Report Card Comments

Templates for different ages

This set gives you simple ways to record a child's strengths, progress, classroom habits and next steps. Younger children can be described through play, language, motor skills, sharing and growing independence. For primary children, the prompts can cover reading, writing, maths, creative work, attention, effort and teamwork. Use the spaces as they are, or adapt the wording to match your school's report style. A short observation from a real activity often makes a comment more useful than a general sentence such as 'good work'.

Use them before writing reports

Print a template when you begin a term review, then add brief notes after lessons, activities or parent meetings. A preschool teacher might record how a child joins circle time or manages materials. At home, you could note progress in reading practice, number games or a project completed over several days. Before sending a report, use the notes to write one strength, one area for practice and one clear next step. You can also use the templates during a student conference to keep the discussion focused and friendly.

Make comments specific and helpful

A common mistake is using the same comment for every child or describing a trait without an example. Instead of writing 'needs to improve reading', mention what you observed, such as reading familiar words with support or retelling the main idea. Avoid comparing children with one another. Keep the tone respectful, especially when discussing behaviour or unfinished work. A helpful comment says what the child can do now, what needs practice and how adults can help. Check that each note is accurate, fair and easy for a family to understand.