Ontario report card comments: examples by grade and how to write them

[Student] counts forward and backward by 1s, 2s, and 5s to 50 with considerable accuracy and reads and writes numerals to 50 with confidence. He solves simple addition problems using concrete materials and explains his strategy clearly. As a next step, [Student] is encouraged to try a second strategy — such as a number line — to check and justify his answers.

[Student] forms most uppercase and lowercase letters legibly and uses spaces between words with some consistency. He expresses a simple idea in writing and is beginning to add a detail to his sentences with teacher support. As a next step, [Student] should practise rereading his writing aloud to check that it makes sense and to add one more detail independently.

[Student] demonstrates considerable understanding of place value to 200 and adds and subtracts two-digit numbers with regrouping with considerable accuracy, selecting appropriate strategies for different problem types. He communicates his mathematical thinking clearly using numbers and words. As a next step, [Student] is encouraged to estimate before calculating to build number sense and check the reasonableness of his answers.

[Student] produces multi-sentence written texts with a high degree of effectiveness, organizing his ideas with a clear beginning, middle, and end and using descriptive language that brings his subjects to life. He applies capitalization and end-punctuation rules with thorough consistency. As a next step, [Student] is encouraged to experiment with dialogue to make his narratives more vivid and engaging.

[Student] demonstrates considerable understanding of multiplication as repeated addition and equal grouping, recalling facts for 2s, 5s, and 10s with considerable accuracy. He applies these facts to solve simple problems and explains his strategy using arrays and skip-counting. As a next step, [Student] is encouraged to extend his fluency to the 3s and 4s by practising with games and real-world contexts at home.

[Student] writes multi-paragraph texts with a recognizable structure and some use of descriptive detail. He applies basic punctuation rules with some consistency and is developing his ability to vary sentence beginnings. As a next step, [Student] should use a revision checklist to review his drafts independently, focusing on adding at least one specific detail to each paragraph before publishing.

[Student] recalls multiplication facts to 9×9 with considerable fluency and applies these to solve multi-step division problems with considerable accuracy. She chooses efficient strategies and explains her reasoning clearly. As a next step, [Student] is encouraged to use estimation to check whether her answers are reasonable before confirming with a precise calculation.

[Student] crafts persuasive essays with a high degree of effectiveness, presenting a clear position, organizing supporting arguments logically, and anticipating counterarguments with thorough insight. Her word choice is precise and audience-aware. As a next step, [Student] is encouraged to strengthen her conclusions by circling back to her opening statement, reinforcing the impact of her argument.

[Student] multiplies two-digit by two-digit numbers and divides three- digit numbers by one-digit divisors with considerable accuracy, selecting the standard algorithm or partial products as appropriate. He estimates before calculating to check reasonableness with considerable consistency. As a next step, [Student] is encouraged to apply these skills to multi- step word problems in unfamiliar contexts to extend his mathematical reasoning.

[Student] crafts narratives with a high degree of effectiveness, establishing a compelling voice, well-developed characters, and a plot arc that builds tension with thoroughness. His word choice is intentional and varied, creating vivid imagery throughout. As a next step, [Student] is encouraged to experiment with non-linear narrative structures — such as in medias res openings — to further challenge and develop his craft as a writer.

[Student] represents and interprets ratios and unit rates with considerable accuracy, using equivalent ratio tables and double number lines to solve problems in familiar contexts. She connects ratio concepts to real-world applications such as scaling recipes. As a next step, [Student] is encouraged to solve multi-step ratio problems set in unfamiliar contexts to build flexible and transferable reasoning skills.

[Student] reads a variety of text forms with a high degree of critical awareness, identifying whose perspectives are represented and whose are absent, and supporting his analysis with precise textual evidence and thorough reasoning. He initiates rich discussions about power and representation in the texts he reads. As a next step, [Student] is encouraged to apply this critical lens to media and digital texts encountered outside of school.