Report Card Comments: 150 Examples by Subject, Skill and Grade

The short answer

Good report card comments name one real strength, one next step and one way to help at home, in two or three plain sentences. Start from the examples below, swap in the student’s name and one specific detail, and keep the same warm tone for every student. Families have the right to see what the school keeps in their child’s record, so write each comment as if you were reading it to them.

150 examplesin 11 groups

3 partsstrength, next step, home tip

2–3 sentencesfor each comment

Plain wordseasy to read and translate

How to write a report card comment

Start with a specific strength. “Finished 14 books on the reading log this quarter” tells a family more than “good reader.”
Name one next step, written as a goal: “is working on…” or “next quarter, we’ll focus on…”. One is enough.
Add one thing families can do at home, like reading aloud for 15 minutes or practicing math facts in the car.
Write as if the family is reading it with you. Under the federal student privacy law, FERPA, parents can inspect and review their child’s education records, and the rights pass to the student at 18 or in college (U.S. Department of Education).
Use plain words. Some families read the report card in translation or with an interpreter, and short sentences without slang translate best. If a family needs a translation, use your school’s or district’s language services rather than asking a student to interpret, and check your district’s language-access policy. Federal guidance from 2015 set out these steps (U.S. Departments of Justice and Education); in October 2026 the two departments said they would no longer rely on it in enforcement, though the civil rights laws behind it still apply (Federal Register).
Check the grade and the comment agree. Work out percentages with the teacher grade calculator and letters with the letter grade scale.

Part	Example
Strength	Maya reads every day and finished 14 books on this quarter’s reading log.
Next step	Next quarter, we’ll work on retelling the main events of a chapter in order.
Home tip	Ask Maya to tell you what happened in each chapter she reads.

Two complete comments

“Maya reads every day and finished 14 books on this quarter’s reading log. Next quarter she’s working on retelling the main events of a chapter in order, and we’ll practice with a sequence chart in her reading group. At home, ask her to tell you what happened in each chapter she reads.”

“Leo turned in 7 of 10 math assignments this quarter, and the work he finished was accurate. Our goal next quarter is to turn in every assignment: he’ll use a weekly checklist in class, and I’ll go over it with him each Friday. If you can, look at the checklist with him on Thursday evenings.”

The 150 comments below are building blocks, not finished comments: swap in what you saw in the student’s work and keep one next step. [Name] stands for the student’s name and [skill], [subject] or [number] for a detail you fill in.

Positive report card comments

[Name] is a kind and thoughtful classmate who makes others feel welcome.
[Name] comes to class ready to learn and sets a great example for others.
[Name] asks thoughtful questions that help the whole class understand more.
[Name] takes pride in their work and checks it carefully before turning it in.
[Name] is a hard worker who keeps going, even when a task is difficult.
[Name] shares ideas confidently in class discussions and listens well to others.
[Name] has grown so much this quarter, especially in [skill].
[Name] is curious about the world and loves to learn new things.
[Name] works well in a group and makes sure everyone gets a turn.
[Name] follows directions carefully and finishes work on time.
[Name] is a leader in our classroom who helps others without being asked.
[Name] shows creativity in projects and finds new ways to solve problems.
[Name] is responsible and can be counted on to finish what they start.
[Name] brings a positive attitude to class every day.
[Name] uses class time well and stays focused on the task.
[Name] is a respectful listener who waits for a turn to speak.
[Name] sets goals and works hard to meet them.
[Name] is willing to try new things and isn’t afraid to make mistakes.
[Name] explains their thinking clearly, out loud and in writing.
It has been a pleasure to watch [Name] grow in confidence this quarter.

Report card comments for struggling students

Lead with what the student can do, then name the next step and how you and the family will work on it. Words like “is working on” and “is learning to” describe a goal, not a label.

[Name] is working on finishing assignments on time. A short checklist at home could help.
[Name] has good ideas and is learning to share them in writing. Next quarter, we will practice planning before writing.
[Name] is building the habit of asking for help when stuck. Please encourage [Name] to raise a hand or check in with me.
[Name] is still working toward reading fluently at grade level. Reading aloud together for 15 minutes each night is good practice.
[Name] understands new math ideas in class and is working on remembering the steps without help.
[Name] is learning to stay focused during independent work. We are trying a timer and short breaks.
[Name] turned in [number] of [number] assignments this quarter. Our goal next quarter is to turn in every one.
[Name] is working on checking work before turning it in. Next quarter, we will practice rereading each answer once.
[Name] is learning to follow directions with several steps. Breaking tasks into smaller parts is helping.
[Name] is working on keeping materials organized so nothing gets lost. A labeled folder for each subject would help.
[Name] is getting better at solving disagreements with words. We will keep practicing calm ways to work things out.
[Name] needs more practice with basic math facts. Five minutes of practice a day at home would help.
[Name] is working on listening while others speak. We are practicing waiting for a turn in discussions.
[Name] is starting to take part more in class. I’d love to hear [Name]’s ideas more often.
[Name] is building the stamina for longer reading and writing tasks.
[Name] is learning to use feedback to improve work. We will practice making one change after each check-in.
[Name] often knows the answer but hesitates to share it. Building confidence is our next goal.
[Name] is working on coming to class with homework and supplies ready.
[Name] made progress this quarter and is close to meeting the standard in [skill]. Let’s keep the momentum going.
[Name] would benefit from extra practice in [skill]. I’ll send home practice ideas, and I’m happy to meet and make a plan together.

