GRADE 4 REPORT CARD COMMENTS
*These are a sampling of my actual report card comments with the names removed
and meant as a starting point for sharing and discussion*
LANGUAGE ARTS
READING
A
Student is able to read a grade level passage independently and provide answers in depth and detail about the
content he has read. His book report (Never Trust A Cat Who Wears Earrings) demonstrates a very good
understanding of the main elements of a novel (plot, character and setting). He is able to summarize what he has read
and provide evidence from the content of his reading to support his opinions and ideas.
Student is able to read grade appropriate texts for information and understanding. When researching a specific
topic, (e.g., Rocks and Minerals, Medieval Times) he is able to independently formulate questions, locate
information, take notes and share his understanding of what he has read.
Student is able to decide on a specific purpose for reading, and independently select the materials he needs from a
variety of appropriate sources (e.g., books from classroom library, web sites, notes taken during lessons). He is able
to clearly communicate his essential understandings of what he has read both verbally and in writing (e.g., oral report,
written project display)
B
Student is able to read a grade level passage and provide answers in some depth and detail about the content he has
read. His book report (The Littles Go Exploring) demonstrates a good understanding of the main elements of a novel
(plot, character and setting). He is able to summarize what he has read and provide evidence from the content of his
reading to support his opinions and ideas.
Student is able to read grade appropriate texts for information and understanding. When researching a specific
topic, (e.g., Rocks and Minerals, Medieval Times) she is able to formulate questions, locate information, take notes
and share her understanding of what she has read.
Student is able to decide on a specific purpose for reading, and select the materials she needs from a variety of
appropriate sources (e.g., books from classroom library, web sites, notes taken during lessons). She is able to
communicate her essential understandings of what she has read both verbally and in writing (e.g., oral report,
written project display).
C
Student is able to read a passage of text but experiences some difficulty in providing written answers in depth and
detail about the content he has read. He needs to pause during his reading when unsure of content and, if
necessary, re-read the passage to improve his understanding. His book report demonstrates a good understanding
of the main elements of a novel (plot, character and setting). He is learning to summarize what he has read and
provide evidence from the content of his reading to support his opinions and ideas.
Student is learning to read appropriate texts for information and understanding when researching a specific topic
(e.g., Rocks and Minerals, Medieval Times). With some assistance, he is able to formulate questions, locate
information, take notes and share his understanding of what he has read.
With guidance, Student is able to decide on a specific purpose for reading, and select the materials he needs from a
variety of appropriate sources (e.g., books from classroom library, web sites, notes taken during lessons). He is able
to communicate some of his essential understandings of what he has read both verbally and in writing (e.g., oral
report, written project display).
D
Student tends to avoid reading in our daily class reading time. He demonstrates a limited understanding of the main
elements of a novel (plot, character and setting). He is learning to summarize what he has read and provide evidence
from the content of his reading to support his opinions and ideas. When a book is read aloud to Student, he can recall
in good detail the content of what he has heard.
Student requires assistance in order to read a grade level passage and experiences significant difficulty in providing
written answers in depth and detail about the content he has read. He needs to pause during his reading when
unsure of content and, if necessary, re-read the passage to improve his understanding. His book report (The Grand
Escape) demonstrates a limited understanding of the main elements of a novel (plot, character and setting). Careful
reading of assignments can increase Student’s level of achievement in this area.
Student is learning to read grade appropriate texts for information and understanding when researching a specific
topic (e.g., Rocks and Minerals, Medieval Times). With direct assistance, he is able to formulate questions, locate
information, take notes and share his understanding of what he has read.
Student requires individual assistance and guidance in order to decide on a specific purpose for reading, and select
the materials he needs from a variety of appropriate sources (e.g., books from classroom library, web sites, notes
taken during lessons). He is able to communicate some of his essential understandings of what he has read
verbally.
WRITING
A
Student is able to apply all of the elements of writing (adjectives, similes, metaphors and detail) to create effective
descriptive paragraphs. Written assignments are consistently well edited in the area of conventions of writing
(spelling, punctuation, grammar). She successfully applies spelling strategies to learn new words (e.g., Light &
Sound Energy).
Student is able to apply all of the elements of an effective narrative (theme, plot, character, writing style and
illustrations) to her story “Lizzie McGuire”. Her story features a well sequenced plot and interesting dialogue.
Student is able to independently edit her writing for basic conventions of spelling, punctuation and grammar.
