150 Sample Report Card Comments for Students

February 12, 2025

Knowing how to effectively communicate on a child鈥檚 report card is a skill. You鈥檙e catering to a few different audiences here (scroll down for 150 Sample Report Card Comments for Students).

First, you know the parents are going to read the card (or you hope). And you know you need to be supportive and direct so that they understand what they鈥檙e child is doing well and what they can improve.
Second, if the child is old enough to read, they鈥檙e going to want to know what you wrote, too. Keeping the language open and supportive enough that the child understands that you see how hard they鈥檙e working while also motivating them to take the next step is a huge challenge.
Third, any school administrators who have a reason to see your comments might see what you write, too. That means you need to stay professional, always keeping in mind that the words you choose to use can have a real, lasting impact on the life of a student.

With that in mind, we鈥檝e brought you 150 sample report card comments for students. We鈥檝e assembled comments that work well for positive report card comments, report card comments for Kindergarten, preschool report card comments, and report card comments for elementary students.

These examples are going to help you that you need to send to your students, their families, and your administrators, so that everyone can see how much your students shine.

Feedback Sandwich聽

Sometimes it鈥檚 helpful to think about writing your comments in the form of the 鈥渇eedback sandwich.鈥� This is a three-part comment that includes the following:

A positive remark about the student鈥檚 work,
A constructive comment to help them take the next step in their learning, and
Another positive remark that ensures the students they have what it takes to tackle the next challenge ahead.

The feedback sandwich is helpful because it starts by showing the student that you can clearly identify their strengths. They can see those strengths, too, and they know they鈥檙e capable. Then, you give the student the constructive commentary they need to succeed. Finally, you follow through with a statement that shows that the student is well-prepared to take that next step鈥攁nd you鈥檙e there to support the student along the way.

Consider using the feedback sandwich model as your build out your comments. It鈥檚 a tried and true formula that helps people of all ages absorb and take on feedback. After all, no one wants to hear that they鈥檙e doing a bad job, right? It鈥檚 not helpful, and it doesn鈥檛 help someone learn. Focusing on how the student鈥檚 existing positive traits can help them overcome the challenges they face will better prepare them to take those next steps in your classroom, too.

And check out our other helpful teaching tools here:

Specific Skillset Comments聽

Your student is already displaying mastery of [specific skills] in [specific subject]. We need to work on building [new set of skills]. Let鈥檚 work on [specific assignments or exercises] to get there together.
Your student needs more time to master [specific skill], but they鈥檙e getting there. How can we make more time to focus on [specific skill]?
Your student is already completing [specific tasks] well and on time. Your student needs to focus on completing [subject] homework on time, as [specific assignments] are missing/were late/etc. You and your student can use the attached checklist to plan timing to complete [subject] assignments on time.
Your student is doing great with [skill 1], but we need to make more progress with [skill 2]. Let鈥檚 build a plan to spend [amount of time] revisiting this skill [every day/week/etc.].
Last semester, your student excelled at [specific course or skill]. This semester, I would like to see your student build on those skills by [specific action to take].
Last semester, I saw your student excel at [specific course or skill], but they struggled with [specific course or skill]. This semester, I鈥檇 like to see your student overcome those struggles by [specific task or concentration].
Your student already does well at [modality or skill]. Your student tends to get frustrated when asked to complete assignments related to [modality or skill]. One way we can overcome this frustration is to [specific request for time or concentration].
Your student is putting a lot of effort into acquiring [specific skill]. But it might be coming at the expense of [other necessary skills]. I鈥檇 like to find balance in our routine together by [suggestion for moderation].
Your student has excelled at learning [X, Y, and Z] this semester. Next semester, I want to see them use those skills to master [A, B, C]. We can get there by [specific request for time or behavior].
I鈥檇 like to reinforce your child鈥檚 already-positive skills in [specific course] by doing the following: [plan of action].

Comments to Ask for a Meeting

Your student is always kind and thoughtful, but has recently displayed some troubling behavior. When can we meet to discuss the specifics?
Your student has a great sense of humor, but often forgets to turn in assignments. When can we meet to create a plan for your student鈥檚 success this term?
Your student is wonderful at talking and contributing in class. However, they often have a hard time listening. When are you available to discuss strategies for their success?
Your student is doing a great job at [specific subject], but is falling behind in [second subject]. When are you available to meet to create a plan for the upcoming term?
Your student has become close friends with [another student], who seems to be struggling. When can we meet to discuss your own student鈥檚 emotional work in supporting their friend?
Your student contributes so well in class, but they often show up late. When can we meet to create a plan to get them to school on time in the morning?
Your student is doing a wonderful job listening, but they鈥檙e having trouble speaking up in class. When can we meet to discuss strategies to enhance their participation?
Your student is wonderfully kind to the others in class. Your student is not always as kind when it comes to their own self, however. When can we meet to talk about ways to build your student鈥檚 self-esteem and confidence?
Your student is bright and always cheerful in class. I notice that your child seems to lose their cheery attitude at the end of the day. When can we meet to discuss how to keep their positive energy alive at home?
Your student always contributes positively to class, but they need a little help following through on assignments. When are you available to create a plan that they can use to succeed in the coming term?

