NZ Report Comments: Using Language, Symbols and Texts, Y1-4
Using language, symbols and texts covers how a child communicates in talk, writing and other forms, listens to and responds to texts, uses numbers, symbols and diagrams to share ideas, and uses digital tools thoughtfully.
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 using language, symbols and texts 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
- [Name] listens closely when stories are read aloud and reliably retells the main events in the right order.
- After reading or hearing a text, [Name] readily talks about the author's message and backs up [his/her/their] view with examples.
Next step
- To extend [his/her/their] news sharing, [Name] could add more detail by answering who, what, where and why questions.
Usually U
Strengths
- [Name] usually listens well at mat time and can retell the main parts of a story to a partner.
- [Name] often makes links between the texts we read and [his/her/their] own experiences, which adds depth to class kōrero.
Next step
- During reading groups, a next step is for [Name] to talk about how a character might be feeling and why.
Sometimes S
Strengths
- At mat time, [Name] sometimes listens through a whole story and can retell a favourite part with some help.
- [Name] occasionally connects a story to [his/her/their] own experiences, and these moments add fresh ideas to our discussions.
Next step
- [Name] could practise retelling home reading stories to whānau, using the pictures to remember the order of events.
Not yet N
Strengths
- Using counters and fingers, [Name] can show a small number and, with one-to-one help, talk through each step of counting it.
- Guiding questions from an adult help [Name] begin to connect stories to [his/her/their] own experiences.
Next step
- Sharing home reading books with whānau each night and talking about the pictures will help [Name] build a love of stories.
Support at home
- Cooking together is a good chance for [Name] to read a recipe, measure amounts and talk about the numbers involved.
How to write using language, symbols and texts comments for Years 1-4
- Use sharing news at mat time as evidence: does the child speak so the class can hear, stay on topic and answer a question? Whānau can practise these at the dinner table.
- Describe how the child responds to stories and home reading, such as retelling the main events or naming a favourite character, rather than the level of book they read.
- Include symbols and texts beyond writing: drawing a diagram to explain an idea, filling in a tally chart, or joining in with the words of waiata and karakia at the start of the day.
Watch out: Writing about reading age, spelling results or how far the child is through a writing programme turns this into an achievement comment. Describe how the child uses language to communicate and respond instead.
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 Using Language, Symbols and Texts covers
In these comments, using language, symbols and texts covers these behaviours:
- communicates ideas clearly in talk, writing and other forms
- listens to, reads and responds to a range of texts
- uses numbers, symbols and diagrams to share ideas
- uses digital tools thoughtfully to create and share learning
More New Zealand primary comments
- Thinking, Years 1-4
- Using Language, Symbols and Texts, Years 5-8
- Managing Self, Years 1-4
- 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.