Student is able to identify several forms of poetry and describe their main characteristics. Her blended poem “Sad”,
submitted for our class anthology, illustrates her ability to effectively convey thoughts, feelings and emotions in a
prescribed written format. Student is able to consistently apply the basic conventions of spelling, punctuation and
grammar in order to edit written work submitted for evaluation.
B
Student is able to apply most of the elements of writing (adjectives, similes, metaphors and detail) to create
descriptive paragraphs. Written assignments are generally well edited in the area of conventions of writing
(spelling, punctuation, grammar). She successfully applies spelling strategies to learn new words (e.g., Light &
Sound Energy).
Student is able to apply many of the elements of an effective narrative (theme, plot, character, writing style and
illustrations) to her story “Memory of Mae and Shamrock”. Her story features a well sequenced plot (despite it’s
sudden ending) and characters the reader cares about. Student is able to edit her writing for basic conventions of
spelling, punctuation and grammar.
Student is able to identify several forms of poetry and describe their main characteristics. His rhyming couplet “Ox”,
submitted for our class anthology, illustrates his ability to convey thoughts, feelings and emotions in a prescribed
written format. Student is able to apply the basic conventions of spelling, punctuation and grammar in order to edit
written work submitted for evaluation.
C
Student is able to apply some of the elements of writing (adjectives, similes, metaphors and detail) to create
descriptive paragraphs. Her use of the conventions of writing (spelling, punctuation, grammar) is improving but
much more careful editing of written assignments is required.
Student is able to apply some of the elements of an effective narrative (theme, plot, character, writing style and
illustrations) to her story “Animal Hunter”. Her story features a well sequenced plot but greater character
development would make it even more effective. With assistance, Student is able to edit her writing for basic
conventions of spelling, punctuation and grammar
Student is able to identify some forms of poetry and describe their main characteristics. Her acrostic poem “BMW
Car”, submitted for our class anthology, illustrates her ability to convey thoughts, feelings and emotions in a
prescribed written format. With assistance, Student is able to apply some of the basic conventions of spelling,
punctuation and grammar in order to edit written work submitted for evaluation.
D
With direct assistance Student is able to apply some of the elements of writing (adjectives, similes, metaphors and
detail) to create descriptive paragraphs. Student lacks confidence in his ability to spell and write words. Often he
under-estimates his own abilities. Continued work on applying spelling strategies will benefit his confidence.
Student is able to orally describe the events of his Pirates story in considerable detail and map the plot pictorially.
Using the computer is a motivating tool for Student to transfer these thoughts to writing. With direct assistance,
Student is able to edit his writing for basic conventions of spelling, punctuation and grammar.
Student is able to identify some forms of poetry and describe their main characteristics. His acrostic poem,
submitted for our class anthology, illustrates his ability to convey his thoughts in a prescribed written format.
Student continues to require 1 to 1 assistance in the editing process in order to apply the basic conventions of
spelling, punctuation and grammar. He often exhibits more ability to spell and edit words than he gives himself
credit for. I encourage Student to “take risks” in his writing and not worry if every single word is spelled perfectly.
ORAL & VISUAL COMMUNICATION
A
In community circle, Student expresses her feelings and ideas with great confidence and clarity. She is very
involved in class discussions and frequently contributes insightful questions and comments.
Student’s speech about Our Water demonstrates her excellent oral presentation skills. She speaks with
confidence and clarity and is able to provide strong evidence to support her opinion about a specific topic.
Student is able to effectively use our Media Literacy framework (Target Audience, Intended Message, Implied
Message, Stereotypes) to analyze and create advertisement presentations. He speaks with confidence and
clarity in community circle and class discussions.
B
In community circle, Student expresses her feelings and ideas with confidence and clarity. She is involved in
class discussions and contributes insightful questions and comments.
Student’s speech about Finding Nemo demonstrates her good oral presentation skills. She speaks with
confidence and is able to provide sound evidence to support her opinion about a specific topic.
Student is able to use our Media Literacy framework (Target Audience, Intended Message, Implied Message,
Stereotypes) to analyze and create advertisement presentations. He speaks with increased confidence and
clarity in community circle and class discussions.
C
In community circle, Student expresses his feelings and ideas with increasing confidence and clarity. He is
becoming more actively involved in class discussions.
Student’s speech about John Cena demonstrates his improving oral presentation skills. He speaks with
increasing confidence and is able to provide some evidence to support his opinion about a specific topic.