Positive Report Card Comments聽

Sometimes you don鈥檛 need to couch your comments in anything, because they鈥檙e just that positive. Here are some templates you can use to give your students kudos.

Your student is a great role model for others in the class.
Your student makes smart decisions and takes feedback well.
Your student admits mistakes easily and readily creates a plan to fix them.
Your student is always respectful of other people鈥檚 point of view.
Your student is highly skilled at written and verbal communication.
Your student is talented at expressing their thoughts and ideas.
Your student works well in groups and displays natural leadership qualities.
Your student is consistently able to apply what we learn to their life outside of school and to other real-world examples.
Your student is aware of how their behaviors impact others, and clearly modulates those behaviors when they recognize the potential to adversely affect another student.
Your student displays kindness and patience to their classmates who need it the most.
Your student is confident with and focused on the tasks I ask the class to do.
Your student makes sure that quieter students are able to speak up when the class gets energized and talkative.
Your student shows responsibility for their actions by ___________.
Your student shows enthusiasm for their work by ___________.
Your student demonstrates mastery of [subject] by ___________.
Your student is particularly talented at __________, as evidenced by ____________.
Your student has overcome significant challenges this year and has grown in the following ways: ____________.
Your student listens well and follows directions with a high degree of accuracy.
Your student is a hard worker who is driven to achieve their goals.
Your student is a tenacious learner who always wants to know more.

Report Card Comments for Help with Negative Behaviors聽

Your student has struggled with [X behavior]. We are working on this behavior in the following ways: _________.
When your child is focused, they are an excellent student. We can work together to keep them on track in the following ways: ___________.
Your student needs help slowing down and pacing in order to not get frustrated. We are addressing this issue in the classroom by _________.
We are working to move your students away from the need for constant reminders. We would like you to support us in the home by ________.
I am encouraging your student to finish assignments on time by ___________.
Your student does well in group work, but needs assistance to finish work independently. We can build this skill by: _________.
When your student displays [undesirable behavior], I am responding with [conditioning response]. We can support one another in pursuing [desirable behavior] by doing the following: __________.
I am encouraging your student to stay engaged in class by [positive response] when they become disengaged. You can support this effort in the home by [specific request].
I am encouraging your student to be more responsible for their language and behaviors by doing _________. You can support this effort at home by ________.
When I want your student to stay focused on a task, I [insert specific process]. Can you tell me if this works well when you do it at home?
Your student needs help voicing their thoughts and feelings. We are working together on that process by ________.
Your student is working on finding and using appropriate language at all times.
Your student exhibited [X behavior] [number of times] this semester. We have agreed to a goal of [number of times] in the coming semester. Can you help us to achieve this goal by reinforcing [positive behavior] at home?
Your student is working on following rules throughout the day.
Your student is working on listening to others without interrupting.
Your student is working on staying on task without beginning to work on other things.
Your student is working on keeping their hands to themselves.
Your student is working on modulating the volume of their voice.
Your student is working on maintaining a growth mindset about their own work.
Your student is working on remaining open to new opportunities for learning.
Your student is working on cooperation in group settings.
Your student is working on sharing with others.
Your student is building the skills to work independently without bothering other students.

Math Report Card Comments, in general聽

Your student has a good understanding of the math concepts we鈥檝e covered this year. Your student turns in excellent assignments and does well in group activities.
Your student is having considerable difficulty with math. I would like to see your student build on existing skills by practicing the following: ______. Please see the attached materials for extra practice in this area.
Your student does very well with [X], but is still struggling with [Y]. I recommend practicing [skill] [amount of time] every day at home until we see improvement.
Your student needs to improve speed on basic math functions. I would like to see your student practicing with [skill] using [tactic] every day until we see improvement.
Your student is having trouble with paying attention during math lessons. I recommend [specific strategy].
Your student is having trouble keeping up in math class. We need to commit to [specific amount of time] of practice daily in order to get your student where they need to be to excel.
Your student is having trouble with their math exams. I have attached a study plan for them to follow leading up to the next exam. I would like to see them follow this plan at home to see if we can make progress on the next exam.
Your student would benefit from a math tutor. I have attached information about programs available in our area.

Addition and subtraction聽

Your student is able to calculate addition and subtraction facts up to [target number] with confidence and accuracy.
Your student is developing the skill to calculate addition and subtraction facts up to [target number] with confidence and accuracy.
Your student needs more time and study to be able to calculate addition and subtraction facts up to [target number] with confidence and accuracy.
Your student needs to put more effort into studying in order to calculate addition and subtraction facts up to [target number] with confidence and accuracy.

Word Problems, Math, Report Card Comments聽聽

Your student is able to correctly answer word problems using one-and-two digits addition, showing their work, and writing the answer in a full sentence.
Your student is developing the confidence to answer word problems using one-and-two digits addition, showing their work, and writing the answer in a full sentence.
Your student needs more time and study to be able to answer word problems using one-and-two digits addition, showing their work, and writing the answer in a full sentence.
Your student needs to put more effort into studying in order to answer word problems using one-and-two digits addition, showing their work, and writing the answer in a full sentence.

