| Teacher-Tested Tips:
Book Helps With Report Card Comments
Submitted by: Robin W.
I would like to advise all teachers to invest in a book by Kimberly Colen called "A Note From Your Teacher." This book is jam-packed full of any note a teacher of any age especially preschool through elementary can use. Kimberly Colen addresses nearly every possible scenario that teachers come in contact with. I strongly suggest this book!!!!
Being Positive
Submitted by: Karen Wilson, Fifth Grade
As a parent of 3 children myself, I like to read positive things about my children. When I write comments on report cards, I try to think of at least one positive comment. Parents are more acceptable of critical comments if you can also tell them something good about their child. It may be a general comment such as, "Tom always gets along with the other classmates." If you try hard, you can always think of something special about a child.
Comments for First Report Card
Submitted by: Joyce Davis
___________is adjusting to the routines and procedures of the full-day Kindergarten program. ____________had adjusted to the routines and procedures of the full-day Kindergarten program. _____________ is having difficulty adjusting to the routines and procedures of the full-day Kindergarten program.
Grade Level(s):
K
Examples
Submitted by: Pamela, 5th Grade
Making report cards personal can be challenging. You want the parents to know you are concerned without being critical. Here are some suggestions ... more>>
Including Goals
Submitted by: Denise, First Grade
This is an idea I use for writing comments on either report cards or progress reports. I start with a positive comment: "I like the way you remember to put your name on all of your papers, Stephanie!" Then I state a new goal for that academic area: "Now, your new goal is to write your name with only the first letter ca... more>>
Numbering Comments
Submitted by: Lynn Pierce, Parent & Preschool Teacher
My daughter's teacher did something unique when grading his students. He created a page of comments that were numbered. Beside the grade for each child he included all the numbers that were applicable. So if #1 was always participates in class and #4 was has assignments in on time and the grade was a B, it would read B... more>>
Positive Ideas
Submitted by: Lisa Slaughter, 2nd Grade
As I complete my grade cards at each quarter, I use small stickers (like those for incentive charts) that are smiley faces or have positive remarks, etc. to liven up and add fun, colorful positive reinforcement to each subject area. I use discretion so that I am not putting a "SUPER JOB" sticker next to a 70%... more>>
Remember to Be Constructive
Submitted by: Jacki, Kindergarten
I have taught kindergarten for 24 years. When it comes to comments on report cards, I ALWAYS start with a positive statement, no matter what. This may be difficult with a child that is very disruptive or not doing well in school, but is something you have to do before you zap the parent with what is not good with their... more>>
Using Labels
Submitted by: Nancy, 4th Grade
Report card comments always seem to take much more time than calculating the grades. Often I would read a comment I had written and want to change something so I would resort to liquid paper to cover the comment or I would often run out of space. This past year I typed my comments on the computer using the label featur... more>> | 
