Comments should include a positive comment about the child’s experience, something they are doing well in, and something they need to continue to work on with a suggestion of how to do so-- then end on a positive note!
Parents especially appreciate when you comment on a child's character.
#meaningful comments
If a skill is marked as “Approaching” or “Below” Expectation, you MUST write a meaningful comment in the longer narrative box.
Good example:
Joe knows 12 of 26 letters. He missed a, c, f, i, j, m, n, p, q, t, u, v, y, z.
(This explains why he is not “At Expectation”)
Bad example:
Joe needs to work on his letters.
(This doesn’t explain anything, it just repeats what the low grade indicates)
Remember to blend positivity and constructive feedback.
Bad Example:
"Bob is a pleasure to have in class. Practice HFWs at home. Great job, Bob!"
(This doesn't say anything about a child's progress)
Good Example:
"Bob is a pleasure to have in class. His reading and fluency skills improve every day. Practice addition and subtraction facts at home to increase Bob's speed and accuracy. I look forward to watching Bob make even more progress during the second half of this trimester as new spelling patterns are introduced. Did I mention how much I love how Bob treats his classmates? He is always kind and inclusive. Way to go! You surely are off to a great start this year! Keep it up, Bob! “
(This is more detailed, specific, and meaningful)
