|
Considerate |
Intelligent Cooperative Helpful Honest Respectful Efficient Talented Self-disciplined Sincere |
Hard-working Dependable Creative Generous Kindhearted Mature Curious Artistic Enthusiastic |
Here's a phrase: A positive role model for classmates |
Since your comments need to be as specific as possible, avoid using ambiguous words alone such as wonderful, good or great.
Examples of Statements Concerning a Student’s Strengths
Has an expansive knowledge of ... Enthusiastically participates in ... Demonstrates superior work in ... Comprehends quickly Takes pride in his/her work Demonstrates initiative Listens and follows directions well Asks for responsibilities and follows through Expresses ideas clearly |
Writes fascinating stories Exhibits organizational skills Does neat, thorough work Seeks information independently Enjoys dramatization Uses English correctly Has a delightful sense of humor Is well-liked by peers Demonstrates leadership skills |
Examples of Encouraging Comments (to use when a student is making progress)
Has developed a positive attitude toward ... Has advanced in ... Has demonstrated a desire to ... Has shown steady progress in ... Has shown noticeable improvement in ... Has demonstrated increased social skills, such as ... Is showing enthusiasm for ... Is gaining academic skills, such as ... Is developing consistent work habits, such as ... |
Is learning to ... Is becoming self-reliant. Is developing concentration skills Is gaining self-confidence Is becoming a good listener Is occupying his/her time constructively Is learning English speaking and/or writing skills Is developing more positive ways to interact with others Is learning to be cooperative when working in groups |
Examples To Use When Concerns Are Evident and
A Student Is in Need of Assistance
Since some parents never attend a parent-teacher conference, a teacher may want to complete and include a copy of the following statement or something similar with a student’s report card.
Dear (Parent’s Name): Spending time and helping (student’s name) in the following ways will provide an incentive for him/her to work harder and learn the skills necessary to achieve in school. (List ways parent can help) Since I care about your child, I would like to meet with you. Please call the school office at (phone number) or see me to decide on a time to meet and share ideas. The effort you make working with (student’s name) today can make a huge difference in his/her future success. Sincerely, |
Sometimes it is difficult to elicit parental cooperation. However, written comments on a report card and completing the above short form might serve to encourage their participation. Due to language barriers or other reasons, parents may be unable to help their child directly (see, “Increasing Parent Involvement in Schools”). However, parents could to be encouraged to provide a quiet place for their child to complete his or her work without television interference or other distractions, as well as a healthy diet and adequate sleep.
Positive comments on a report card can inspire students to live up to their teacher’s observations. For example, if the teacher wrote that the child excels in “Being dependable” or “Shows outstanding sportsmanship,” these statements could become part of the student’s self-image. It is important for teachers to remember that their written words can motivate and challenge their students to be their best.
Used by permission of the author, Leah Davies, and selected from the Kelly Bear website [www.kellybear.com], 5/06.