Reading report card comments

Numbers make reading comments specific: books finished, minutes read, words read correctly in a minute. A reading log collects them as you go.

Strengths

[Name] reads aloud with expression and reads smoothly.
[Name] chooses books at a good level and reads every day.
[Name] can retell the main events of a story in order.
[Name] uses clues in the text to make smart predictions.
[Name] finds the main idea and key details in nonfiction.
[Name] is learning new words quickly and uses them in conversation.
[Name] makes thoughtful connections between books and real life.
[Name] finished [number] books this quarter and loves sharing them with classmates.

Next steps

[Name] is working on reading more smoothly, without pausing between words.
[Name] is learning to stop and reread when something doesn’t make sense.
[Name] is practicing sounding out longer words one syllable at a time.
[Name] is working on answering questions with evidence from the text.
[Name] is building reading stamina, with a goal of 20 minutes of independent reading.
[Name] is learning to sum up a story in a few sentences.
[Name] is working on reading sight words quickly. Practicing with word cards at home is good extra practice.

Writing report card comments

[Name] writes complete sentences with capital letters and end marks.
[Name] organizes writing with a clear beginning, middle and end.
[Name] uses describing words that help the reader picture the story.
[Name] supports opinions with reasons and examples.
[Name] writes with a strong, confident voice.
[Name] revises drafts to make the writing clearer.
[Name] is working on spelling common words correctly.
[Name] is learning to plan ideas before starting to write.
[Name] is practicing using paragraphs to organize ideas.
[Name] is working on adding details that explain ideas more fully.
[Name] is learning to use transition words to connect ideas.
[Name] is working on neat, easy-to-read handwriting.

Math report card comments

[Name] knows math facts quickly and accurately.
[Name] explains the steps used to solve a problem.
[Name] solves word problems by drawing pictures and models.
[Name] understands place value and uses it to add and subtract.
[Name] checks that answers make sense.
[Name] tries a different strategy when a problem is tricky.
[Name] understands fractions and can compare them.
[Name] measures accurately and uses the right units.
[Name] is working on learning the multiplication facts by heart.
[Name] is learning to show work so others can follow the thinking.
[Name] is practicing reading word problems carefully to choose the right operation.
[Name] is working on regrouping when adding and subtracting.
[Name] is building confidence with fractions by using models.
[Name] is learning to check work for careless mistakes.
[Name] is working on telling time and counting money.

Science and social studies report card comments

[Name] asks great questions about how things work.
[Name] makes careful observations and records them clearly.
[Name] follows safety rules during experiments.
[Name] uses evidence to explain scientific ideas.
[Name] shows a real interest in history and enjoys learning about the past.
[Name] reads maps and uses them to answer questions.
[Name] understands how communities and local government work.
[Name] is working on using science vocabulary in explanations.
[Name] is learning to record results in a chart or graph.
[Name] is practicing comparing life in the past and today.

Behavior report card comments

If you track a goal on a behavior chart, name the goal and the progress in the comment, so the family can keep working on the same thing at home.

[Name] follows class rules and routines without reminders.
[Name] treats classmates and adults with respect.
[Name] is a good friend who includes others.
[Name] takes responsibility for their actions.
[Name] handles frustration calmly and asks for help when needed.
[Name] is honest and trustworthy.
[Name] uses kind words to solve problems with classmates.
[Name] moves through the school safely and quietly.
[Name] is working on keeping hands and feet to themselves.
[Name] is learning to use calm-down strategies when upset.
[Name] is working on following directions the first time they are given.
[Name] is practicing using an inside voice during work time.
[Name] is learning to accept a change in plans calmly.
[Name] is working on staying in an assigned spot during lessons.
[Name] has improved at [goal] this quarter, and we will keep practicing.

Work habits and effort comments

[Name] completes homework and turns it in on time.
[Name] works independently and stays on task.
[Name] keeps a neat, organized desk and folders.
[Name] uses extra time to read or to help others.
[Name] sticks with challenging work.
[Name] listens carefully to directions and starts work right away.
[Name] takes an active part in lessons.
[Name] takes good care of classroom materials.
[Name] is working on turning in homework on time.
[Name] is learning to manage time during longer assignments.
[Name] is working on starting tasks without reminders.
[Name] is learning to keep track of assignments in a planner.

