Guidelines to Follow When Writing Report Card Comments

Even teachers need help and instruction from time to time, particularly when it comes to writing report card comments. Following a few simple guidelines can provide the answers to the most concerning of questions while saving time in the process!

Experience has taught us all the basic do’s and don’ts of formulating comments for the dozens of students we teach. One rule of thumb is to keep the report card comment section to a maximum of 80 to 100 words. This allows for a sufficient amount of information without “losing” the interest of the reader.

Topics to Cover via Report Card Comments

When writing report card comments, there are specific topics, or categories, to commit to. Each report card should have an opening, a middle, and an end that offers goals for the student.

Opening Sentence

In the opening sentence of any report card script, state two or three positive qualities of the student. It is important to convey to the student and the home support system that the student is considered an individual, not an assigned seat. 

Mention Precise Information

In the body of the writing, focus on the abilities of the student such as their timely work manner or submission of a project, their class participation, their work habits, and their behavior with classmates. Each student contributes something positive to every classroom and a sample incident should be recognized.

On a side note, with a large class(es), it may be hard to pinpoint details of every event. This is when keeping a daily or weekly diary of each student comes in handy. Writing two or three words by a student’s name allows you to keep a record throughout the term.

Use Simple Language

Using simple language is no reflection on the student or the home support system. A clear and precise report card summary provides a better understanding with no risk of miscommunication or misunderstanding of the wording by others.

Give Unbiased Recommendations

Impartial recommendations are possible with the use of the right words. Consider putting these in the form of goals for the individual student. Goals help the student and the home support system to have a better understanding of ways in which the student may improve in areas where needed.

Closing Sentence

Lastly, when forming a closing sentence on the report, be sure to leave on a positive note. This may be as simple as “keep up the good work” or “great job”. Be sure to personalize it with the student’s name at the end.

Buy TIMESAVERS for TEACHERS Report Card Comments Collections

For examples of customizable comments, see the report card comments collection from TIMESAVERS for TEACHERS. We offer an extensive, ready-to-use, edited Report Card Comments Collection, complete with 1,800 common report card remarks for all English-speaking teachers. We also offer the following time-saving resources that can help teachers stay on top of their report card submissions: The Teacher’s Binder, Substitute Teacher Instruction Kit, and Classroom Awards. Contact us today to learn more or to place an order.