Language Arts Report Card Comments聽

Your student is having considerable difficulty with reading, particularly fluency and comprehension.
Your student shows the ability to quickly use spelling, punctuation, and grammar rules that we have learned in class.
Your student is able to use these new skills and is eager to apply them.
Your student needs to focus on spelling.
Your student is making an effort to write legibly.
Your student is able to print on the lines, use good spacing, and correctly form letters.
Your student has trouble with writing by hand.
Your student can form letters well, but needs to slow down and take more time to work on good spacing and printing.
Your student is consciously putting care into our daily writing work.
Your student frequently goes beyond the minimum for assignments.
Your student鈥檚 reading comprehension has greatly improved.
Your student鈥檚 spelling has greatly improved.
Your student鈥檚 ability to read out loud has greatly improved.
Your student still needs to work on reading comprehension.
Your student still needs to work on spelling.
Your student still needs to practice reading out loud.
Your student speaks well in front of the class, but has trouble reading from a book out loud.
Your student requires improvement with written language.
Your student is having trouble with writing stories.
Your student is having trouble with creating logical sequences.
Your student needs further practice with dictation.
Your student needs further practice with copying words correctly.
Your student is making excellent progress in reading and spelling.
Your student works hard to submit work free of grammatical errors.
Your student has difficulty remembering previously taught grammar rules.
Your student would benefit from dedicated time spent memorizing and practicing grammar rules.
Your student would benefit from reading and noting expressed grammar rules.
Your student often makes errors with punctuation, usage, and overall sentence structure.
Your student needs to improve their basic writing skills.
Your student would benefit from 30 minutes of sustained reading time every day, with help from a parent.
Your student would benefit from at least 15 minutes of sustained reading time every day, with help from a parent.
Your student would benefit from a reading tutor. I have attached information about programs available in our area.

Reading Comprehension Report Card Comments聽

Your student is able to analyze character actions and story plots.
Your student shows strong fluency with reading.
Your student is doing well breaking a story into logical paragraphs.
Your student uses strong editing skills and understands the use of capitals, quotation marks, question marks, apostrophes, commas, and periods.
Your student is consistently reading above grade-level material, independently.
Your student is consistently reading at grade-level, independently.
Your student is unable to read at grade-level consistently.
I recommend that your student work with a reading tutor to build reading comprehension skills. I have attached information about tutors in our area.
Your student demonstrates a high level of comprehension about short, spoken texts.
Your student is able to answer multiple questions about short, spoken texts and is able to accurately explain the events described in a story.
Your student is capable of determining various writing styles.
Your student identifies important ideas through the development of insightful questions and answers.

Notetaking and Response Journal Report Card Comments聽

Your student displays an excellent understanding of notetaking from lectures.
Your student demonstrates a high-level of mastery of taking notes from reading.
Your student requires ongoing support to develop the skill of notetaking.
Your student requires ongoing support to take coherent notes from lectures and readings.
Your student excels at writing sentences using correct spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
I am encouraging your student to increase their attention on the correct use of spelling, grammar, and punctuation in their response journals.
I am recommending considerable assistance for your student to achieve an understanding of spelling, grammar, and punctuation when writing simple sentences.

Progress-Oriented Report Card Comments聽

Your student has come so far! Focusing on [X] is the next step that we can take together.
Your student is making great progress! They still need help with [X], and I recommend that鈥檚 our next focus.
Your child has done well, but I鈥檓 concerned about [X]. It has led them to earn a lower grade than they could otherwise achieve.
Let鈥檚 work together to motivate your student to reach their potential.
I would like your student to pay closer attention to [X] to earn a higher grade next semester.
If your student is able to work as hard on [X] as they have worked on [Y], we鈥檒l be caught up in no time.
Your student鈥檚 persistence is an example for others.
Your student is motivated to do well on assignments.
Your student鈥檚 motivation needs to extend to other areas of the classroom.
Your student is struggling to improve on [X], but can use their ability in [Y] to reach that goal.
Your student is improving significantly, but still needs to slow down and check their work.
Your student is working hard to understand new concepts, but still needs to pay closer attention.
Your student鈥檚 hard work is paying off!
Your student鈥檚 enthusiasm is always appreciated!
Your student needs assistance understanding [X] topic. I鈥檓 suggesting [Y] to help us reach that goal/
Your student does so well in group projects, but needs a hand working independently.
Here鈥檚 what we can do to help your student work independently: _________.
Here鈥檚 what we can do to help your student work well with others: _________.
Here鈥檚 what we can do to help your student respect classroom rules: _________.
Here鈥檚 what we can do to improve your student鈥檚 study skills at home: _________.

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Brittany Borghi

After earning a BA in Journalism and an MFA in Nonfiction Writing from the University of Iowa, Brittany spent five years as a full-time lecturer in the Rhetoric Department at the University of Iowa. Additionally, she鈥檚 held previous roles as a researcher, full-time daily journalist, and book editor. Brittany鈥檚 work has been featured in The Iowa Review, The Hopkins Review, and the Pittsburgh City Paper, among others, and she was also a 2021 Pushcart Prize nominee.

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