Student is able to apply some of our Media Literacy framework (Target Audience, Intended Message, Implied
Message, Stereotypes) to analyze and create advertisement presentations. He speaks with greater confidence in
community circle and during class discussions.
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
A
Student is able to use the scientific method and conduct experiments in order to investigate different ways in which
light and sound are produced and transmitted. She is able to create devices that produce and transmit sound
energy (e.g., Sound Producing Golf Course) and clearly explain the science involved when demonstrating her
sound device to the class.
Student can observe, identify and classify rocks according to their type and how they were formed (igneous,
sedimentary and metamorphic). She is able to effectively describe minerals based upon specific characteristics she
observes. Using a “Mind Map” Student can represent and explain her knowledge of Rocks and Minerals in
extensive depth and detail.
Student is able to design and construct a device that uses pulleys and gears and explain in considerable detail how
the device works. Her Animal Habitats & Communities comparison study demonstrates a strong understanding of
the underlying concepts of ecosystem, food chain, and the effects of humans on the environment.
B
Student is able to use the scientific method and conduct experiments in order to investigate different ways in
which light and sound are produced and transmitted. He is able to create devices that produce and transmit
sound energy (e.g., Laughing Chicken). He can explain most of the science involved when demonstrating his
sound device to the class.
Student can observe, identify and classify many rocks according to their type and how they were formed (igneous,
sedimentary and metamorphic). He is able to describe minerals based upon specific characteristics he observes.
Using a “Mind Map” Student can represent and explain his knowledge of Rocks and Minerals in depth and detail.
Student is able to design and construct a device that uses pulleys and gears and explain verbally how the device
works. His Animal Habitats & Communities comparison study demonstrates a good understanding of the underlying
concepts of ecosystem, food chain, and the effects of humans on the environment.
C
With some assistance, Student is able to use the scientific method and conduct experiments in order to investigate
different ways in which light and sound are produced and transmitted. He is able to demonstrate devices that
produce and transmit sound energy (e.g., Broken Cell Phone). He can verbally explain some of the science involved
when demonstrating his sound device to the class.
Student can identify and classify some rocks according to their type and how they were formed (igneous,
sedimentary and metamorphic). He is able to describe minerals based upon a few characteristics he observes.
Using a “Mind Map” Student can represent and explain his knowledge of Rocks and Minerals in some depth and
detail.
With assistance, Student is able to design and construct a device that uses pulleys and gears and explain
verbally how the device works. His Animal Habitats & Communities comparison study demonstrates some
understanding of the underlying concepts of ecosystem, food chain, and the effects of humans on the
environment.
D
With individual assistance, Student is able to use the scientific method and conduct experiments in order to
investigate different ways in which light and sound are produced and transmitted. She experienced some difficulty
creating a device that produces and transmits sound energy, as the device she built (Pinwheel) did not involve the
use of sound energy. I encourage Student to seek assistance when she is unsure of future science assignments.
SOCIAL STUDIES
A
Student’s mind map of Prince Edward Island demonstrates a strong ability to independently research, summarize
and organize key information about a specific province or territory. The web page that she produced based upon her
research was informative, well organized, detailed and accurate.
Student’s Medieval Times project about Ireland demonstrates that she is able to effectively research, organize and
summarize all of the key elements of Medieval society (Education, Leisure, Religion, Art/Architecture). Her project
features very good organization, excellent detail and creative presentation.
B
Student’s mind map about Manitoba demonstrates his ability to research, summarize and organize most of the key
information about a specific province or territory. The web page that he produced based upon his research was
generally informative, well organized and accurate. Greater detail would make his web page even more effective.
Student’s Medieval Times project about China demonstrates that he is able to research, organize and summarize
many of the key elements of Medieval society (Education, Leisure, Religion, Art/Architecture). His project features
good organization and closely follows the requirements set out in the Project Framework.
C
Student’s mind map about Nunavut demonstrates that, with assistance, he is able to research, summarize and
organize some of the key information about a specific province or territory. Greater organization and detail would
improve the web page that Student produced based upon his research.
Student’s Medieval Times project about France, demonstrates that, with some assistance, he is able to research,
organize and summarize some of the key elements of Medieval society (Education, Leisure, Religion,
Art/Architecture). Closer attention to the project framework would make his project even better.
