decade veteran of the profession, you will have all kinds of students. And these comments are great for the extremes of that spectrum.

Comments on Student Performance Reserved for Shining Stars

Save these epic soundbites for your favorite students! Parents eat this shizz up.

Om nom nom.

• They intrinsically seek full understanding and mastery of the subject matter.
• They are a model for other students to emulate.
• They initiate and consistently participate in meaningful class discussions.
• They thrive on new insights and discoveries.
• They have shown the ability to bounce back from adversity.
• They demonstrate their thinking in authentic and creative ways.
• They interact with and appreciate diverse perspectives.
• They develop original claims and draw evidence from texts to support those claims.
• They reflect on their learning and use feedback to grow.

Report Card Comments for Failing Students (Unfiltered Edition)

To wrap up, we’re going to have a grand ol’ giggle at my favorite (very) NSFW report card comments teachers wish they could say but don’t.

But on a final note of helpful advice, get out there and cut some shortcuts! Getting sample comments is one thing, but did you know can just get AI to write your comments altogether? Seriously!

• Writing Faster Report Cards With ChatGPT
• Using ChatGPT for Better Report Comments

And now, to make wrap up the post, let’s make you laugh!

And feel seen. Understood.

In the effort of solidarity across the woes of the profession, here are some entirely unhelpful comments that teachers wish they could make but sadly must keep to themselves:

• When he’s sitting on your couch at 40, please remember I tried!
• Needs to practice saying,  “Would you like fries with that?”  as career prep.
• I encourage him to take more showers. This will lead to better hygiene and improved social skills.
• Just FYI, she can miss up to nine days this semester without losing credit.
• Good luck with this one!
• I have to hold his hand in the hallway because he cannot stop touching others.
• Hopefully, the family has some inheritance lined up for him.
• A good kick in the behind would go a long way.
• She says she will be either a pediatric surgeon or an Instagram influencer. I don’t have much hope for either.
• I want him in class as little as he wants to be there.
• I don’t even know what your kid looks like because he has never shown up.
• He is in an ongoing romantic relationship with the classroom fan.
• She has a potential future in the custodial arts.
• Your child is like a blender without a lid.
• Complete opposite of a pleasure to have in class.
• Someone’s gotta dig ditches.
• Has the I.Q. of a chair.
• He continues to call me  “bro”  and stares blankly when given simple directions such as  “sit down” .
• She would be a great seat filler at a funeral.
• Class participation consists mainly of farts.
• A pleasure to have absent.
• Annoyingly perfect attendance.
• He picks his scabs and eats them.
• Too much body spray, not enough bathing.
• Your child is the reason alcohol should be a tax deduction for teachers.
• A very friendly girl who is always willing to share her milkshake with the boys during recess.
• My heart fills with joy when your child is absent.
• Great by Friday, but comes back to school a terror on Monday. It’s your fault, Patricia!
• Has a lot to say but has no sense of timing, appropriateness, or any other social skill required for real-world success.
• Humps the radiator but pretends he is sharpening his pencil.
• I hope he’s not afraid of the dark because there are definitely no lights on upstairs.
• The barking in class has become less frequent, but the howling is problematic.
• If being a jerk was a skill, your child does it at a mastery level.
• Least disruptive when sleeping.
• I think he’d really benefit from homeschooling.

Why it’s hard for students to “just turn in” missing assignments, and how to get them unstuck

Mar 29, 2023 | Blog

With the end of the semester on the horizon, many students may feel overwhelmed by low grades or feeling behind in some of their classes.

As a parent, it can be stressful to see that your student has overdue work, or get notifications from their teacher that they’re missing assignments. 

It’s even more frustrating when you’ve told them over and over again how important it is to “just turn it in”…but the work is still showing up as missing.

The reality is that no matter how simple it might seem to an outside observer, doing missing work is almost never as easy as “just getting it done.” If they haven’t done the work yet, there’s a good chance that something is getting in their way. 

If you can figure out what the problem is before jumping in to help them (or make them) do the work, you’ll dramatically increase your chances of success.

In our experience, there are usually 3 main reasons students resist submitting their missing work…even when it seems like “just turning it in” would be SO much easier!

Reason 1: They think it won’t make a difference

Once the due date for an assignment has passed, students often de-prioritize it and move on to focus on upcoming assignments instead. It’s tempting for students to justify this by thinking “there are lots of other assignments, missing one or two won’t matter.”

But what they often don’t realize is that because of the way most grading scales are weighted, even one or two zeros can have an enormous impact on their grade. Showing students the difference it makes to turn in just a few assignments can increase their motivation to get the work done. 

Here’s an example of the difference it can make to turn in just a few missing assignments before the end of the semester:

Overall grade with 3 missing assignments: 78.3%

Overall grade when assignments are turned in: 90.1%

It’s hard for students to calculate these averages in their head, so it can be really powerful for them to run the numbers and see firsthand exactly how much they have to gain from making up their missing assignments.

When we do calculations like this with our students, they are almost always surprised by how much this makeup work could improve their grades, and feel much more motivated to submit the assignments when they can see for themselves the difference it will make.

Reason 2: They think it’s too late

Another reason students often resist doing makeup work is that they think it’s too late to get credit for it. 

Even if they’ve done the math and know that submitting the work would make a difference in their grade, they still won’t want to turn it in if they think the teacher won’t accept it.

Especially for introverted or anxious students, it can be very intimidating to have conversations with their teachers. They might think they’ll get in trouble for asking to submit their work late, or worry that the teacher will say “no.”

The good news is that many teachers are flexible with their late work policies and allow students to turn in overdue assignments even when it is past the “official” deadline to submit them.

So if students can find the courage to ask for help, there is a good chance that their teachers will respond positively and allow them an opportunity to make up the work.

For students who are struggling to reach out to teachers, we often find it is helpful to roleplay these conversations in coaching sessions if they’re not sure what to say, or work with them to email their teachers if they’re not sure what to say.

Reason 3: They feel overwhelmed

Students who are behind on their work often have challenges keeping track of due dates, managing time, breaking down complex assignments, prioritizing work, staying focused, or following through with plans….which is why they fell behind in the first place. 

These challenges can become even more daunting when they are behind in their classes, and trying to complete makeup assignments on top of their normal workload.

This can feel so stressful that a lot of students avoid or put off doing makeup work even when they   know   how much it would improve their grade.

For these students to get their work submitted, it’s essential to help them find ways to…

• Break down the assignments so they have a realistic plan for getting the work done that they’re confident they can actually follow through with
• Lower the stress they feel while they are doing the work so they will be less tempted to avoid it
• Visualize the progress they are making so they can see that their efforts are making a difference

Providing support

When students have a lot of makeup work to complete, having some additional support to help them work through it can be invaluable. 

For some students, this may mean finding a tutor to help them with the content they didn’t understand when their teacher was first presenting the material. 

For other students, having a family member or friend nearby as a source of moral support to keep them company while they are working (and a motivating reward to look forward to as soon as the work is completed) can be enormously helpful.

Other students may benefit from working with an academic coach to help them get unstuck and started on their missing work. Sometimes, having someone else who is not a family member step in to help can reduce stress and conflict at home and make it easier for students to take the steps they need to get back on track in their classes. If you think this type of support would be helpful for your student, please feel free to reach out and we’ll be happy to help! 

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Report Card Comments for Behavior & Social Development

• __'s in-class behavior is excellent.
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