Kindergarten report card comments

Many of these also fit preschool and pre-K. Keep them short and concrete (letters, sounds, counting, routines and getting along) and match them to what your program expects at that age. For a student with an IEP, base the comment on the student’s own goals.

[Name] recognizes all the uppercase and lowercase letters.
[Name] knows the sounds most letters make.
[Name] can write their first and last name.
[Name] counts objects to 20 accurately.
[Name] shares and takes turns with friends.
[Name] follows the daily routine with confidence.
[Name] listens carefully during story time.
[Name] uses words to express feelings.
[Name] holds a pencil correctly and is building fine motor skills.
[Name] is learning to recognize the numbers to 10.
[Name] is working on blending sounds to read simple words.
[Name] is learning to take care of belongings, like zipping a coat and hanging up a backpack.
[Name] is practicing sitting for short lessons on the carpet.
[Name] is working on cutting along a line with scissors.
[Name] is learning to ask a friend to play and to join group games.

Progress report comments for the first quarter

[Name] has settled into our class routines and is off to a great start.
[Name] is getting used to [grade] and making new friends.
In the first quarter, [Name] showed strength in [subject]. Next, we’ll focus on [skill].
[Name] is meeting most first-quarter goals and is close on [skill].
[Name] is working hard and making steady progress. I’ll keep you updated before the next report card.
[Name] started the year a little unsure and has grown more confident each week.
[Name] is getting used to longer homework assignments. A regular homework time at home can make it easier.
I look forward to seeing [Name]’s growth next quarter.

End-of-year report card comments

[Name] has grown so much this year, especially in [subject]. I’m proud of the hard work.
[Name] is ready for [next grade] and should feel proud of this year’s progress.
It was a joy to teach [Name] this year. Keep reading this summer!
[Name] met this year’s goal in [skill]. Practicing it over the summer will keep it strong.
[Name] became a leader in our classroom this year.
Thank you for a wonderful year, [Name]. I can’t wait to hear about [next grade].
[Name] worked hard all year to improve in [skill], and it shows.
Over the summer, [Name] would benefit from practicing [skill] for a few minutes a day.

Words to use instead

The same message lands better as a goal than as a label.

Instead of	Try
is lazy	is building the habit of starting work right away
can’t read well	is working toward reading at grade level
never turns in homework	is working on turning in homework every day
has a bad attitude	is learning to stay positive when work is hard
talks too much	is learning when to talk and when to listen
is messy	is learning to keep materials organized
is slow	takes time to think carefully and is building speed
is disruptive	is working on following class routines

Before you send them home

Read each comment once, out loud. If it would be hard to say to the family face to face, rewrite it.
Check names and pronouns, especially after copying from a list like this one.
Make the grade and the comment agree. Turn scores into grades with the teacher grade calculator.
Keep your notes for conferences. The same strengths and next steps make a good starting point for a parent-teacher conference.

Questions

What are some good report card comments?

Good comments are specific and kind, and point forward. For example: “[Name] asks thoughtful questions that help the whole class understand more.” “[Name] is working on checking work before turning it in. Next quarter, we will practice rereading each answer once.” Each one names a real strength or a next step the family can support.

How do you write a report card comment for a struggling student?

Start with something the student does well, name one next step as a goal, and say how you and the family will work on it. For example: “[Name] has good ideas and is learning to share them in writing. Next quarter, we will practice planning before writing.”

What should I write on a kindergarten report card?

Short, concrete notes on letters and sounds, counting, routines, fine motor skills and getting along with others, such as “[Name] knows the sounds most letters make” or “[Name] is learning to ask a friend to play.”

Can parents see report card comments?

Yes, at schools covered by FERPA (those that receive funds from U.S. Department of Education programs). FERPA gives parents the right to inspect and review their child’s education records, and a school must let them do so within 45 calendar days of a request. Parents can ask the school to correct a record they think is inaccurate or misleading, but FERPA doesn’t give them a right to change a grade the teacher gave based on the student’s work, the U.S. Department of Education explains. At 18, or once in college, the rights pass to the student.

How long should a report card comment be?

Two or three sentences is usually enough: a strength, a next step and a home tip. If your school’s report card has a character limit, keep the strength and the next step.

Sources

U.S. Department of Education, Student Privacy Policy Office. A Parent Guide to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). July 9, 2021.
U.S. Department of Justice, Civil Rights Division, and U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights. Information for Limited English Proficient (LEP) Parents and Guardians and for Schools and School Districts that Communicate with Them. January 2015 (copy hosted by the Delaware Department of Education). Historical guidance: see the next source.
U.S. Department of Justice and U.S. Department of Education. Clarification on Department of Justice and Department of Education Guidance Documents Regarding Federal Nondiscrimination Laws. Federal Register, October 23, 2026 (document 2026-21685): the 2015 guidance above is one of seven documents the departments will not rely on in enforcement.