Writing meaningful learning skills comments can feel overwhelming, especially when we’re balancing the need to stay positive while addressing areas for improvement. It’s easy to write glowing feedback for students who excel, but what about those who struggle? How do we ensure their comments remain constructive yet clear about the behavior or skills they need to develop? That’s where this blog post featuring learning skills sample comments comes in!
If you want to streamline the process further, check out our Learning Skills Comment Generator—a tool thousands of teachers are already using to speed up their report card writing. With pre-made, customizable comments, it’s like having a personal assistant for your report cards 🤝🪄
Learning Skills Sample Comments: Struggling Student (S’s & N’s)
STUDENT NAME is a kind, friendly student who is full of personality and potential. He has been working on demonstrating appropriate behavior during class and break times and is encouraged to continue working towards this goal for the remainder of the year. He completes some tasks and assignments with extended due dates and support from the teacher. He can complete single-step tasks independently when he is interested in the topic.
STUDENT NAME requires reminders from the teacher to stay on task and avoid distractions. He is encouraged to prioritize tasks and manage time wisely to be able to avoid needing to rush through work. STUDENT NAME is learning to build healthy relationships and solve conflicts when working in groups. He should listen attentively to group members and remain open-minded to the ideas of others, even when in disagreement.
He demonstrates a positive attitude towards a small number of topics he is interested in. STUDENT NAME should look for opportunities to connect learning to the things he is interested in. This will support his overall understanding and engagement in tasks. STUDENT NAME does not enjoy challenges in the classroom. He is encouraged to continue to build a repertoire of problem-solving strategies to build independence and resilience.
Learning Skills Sample Comments: Excellent Student (all E’s)
STUDENT NAME is a kind and cooperative student who contributes to a positive learning environment in class. She demonstrates whole-body listening during class discussions by maintaining eye contact, sitting appropriately, and avoiding distractions. When STUDENT NAME is absent from school, she checks in with the teacher to find out what has been missed.
She independently devises and follows a reasonable plan for completing assignments and assessments in all subject areas by creating study notes and using provided organizers. STUDENT NAME is encouraged to use various tools in the classroom to further polish and refine her work, including the editing features on Google Docs and co-created success criteria.
STUDENT NAME always chooses an appropriate activity during indoor recess or when her work is complete. She consistently shares information, resources, and expertise to solve problems when working with other students. This makes her a valued member of any group. She should continue to work on conflict-resolution strategies that she can use when working in small groups.
She shows interest and genuine curiosity about topics discussed in a variety of subjects this term. She remembers to do her class job without reminders, often going above and beyond expectations. STUDENT NAME consistently makes classroom choices that align with her needs and academic goals.
Tips for Reframing Struggling Students’ Comments
It’s hard to write asset-based comments for students who may not meet expectations consistently. To keep feedback positive while addressing areas for growth, try these reframing strategies:
- Doesn’t complete work → Completes work when supported by a teacher, reminded by a teacher, or when interested in the task.
- Talks out in class → Is working on participating appropriately during lessons and is encouraged to keep comments on task.
- Does not show up prepared → Brings required materials to class after reminders from the teacher.
- Does not complete their share of group work → Participates in group work when interested in the topic, has a choice in partners, or is supervised by a teacher.
- Struggles to solve problems with others → when experiencing a peer-conflict, STUDENT NAME needs support from the teacher to employ effective problem-solving or conflict resolution strategies.
By reframing comments this way, you highlight the change the negatives (what they are not doing) into what they ARE doing but still keeping them realistic and accurate.
For more help, don’t forget to check out the Learning Skills Comment Generator. This generator allows you to select specific comments for each of your students, see all three reporting terms at once, and have the comments selected automatically generate into a paragraph with accurate names and pronouns. Teachers are saying this resource has saved them HOURS and results in meaningful, professional comments every time.
If you’re looking for more tips, check out these blog posts:
The Ultimate Guide to Stress-Free Report Card Writing
Sample Report Card Comments for Teachers
Report Card Comments Made Easy: 5 Steps to Save Hours
