ATL Communication Skills Report Comments, Grades 3-5
Communication covers listening and speaking in discussions and presentations, reading and writing to gather and share information, and using technology to communicate. In class it looks like asking a follow-up question, writing a clear caption or adding to a shared document.
Below are 13 sample sentences for Grades 3-5: two strengths and one next step for each of the 4 comment levels (Extending / Consolidating / Developing / Beginning), plus a tip for families. They are a small selection from the 184 communication skills sentences in the full pack. Copy one, then add a detail only you know about the student.
Jump to: Extending · Consolidating · Developing · Beginning · Writing tips
Fills in the name and pronouns on this page. Nothing is sent anywhere.
Extending E
Strengths
- In shared digital documents, [Name] thoughtfully adds comments and edits that improve the quality of the group's work.
- [Name] reads to find out with ease, picking out key facts from texts and using them to explain ideas to others.
Next step
- A useful stretch goal for [Name] is to plan and record a short podcast that explains an inquiry to younger students.
Consolidating C
Strengths
- [Name] types [his/her/their] work with growing speed and accuracy, using digital tools to check spelling with few reminders.
- [Name] generally reads to find answers to questions and can share what was found in [his/her/their] own words.
Next step
- A next step for [Name] is to plan slideshows on paper first, so each slide has one clear message and a matching image.
Developing D
Strengths
- [Name] adds ideas to shared digital documents occasionally and is learning to keep [his/her/their] comments on topic.
- [Name] sometimes reads to find information on a topic and, with guidance, can share one or two facts in [his/her/their] own words.
Next step
- [Name] will benefit from short typing practice sessions to build keyboard skills for written work.
Beginning B
Strengths
- With modelling, [Name] is beginning to add a short sentence to a shared class document.
- With an adult reading alongside, [Name] is beginning to find one or two facts in a simple book.
Next step
- Short, guided keyboard practice will help [Name] type a few connected sentences and correct simple errors in written work.
Support at home
- Looking at family photos together and asking [Name] to describe what happened builds speaking skills and new vocabulary.
How to write communication skills comments for Grades 3-5
- Separate the three strands: a child may present confidently but write unclear research notes. Saying which strand is strong and which needs work gives a more useful next step than one overall judgement.
- Mention peer feedback and digital collaboration, such as comments left in a shared document or feedback given against success criteria, since these show communication beyond speaking in front of the class.
- For presentations, name one specific feature: eye contact, pacing, a clear structure or answering audience questions. A next step like 'pause after each key point' is easier to practise than 'speak more clearly'.
Watch out: Do not treat English proficiency as communication skill. For multilingual learners, describe how the child shares ideas (gesture, drawing, home language, short English phrases) rather than rating them down for limited English.
At Extending, describe independent use and transfer: the child applies the skill in a new unit of inquiry or helps classmates use it. Consolidating fits usually or with few reminders; Developing fits sometimes or with guidance; Beginning names what the child does with adult support and what is emerging. Show the level through one observed example rather than repeating the label.
What Communication Skills covers
ATL sub-skills for communication skills:
- exchanging-information skills (listening, interpreting, speaking)
- literacy skills (reading, writing and using language to gather and communicate information)
- ICT skills (using technology to gather, investigate and communicate information)
More ATL skills comments
- Thinking Skills, Grades 3-5
- Communication Skills, K-Grade 2
- Social Skills, Grades 3-5
- Self-Management Skills, Grades 3-5
- Research Skills, Grades 3-5
- Opening and closing sentences
- All ATL skills skills and grade bands
- For the same report: Subject Report Comments for Cambridge Primary and Lower Secondary, Stages 1-9
- Build a comment with the comment picker
How these sentences were made, and what has been checked: About these comments.