Do you dread report cards because they are so time consuming? Find writing the teacher report card comments to be tedious? Let me show you an easier way!
Create a System
One of my favorite things to do for a repeatable task is to create a system on how I do it. Even though my district only requires report cards twice a year, by creating my own system for writing the comments I save myself a ton of time those two times a year. Best of all, I can reuse the comments each year.
My system is as easy as 1, 2, 3.
First, I decided how I wanted my comments to be structured.
Next, I created a template for my above level, on level, and below level.
Last, I decided which students needed which template.
This system is easy but the most important thing is that it helps me quickly write up all of my comments.
A Few More Tips
I recommend creating your report card comments in a Google or Word Doc. Each semester I simply make a copy and then update the math and reading scores and goals. It helps to see the compliments I gave so I can provide a different statement for the new report card.
Keeping a file for each year is helpful too because often there are similar personalities in my classroom each year. I can easily copy and paste and change names for the new year.
You’ll want to make sure to keep the comments short and to the point. Don’t be afraid to include additional materials to help address some of the common recommendations in your comments. This could be a list of helpful websites or a guide to the grade level skills such as the one in my TpT store.
Structuring Report Card Comments
The first thing you’ll want to decide is how you want your report card comments to be structured. Most common is to have a compliment sandwich. This means you’ll start with a positive comment, follow it with any constructive criticism or things to work on, and finish with another positive comment.
For myself, I like to use a student’s name for the beginning of my teacher report card comments. This personalizes the comment and makes the family feel like you are writing it just for their child.
In the next sentence I will usually add a statement of where the student is at in reading with relation to the grade level. I like to give specifics (and my school requires it) on their state test scores. It can also be helpful to add the grade level expectations.
After I provide their test score, I will give a suggestion on what to improve in that subject. I then repeat the process for math by stating their score and what to work on.
Because we’re making a compliment sandwich I will next add another positive statement. If a student needs to improve on non-academic behaviors, I’ll include it here. I’ll finish up my teacher report card comments with a goal for the next semester or a wrap up for the end of the year.
Report Card Comment Examples
Meeting Grade Level Expectations
(Name) is a thoughtful and caring student who brings a positive attitude to our classroom. In reading, (Name) is meeting grade level expectations and approaching grade level in writing. His winter reading MAP score was __, and he should continue to read daily and ask and answer questions about what he reads to improve his comprehension of fiction texts. In math, (Name) is approaching grade level expectations. His winter math MAP score was 186. He should work on adding two-digit numbers with and without regrouping and understanding key words in a word problem. (Name) works very hard but has been showing some inattentiveness lately. Next semester, (Name) will work towards improving his writing by using complete sentences and proper punctuation. I would also like to see him continue working on his sight word and word study goals.
Approaching Grade Level Expectations
(Name) is an inquisitive and outgoing student. In reading and writing, (Name) is approaching grade level expectations. Her winter reading MAP score was 149, and she is currently a part of the RTI process in reading. She should read daily for 20 minutes to improve her reading fluency and comprehension. In math, (Name) is approaching grade level expectations. Her winter math MAP score was 157. She would benefit from addition and subtraction facts practice as well as understanding place value. (Name) often tries to follow the rules but can need reminders when she forgets or becomes distracted. Next semester, (Name) will continue to work on writing complete sentences with proper capitalization and punctuation as well as organization of her space. I would also like to see (Name) attendance improve going forward as he has 11 absences and it is affecting her grades.
Below Grade Level Expectations
(Name) has been a pleasure to have in class this year. He is demonstrating a need for additional support to meet grade level expectations in reading and writing. His spring reading MAP score was 171, and he continues to be a part of the RTI process in reading. He should read at home every night and ask and answer questions about the text to improve his comprehension. In math, (Name) is approaching grade level expectations. His spring math MAP score was 170. He should continue to work on his math facts (addition and subtraction within twenty, doubles, near doubles, and partners for 10) for fluency. (Name) often misses turning in homework and class assignments and can be very distracted during lessons. Next semester, he will work towards improving his reading skills by reading daily at home for 20 minutes, answering comprehension questions, and practicing the assigned sight word flash cards and word study lists.
