Language Report Card Comments, Grades 4-6 (Ontario)

Language is one overall grade covering four strands: Literacy Connections and Applications, Foundations of Language, Comprehension and Composition. In class that means reading, listening to and viewing texts, talking about them, writing in different forms, and analysing media.

Below are 13 sample sentences for Grades 4-6: two strengths and one next step for each of the 4 comment levels (Level 4 (A, 80-100%) / Level 3 (B, 70-79%) / Level 2 (C, 60-69%) / Level 1 (D, 50-59%)), plus a tip for families. They are a small selection from the 411 language sentences in the full pack. Copy one, then add a detail only you know about the student.

Jump to: Level 4 (A, 80-100%) · Level 3 (B, 70-79%) · Level 2 (C, 60-69%) · Level 1 (D, 50-59%) · Writing tips

Student name Pronouns

Fills in the name and pronouns on this page. Nothing is sent anywhere.

Level 4 (A, 80-100%) A

Strengths

[Name] develops a distinct voice in [his/her/their] narratives, using dialogue, description and varied sentence lengths to engage readers.
[Name] writes with a high degree of effectiveness in a range of forms, adjusting [his/her/their] language to suit the purpose and the audience.

Next steps:

Experimenting with punctuation such as colons and semicolons will give [Name] new ways to link ideas and control the pace of [his/her/their] writing.

Level 3 (B, 70-79%) B

Strengths

In persuasive and information writing, [Name] states a clear position or topic and supports it with relevant reasons and facts.
When reading aloud, [Name] reads at a comfortable pace with considerable accuracy, pausing at punctuation to keep the meaning clear.

Next steps:

During book talks, [Name] could ask classmates to explain the evidence for their opinions and add a related example from the novel.

Level 2 (C, 60-69%) C

Strengths

During presentations to the class, [Name] speaks with some clarity and is learning to glance at notes rather than read them word for word.
[Name] sometimes carries reading and writing strategies from Language into other subjects, such as rereading a math problem or labelling a science diagram.

Next steps:

Short daily typing sessions with a finger-position chart will help [Name] build keyboarding skills for longer writing pieces.

Level 1 (D, 50-59%) D

Strengths

When writing an opinion piece, [Name] states an opinion with a sentence starter and is beginning to add a reason with teacher support.
When speaking to a small group, [Name] communicates ideas with limited detail, and visual supports such as pictures or notes help [him/her/them] stay on topic.

Next steps:

Echo reading a short passage after the teacher will help [Name] hear and copy smooth phrasing and expression.

Support at home

When you see a flyer, sign or cereal box, ask your child who it is trying to reach and how the words and pictures try to persuade.

How to write language comments for Grades 4-6

Name the comprehension strategy precisely: inferring a character's motive, finding the main idea, summarizing a chapter or identifying point of view in a literature circle novel. 'Reads well' gives families nothing specific to ask about at home.
For Composition, cite one revision the student made, such as adding a topic sentence, a linking word or a stronger reason in a persuasive paragraph, rather than commenting only on neatness or length.
Include media and digital literacy where you have evidence: explaining who an advertisement is aimed at, checking whether an online source is trustworthy, or communicating safely and respectfully in a shared class document.

Watch out: Avoid letting reading level or the number of books read stand for the whole Language grade. With four strands in one mark, add a strength from a second strand, such as oral communication or media literacy.

Level 4 (A, 80-100%) language is thorough, independent and applied in new situations; Level 3 (B, 70-79%) is considerable, clear and usually accurate; Level 2 (C, 60-69%) shows some effectiveness, often with a model or support; Level 1 (D, 50-59%) names what the student does with direct support and what is emerging. The grade is already printed, so describe the learning rather than restating the mark.

What Language covers

Report card strands and skills for language:

Literacy Connections and Applications: transfers literacy skills across subjects, researches, and uses digital media safely and thoughtfully
Foundations of Language: listening, speaking and non-verbal communication; word-level reading and spelling (phonics in Grades 1-3, word parts and vocabulary in Grades 4-8); reading fluency; grammar, punctuation and capitalization
Comprehension: reads, listens to and views a range of texts, uses comprehension strategies, makes inferences, and responds to and analyses texts, including media texts
Composition: plans, drafts, revises, edits and publishes texts in different forms and genres, including media and digital texts; printing, cursive writing and keyboarding

More Ontario subjects comments

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