BC Report Comments: Critical and Reflective Thinking, K-3
Critical and Reflective Thinking is analyzing and judging: asking questions, using evidence and criteria to make decisions, and looking back on one's own learning to notice what worked and adjust strategies.
Below are 13 sample sentences for K-Grade 3: 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 critical and reflective 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
- [Name] readily compares two picture books or objects and explains which one fits a set of criteria, giving clear reasons.
- Before making a decision, [Name] weighs the evidence on more than one side and is willing to change [his/her/their] mind when the facts call for it.
Next step
- A good stretch for [Name] would be to explain to a reading buddy how [he/she/they] can tell whether a story is make-believe or could truly happen.
Proficient P
Strengths
- Given a set of objects or pictures, [Name] can sort them by a rule and explain the sorting rule to a classmate.
- [Name] usually considers more than one idea before making a choice and explains which option makes the most sense.
Next step
- During show and share, [Name] could practise adding a "because" statement to explain how [he/she/they] can tell something is true.
Developing D
Strengths
- With a picture checklist, [Name] is learning to check [his/her/their] work before saying it is finished.
- [Name] at times supports an idea with evidence, and these moments show [he/she/they] can think things through.
Next step
- A picture checklist at each centre would help [Name] look back at [his/her/their] work and fix one thing before moving on.
Emerging E
Strengths
- In play-based learning, [Name] is starting to try a new way when the first plan does not work, with gentle guidance.
- One-on-one, [Name] can explain why [he/she/they] might choose one answer over another.
Next step
- During sharing circle, [Name] could practise giving a reason for a choice, using a picture card that shows the word "because".
Support at home
- When choosing between two options at home, such as which route to walk, you could invite [Name] to compare them and explain the choice.
How to write critical and reflective thinking comments for K-Grade 3
- Young children show this through questions and comparisons: asking why during a read-aloud, sorting objects by a rule, or noticing which tower stood longest. Quote one question or observation the child made.
- For reflection, mention whether the child can say what was tricky and what helped, perhaps using a thumbs-up or picture scale, which is a simple way of checking their own work.
- Choose a next step that practises giving reasons, such as finishing 'I think... because...' during sharing circle, since a reason is the starting point for using evidence.
Watch out: Avoid turning this facet into a comment on correct answers. Getting work right is not the same as critical thinking; describe the questions, evidence and reflection behind the work, including in projects that did not succeed.
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 Critical and Reflective Thinking covers
In these comments, critical and reflective thinking covers these behaviours:
- asks questions and analyzes information
- uses evidence and criteria to make judgments
- reflects on learning and thinking
- monitors progress and adjusts strategies
More British Columbia comments
- Communicating, K-Grade 3
- Collaborating, K-Grade 3
- Creative Thinking, K-Grade 3
- Critical and Reflective Thinking, Grades 4-9
- Personal Awareness and Responsibility, K-Grade 3
- Positive Personal and Cultural Identity, K-Grade 3
- Social Awareness and Responsibility, K-Grade 3
- Opening and closing sentences
- All British Columbia skills and grade bands
- For the same report: BC Report Card Comments by Subject, K-9
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How these sentences were made, and what has been checked: About these comments.