NZ Key Competency Report Comments: Managing Self, Y1-4
Managing self is about being organised and ready to learn, working independently, setting goals, using time well, persevering when learning is hard, and managing feelings to make positive choices in class and in the playground.
Below are 13 sample sentences for Years 1-4: two strengths and one next step for each of the 4 comment levels (Consistently / Usually / Sometimes / Not yet), plus a tip for families. They are a small selection from the 173 managing self sentences in the full pack. Copy one, then add a detail only you know about the student.
Jump to: Consistently · Usually · Sometimes · Not yet · Writing tips
Fills in the name and pronouns on this page. Nothing is sent anywhere.
Consistently C
Strengths
- When a word in [his/her/their] reader is tricky, [Name] confidently has another go using the strategies we have practised in reading groups.
- [Name] plans [his/her/their] time carefully, breaking bigger tasks into steps and finishing within the time given.
Next step
- A next step is for [Name] to lead a small group in tidying up and resetting the room after discovery time.
Usually U
Strengths
- [Name] often keeps practising tricky words and sums until [he/she/they] can do them, and is proud of the effort.
- [Name] mostly uses class time well and finishes tasks within the time given.
Next step
- [Name] could keep trying tricky words in home reading by using the first sound and the picture before asking for help.
Sometimes S
Strengths
- [Name] occasionally gives up when a word or a sum is tricky, and is learning to tell [himself/herself/themselves] "I can have another go" instead.
- With some support, [Name] sets a learning goal and talks about the steps needed to reach it.
Next step
- During reading groups, [Name] could use a task card listing what to do when [his/her/their] independent work is done.
Not yet N
Strengths
- With an adult beside [him/her/them], [Name] is beginning to sound out tricky words in [his/her/their] reader instead of stopping.
- With adult support, [Name] has set a first personal goal and enjoys talking about it.
Next step
- Taking a turn as the class helper for packing away will help [Name] learn the end-of-day routine.
Support at home
- Talking about feelings at the dinner table, including your own, helps [Name] learn words for different emotions and ways to calm down.
How to write managing self comments for Years 1-4
- Name the steps of the morning routine the child manages, such as unpacking the bag, putting the home reading folder away and being ready on the mat for karakia.
- Describe what the child does when a task feels hard, like having another go at a tricky word or saying 'I can try again', so whānau can use the same words at home.
- For lower ratings, suggest a picture checklist or visual timer as the next step, and mention any calm-down strategy that helps the child settle after morning tea or lunchtime.
Watch out: Words that sound like a personality label or diagnosis, such as anxious or impulsive, do not belong in a report. Describe the behaviour, the strategy being practised and the progress, and raise concerns with whānau in person.
Each label describes how often you see the behaviour. Consistently suits reliably, independently or without being asked; Usually suits regularly or with few reminders; Sometimes suits at times or with some support; Not yet suits is beginning to, together with the support that helps. Describe what the child actually does rather than repeating the rating, and keep Not yet comments warm and constructive.
What Managing Self covers
In these comments, managing self covers these behaviours:
- is organised and ready for learning
- works independently, sets goals and uses time well
- perseveres and shows resilience when learning is hard
- manages feelings and makes positive choices
More New Zealand primary comments
- Thinking, Years 1-4
- Using Language, Symbols and Texts, Years 1-4
- Managing Self, Years 5-8
- Relating to Others, Years 1-4
- Participating and Contributing, Years 1-4
- Opening and closing sentences
- All New Zealand primary skills and grade bands
- Build a comment with the comment picker
How these sentences were made, and what has been checked: About these comments.