Article

Favorite Words and Phrases for Report-Card Writers

Keeping it constructive!

  • Grades: PreK–K, 1–2, 3–5, 6–8

Keeping the tone of report cards encouraging and constructive can be a tricky enterprise. Here are some favorite words and phrases that are used by some of the top report-card writers around: Experienced teachers.

Stressing the Positive

Words: thorough, caring, cooperative, growth, superior, quality, striving, seeking, attempting, admirable, consistent, persevering

Phrases: is able to, is strong in, has a good grasp of, independent learner, works hard, improved tremendously, is willing to take more risks, excels at, making good progress, does a great job with, has great potential for 

Appreciating a Child's Unique Qualities

Words: energetic, creative, hard worker, risk taker, imaginative, persistent, diplomatic, innovative, cooperative, original, leader, eager, thoughtful, enthusiastic, perceptive, welcomes, problem solver

Phrases: interested in, positive attitude, interacts well with peers, thinks clearly, understands complex tasks, shows compassion, sets a standard for others, selects carefully, concentrates well, follows directions carefully, suggests new approaches, generates many original ideas, fluent reader, intrigued by, special talent for, skilled in, follows projects through to the end

Child Needs Extra Help

Words: requires, struggles, seldom, usually

Phrases: could profit by, shows a need for, finds it difficult at times to, it is helpful to, is challenged by, works best when, needs help with, I'm working with him/her to, had trouble with, making progress, seems reticent about, needs encouragement in, has a tendency to, let's find a way to solve this together

Words to be Wary of

Unable, can't, won't, always, never

 

This article originally appeared in Instructor magazine, published by Scholastic.

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