D
Student’s mind map project about his province or territory is incomplete. He requires extensive assistance in
order to research, summarize and organize most of the key information about a specific province or territory.
Greater effort and attention to the completion of assigned work would enable Student to improve his level of
achievement in Social Studies.
Medieval Times project demonstrates that, with individual assistance, he is able to research, organize and
summarize some of the key elements of Medieval society (Education, Leisure, Religion, Art/Architecture).
Consistent work habits and a closer attention to the project framework would improve Student’s finished project.
HEALTH & PHYSICAL EDUCATION
A
Student participates with enthusiasm in games of low organization and structured activities like basketball. He
demonstrates excellent coordination and an ability to apply the fundamental skills of throwing and catching. He
displays exceptional sportsmanship and team work in the gym.
Student is able to rehearse and present a gymnastic routine. He can volley, bump and serve with consistency and
effectiveness. Student’s level of participation in all areas of the gym program (Gymnastics, Volleyball and Indoor
Team Games) is high. When participating in team games he demonstrates outstanding sportsmanship.
Student’s level of participation in all areas of the gym program (Cooperative Games, Team Sports, Individual
Activities ) is very high. In all of our activities, he demonstrates excellent eye-hand co-ordination and very strong
fundamental movement skills (throwing, catching, running). He consistently displays outstanding sportsmanship.
B
Student participates with enthusiasm in games of low organization and structured activities like basketball. She
demonstrates good coordination and an ability to apply the fundamental skills of throwing and catching. Amber
displays very good sportsmanship and team work in the gym.
Student is able to rehearse and present a gymnastic routine. She is developing her ability to volley, bump and
serve with increased consistency and effectiveness. Student’s level of participation in all areas of the gym program
(Gymnastics, Volleyball and Indoor Team Games) is high. When participating in team games she demonstrates
very good sportsmanship.
Student’s level of participation in all areas of the gym program (Cooperative Games, Team Sports, Individual
Activities ) is high. In all of our activities, he demonstrates sound eye-hand co-ordination and solid fundamental
movement skills (throwing, catching, running). He consistently displays good sportsmanship.
C
Student participates with limited enthusiasm in games of low organization and structured activities like basketball.
He demonstrates improving coordination and an ability to apply the fundamental skills of throwing and catching.
He usually displays good sportsmanship and team work in the gym. Greater effort to participate would improve
Student’s level of achievement.
Student is able to rehearse and present a gymnastic routine. He is developing his ability to volley, bump and
serve with consistency and effectiveness. Student’s level of participation in all areas of the gym program
(Gymnastics, Volleyball and Indoor Team Games) is improving. When participating in team games he
demonstrates good sportsmanship.
Student’s level of participation in all areas of the gym program (Cooperative Games, Team Sports, Individual
Activities ) has increased slightly this term. In all of our activities, she demonstrates improving eye-hand co-
ordination and fundamental movement skills (throwing, catching, running). She consistently displays good
sportsmanship.
B
Student is able to create and modify hyperlinks in Claris Homepage in order to produce a web site about a specific
province or territory. He can use AppleWorks spreadsheets to analyze and graph data and is learning to use TEL to
respond to questions and share ideas via e-mail in our class conference.
Student is able to use our class TEL conference and the internet to access and retrieve specific information related
to a research topic. He is learning how to use HyperStudio to add sound, voice and animation as part of our class
CD of student work.
Student is able to independently compose a multimedia song using GarageBand and iTunes. With little
assistance, he can script buttons and design presentations in HyperStudio. He is able to successfully assist and
coach students from classes who visit our Multimedia Lab.
C
Student is learning to create and modify hyperlinks in Claris Homepage in order to produce a web site about a
specific province or territory. With assistance, he can use AppleWorks spreadsheets to analyze and graph data and
is able to create works of art using AppleWorks painting.
With some assistance, Student is able to use TEL and the internet to access and retrieve specific information
related to a research topic. He is learning how to use HyperStudio to add sound, voice and animation as part of our
class CD of student work.
LEARNING SKILLS
Mostly E’s
Student’s thoughtfulness and kindness towards others are genuine assets to our classroom community. She is a very
motivated learner who uses her time in class efficiently. Student’s homework is consistently done on time and to the
best of her abilities. In her relationship with myself and her classmates she follows our Tribes Mutual Agreements of
Attentive Listening, Mutual Respect, Right to Pass and Appreciation/No Put Downs. I wish to congratulate her on a
wonderful start to Grade 4!
