BC Core Competency Comments: Creative Thinking, Gr 4-9
Creative Thinking is coming up with new ideas and making them work: brainstorming possibilities, combining and refining ideas, taking risks with a new approach, and using imagination to solve problems in play, art, writing, math or design.
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 creative thinking 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 design challenges, [Name] takes the lead in proposing bold prototypes, testing them and reworking them into more effective solutions.
- [Name] readily steps outside familiar methods, experimenting with new materials, formats and strategies to see what is possible.
Next step
- [He/She/They] could extend this by keeping an idea journal and choosing one entry each month to develop into a finished piece.
Proficient P
Strengths
- [Name] is willing to try unfamiliar formats in [his/her/their] writing, such as a diary entry or a script, and usually handles them well.
- When an idea does not work out, [Name] generally tries again with a different plan, needing few reminders.
Next step
- [Name] could set a goal to take one creative risk in each project and reflect on the outcome in [his/her/their] self-assessment.
Developing D
Strengths
- Digital tools give [Name] a way to make creative choices, and with reminders [he/she/they] can add images or layouts that support [his/her/their] message.
- With support, [Name] is learning to see mistakes as part of the creative process and to try again with a different idea.
Next step
- A next step is for [Name] to set a goal of trying one unfamiliar presentation format and reflect on how it went.
Emerging E
Strengths
- With a model to follow, [Name] is beginning to use devices to add an image or simple design choice to [his/her/their] work.
- [Name] feels most comfortable with familiar tasks and is beginning to try something different with adult support.
Next step
- A graphic organizer with two boxes could help [Name] combine an idea from research with one of [his/her/their] own.
Support at home
- You could leave out paper, pencils and found objects so your child has time to draw, build and imagine without a set goal.
How to write creative thinking comments for Grades 4-9
- Look at how ideas develop over time: brainstorm notes, sketches, drafts and revisions in a design challenge or inquiry project. Name one change the student made and why it improved the idea.
- Include idea generation in less obvious subjects, such as finding two strategies for a math problem or proposing a new format for presenting research, so creativity is not limited to art.
- For next steps, suggest a specific technique, such as listing ten ideas before choosing one, combining two classmates' ideas, or testing a prototype and recording what to change.
Watch out: Avoid treating Creative Thinking as artistic talent. Neat drawings or polished crafts are not the facet; describe how the student generated, combined or tested ideas, which any learner can show.
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 Creative Thinking covers
In these comments, creative thinking covers these behaviours:
- generates new ideas and possibilities
- develops ideas by building on, combining and refining them
- takes risks and tries new approaches
- uses imagination to solve problems
More British Columbia comments
- Communicating, Grades 4-9
- Collaborating, Grades 4-9
- Creative Thinking, K-Grade 3
- 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.