EYFS Reception Report Comments: Communication and Language
Communication and Language covers how a child listens, pays attention and understands, and how they speak: following instructions, asking questions, joining in back-and-forth conversation, using new vocabulary, and explaining or retelling events in sentences.
Below are 13 sample sentences for Reception (FS2): two strengths and one next step for each of the 4 comment levels (Expected: secure and confident / Expected / Emerging: developing well / Emerging: beginning), plus a tip for families. They are a small selection from the 173 communication and language sentences in the full pack. Copy one, then add a detail only you know about the student.
Jump to: Expected: secure and confident · Expected · Emerging: developing well · Emerging: beginning · Writing tips
Fills in the name and pronouns on this page. Nothing is sent anywhere.
Expected: secure and confident S
Strengths
- [Name] explains how an answer was worked out in maths or in play, using words such as first, next and because.
- Describing things comes easily to [Name], who chooses precise words such as shallow, ridged or enormous.
Next step
- To get ready for Year 1, [Name] could practise explaining ideas in longer sentences that link two or three thoughts.
Expected E
Strengths
- During show and tell, [Name] is able to speak to the class about an object and answer a question or two.
- [Name] is able to describe objects and pictures using words for size, colour and shape.
Next step
- To prepare for Year 1, [Name] could practise listening to an instruction once and acting on it straight away.
Emerging: developing well D
Strengths
- At show and tell, [Name] enjoys holding up an object and, with encouragement, says a sentence or two about it.
- [Name] likes describing pictures and objects and, with growing confidence, uses words for colour, size and texture.
Next step
- Taking part in show and tell, with a few prompt questions from an adult, will help [Name] speak to the class with growing confidence.
Emerging: beginning B
Strengths
- Show and tell interests [Name], who is beginning to say a word or two about a special object with an adult close by.
- [Name] copies words and phrases that adults model and is beginning to use some of them independently.
Next step
- Practising a simple sentence starter, such as I like or I can see, will help [Name] join in during carpet discussions.
Support at home
- Mealtimes without screens are a lovely chance to take turns talking and listening as a family.
How to write communication and language comments for Reception (FS2)
- Look at listening during carpet time and in small groups: does the child respond with a relevant question or comment? Name the session, such as a story discussion or show and tell.
- Note sentence shape and tense when the child retells, such as using 'because' or describing what happened at the weekend. A next step like using a new word from the class story is easy to practise.
- Describe conversation as two-way: does the child take turns to talk, build on what a friend says and wait to speak? Talk partners on the carpet give a clear routine to refer to.
Watch out: Avoid treating a quiet child as having limited language. Describe what they understand and how they communicate in a comfortable setting, and keep any speech concerns for a private conversation with parents and carers.
At the most secure level, words such as confidently, independently and in a range of situations fit, backed by one example from play. At the earliest level, name what the child can already do and the support that helps, such as modelling or a visual prompt. Let the observation show the level rather than restating it.
What Communication and Language covers
In these comments, communication and language covers these behaviours:
- Listening, Attention and Understanding: listens attentively, responds to what they hear, asks questions
- Speaking: talks in well-formed sentences, uses new vocabulary, explains and retells
- joins in back-and-forth conversation with adults and friends
More EYFS comments
- Communication and Language, Nursery (FS1)
- Personal, Social and Emotional Development, Reception (FS2)
- Physical Development, Reception (FS2)
- Literacy, Reception (FS2)
- Mathematics, Reception (FS2)
- Understanding the World, Reception (FS2)
- Expressive Arts and Design, Reception (FS2)
- Characteristics of Effective Learning, Reception (FS2)
- Opening and closing sentences
- All EYFS skills and grade bands
- Build a comment with the comment picker
How these sentences were made, and what has been checked: About these comments.