Student is able to share her thoughts and ideas in community circle and in class discussions. She puts forth a
positive effort to complete assigned work in class and her homework is consistently done on time. In her
relationships with her classmates, Student is respectful, helpful and cooperative. She is an outstanding model for
our Tribes Mutual Agreements of Attentive Listening, Mutual Respect, Right to Pass and Appreciation/No Put
Downs. Her kindness and warmth are valued gifts she brings to our classroom community.
Student participates fully in community circle and in class discussions. He consistently follows our Tribes Mutual
Agreements of Attentive Listening, Mutual Respect, Right to Pass and Appreciation/No Put Downs and is very
respectful towards his classmates. He often helps other students if they require assistance and encourages them to
follow the Mutual Agreements. Student works independently and uses his time in class very efficiently. He
consistently completes all homework assignments. I wish to congratulate Student on his progress this term and thank
him for being an outstanding part of our classroom community.
Student is an outstanding member of our classroom community. She consistently follows our Tribes Mutual
Agreements and is warm, helpful and kind in her interactions with her classmates. Student’s positive attitude
towards learning is evident in all subject areas and greatly contributes to her academic success. I wish to
congratulate her on an excellent year in Grade 4!
Mostly G’s (Some S’s)
Student’s insightful nature is genuine asset to our classroom community. As the term has progressed he has become
a more self-motivated and self-directed learner. He is now using his time in class more efficiently. His homework is
still not consistently done on time but an improvement in this area has been noted as the term has progressed. I
encourage Student not to rush his work in class or at home. In his relationships with his classmates, Student needs to
work on consistently following our Tribes Mutual Agreements of Attentive Listening, Mutual Respect, Right to Pass
and Appreciation/No Put Downs. I wish to congratulate him on his positive start in Grade 4!
Student participates actively in community circle and in class discussions. She follows our Tribes Mutual
Agreements of Attentive Listening, Mutual Respect, Right to Pass and Appreciation/No Put Downs and is respectful
towards her classmates. She works fairly independently and uses her time in class efficiently. Student has
completed her homework assignments on a more consistent basis this term. I continue to encourage her to seek my
assistance if she has questions or is unsure about an assignment or topic. I wish to congratulate Student on her
progress this term and thank her for being a positive part of our classroom community.
Student’s warmth and thoughtfulness are positive gifts she brings each day to our classroom community. She uses
her time in class very productively but still needs to work on her organizational skills, specifically consistent
completion of assigned homework. Student is very aware of our Tribes Mutual Agreements and does her best to
follow them in her interactions with her classmates. I wish to congratulate her on her progress in Grade 4!
Addressing N’s
In her relationships with her classmates Student is not always able to see how her words and actions can affect
others. I encourage her to consistently follow our Tribes Mutual Agreements of Attentive Listening, Mutual Respect,
Right to Pass and Appreciation/No Put Downs.
In her interactions with her peers, Student is very quick to see how someone else has not followed our Tribes
Mutual Agreements but it is more difficult for her to acknowledge her own role in a conflict. I encourage Student to
worry less about the thoughts and actions of others and focus instead on all of the positive qualities she possesses.
I encourage Student to share his feelings when he is concerned about his own actions or those of another
student, rather than letting his emotions build up and result in a display of inappropriate behaviour.
Student’s effort to complete assigned work varies. If Student feels he is not able to do something he often gives up
before fully attempting the task. When he does persevere he can experience success.
I believe Student genuinely cares about being successful at school and know he is capable of showing respect to all
students and teachers. If he follows our Tribes Mutual Agreements of Attentive Listening, Mutual Respect, Right to
Pass and Appreciation/No Put Downs this can happen. I appreciate Student’s spirit and sense of humour and
encourage him to make positive choices.
His homework is not always done on time or to the best of his abilities. He needs to continue to work on his
organizational skills (ex. planner, completing important assignments). I encourage Student to seek my
assistance if he is unsure about an assignment or topic.
Another positive development has been Student’s increased social awareness. He is learning to “stop and think”
about what is happening and to express his feelings in words rather than actions. I wish to congratulate Student on
his progress in these areas.
At times, Student gets carried away and crosses the boundary of acceptable behaviour either by using
inappropriate language or excessive physical force. Student does not have to prove to others he is “tough.” If he
simply is himself he will earn the respect of all students and teachers. I am confident he can do it!
