BC Core Competency Comments: Communicating, Gr 4-9
Communicating is how a student listens, contributes and shares ideas with a purpose: talking in a sharing circle or discussion, gathering and presenting information, and explaining what they did and learned to others.
Below are 13 sample sentences for Grades 4-9: two strengths and one next step for each of the 4 comment levels (Extending / Proficient / Developing / Emerging), plus a tip for families. They are a small selection from the 173 communicating sentences in the full pack. Copy one, then add a detail only you know about the student.
Jump to: Extending · Proficient · Developing · Emerging · Writing tips
Fills in the name and pronouns on this page. Nothing is sent anywhere.
Extending X
Strengths
- In self-assessments, [Name] explains [his/her/their] growth as a communicator with specific evidence and sets meaningful next steps.
- [Name] confidently sorts the information that matters from details that do not and presents only what supports [his/her/their] message.
Next step
- A stretch goal for [Name] is to co-create presentation criteria with classmates and give peers specific, helpful feedback.
Proficient P
Strengths
- When self-assessing against criteria, [Name] can usually point to evidence of growth as a speaker and listener.
- [Name] usually remembers key details from stories, lessons and discussions and uses them when sharing ideas.
Next step
- A next step for [Name] is to check research notes against two sources before sharing facts with the class.
Developing D
Strengths
- Using the class criteria, [Name] can identify one communication strength with support and is learning to back it up with evidence.
- [Name] shares ideas more smoothly when given a little time to plan and is developing the habit of thinking before speaking.
Next step
- Setting a communication goal, such as speaking up once in each group discussion, would give [Name] a focus for self-assessment.
Emerging E
Strengths
- Using a simple self-assessment checklist, [Name] is beginning to name one thing [he/she/they] can do as a communicator.
- [Name] shows interest in what others say by watching the speaker and is beginning to ask simple questions.
Next step
- With a partner and a cue card, [Name] could practise presenting one short fact to a small group before a larger audience.
Support at home
- Before a phone call or visit with relatives, help [Name] think of one thing [he/she/they] would like to share with them.
How to write communicating comments for Grades 4-9
- Point to a presentation or inquiry share: did the student plan for the audience, choose visuals that support the message, and handle questions? Say which part was strongest and which to work on.
- Include how the student acquires and interprets information, such as taking notes from a video, summarizing an article, or checking a fact against a second source, since presenting is only half of this facet.
- Mention digital communication when relevant: a message to the teacher, comments on a classmate's shared document, or a slideshow. Note whether the tone and content fit the purpose and audience.
Watch out: Avoid equating Communicating with how much a student talks. A quiet student who listens closely, asks one clear question or writes a well-organized explanation is communicating; describe that evidence instead.
The proficiency scale is used for learning standards; here its four names only label levels of written feedback on a Core Competency facet. Extending-level wording describes depth, independence and new situations; Proficient, regular use in familiar ones; Developing, parts of the facet with support; Emerging, first steps with guidance. Add the evidence instead of restating a level, so the comment never reads as a grade.
What Communicating covers
In these comments, communicating covers these behaviours:
- connects and engages with others by listening and contributing
- focuses on intent and purpose when sharing ideas
- acquires, interprets and presents information
- explains and reflects on experiences and accomplishments
More British Columbia comments
- Communicating, K-Grade 3
- Collaborating, Grades 4-9
- Creative Thinking, Grades 4-9
- Critical and Reflective Thinking, Grades 4-9
- Personal Awareness and Responsibility, Grades 4-9
- Positive Personal and Cultural Identity, Grades 4-9
- Social Awareness and Responsibility, Grades 4-9
- Opening and closing sentences
- All British Columbia skills and grade bands
- For the same report: BC Report Card Comments by Subject, K-9
- Build a comment with the comment picker
How these sentences were made, and what has been checked: About these comments.