NZ Report Comments: Using Language, Symbols and Texts, Y5-8
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 5-8: 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
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Consistently C
Strengths
- [Name] adapts [his/her/their] writing style with ease for different audiences, from formal reports to persuasive speeches and personal stories.
- [Name] interprets charts and graphs accurately and explains clearly what the numbers tell us.
Next step
- [He/She/They] could test [his/her/their] speaking skills further by entering a speech competition or school debate.
Usually U
Strengths
- [Name] generally adjusts [his/her/their] writing for different purposes, such as reports, persuasive pieces and narratives.
- Most of the time, [Name] checks [his/her/their] digital work for clarity before sharing it with others.
Next step
- [Name] could choose the most suitable graph or diagram for [his/her/their] data and explain that choice in a sentence or two.
Sometimes S
Strengths
- [Name] is learning to adjust [his/her/their] writing for different purposes, and a planning template helps at times.
- On a device, [Name] creates and shares learning and at times needs a reminder to stay on task.
Next step
- Rehearsing presentations with a partner and using cue cards will help [Name] speak to a group with more assurance.
Not yet N
Strengths
- With one-to-one help, [Name] is beginning to draft and edit work on a device and is learning where to save it so it is easy to find.
- Frequent reminders from the kaiako help [Name] follow the steps for using a device safely and sensibly.
Next step
- [Name] would benefit from going over our digital citizenship guidelines with an adult and talking through real examples.
Support at home
- When [Name] uses a device at home, you could talk together about what is safe and kind to share online.
How to write using language, symbols and texts comments for Years 5-8
- Name one presentation skill to build, such as speaking from notes rather than reading a script, making eye contact, or choosing visuals that support the message for the audience.
- Mention digital citizenship where it applies: whether the student drafts and edits on a device, records where information came from, and leaves respectful comments on classmates' shared work.
- Note how the student adjusts language for purpose and audience, for example a formal report compared with a persuasive speech, and how they read and present charts or graphs in inquiry.
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 5-8
- Using Language, Symbols and Texts, Years 1-4
- Managing Self, Years 5-8
- Relating to Others, Years 5-8
- Participating and Contributing, Years 5-8
- 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.