Mathematics Report Card Comments, Grades 1-3 (Ontario)

Mathematics covers five strands, Number, Algebra, Data, Spatial Sense and Financial Literacy, with the mathematical processes of problem solving, reasoning, communicating, representing and connecting shown across all of them. Coding is part of the Algebra strand.

Below are 13 sample sentences for Grades 1-3: 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 mathematics 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

During math talks, [Name] explains [his/her/their] thinking with pictures, numbers and words and builds thoughtfully on the ideas of classmates.
When solving money problems, [Name] works accurately with amounts and explains [his/her/their] thinking with a high degree of clarity.

Next steps:

[Name] is encouraged to solve story problems about buying items at a classroom store and show more than one way to pay.

Level 3 (B, 70-79%) B

Strengths

In our data activities, [Name] sorts objects by an attribute, records them in a tally chart and answers questions about the results.
When describing shapes, [Name] uses math vocabulary accurately and can sort the shapes by their properties in more than one way.

Next steps:

Sorting and naming coins and bills each week will help [Name] decide which amounts are worth more.

Level 2 (C, 60-69%) C

Strengths

[Name] uses manipulatives or drawings to show [his/her/their] thinking in math and, with prompting, can explain [his/her/their] answer to a classmate.
In measurement tasks in math, [Name] is building accuracy in choosing units and recording measurements, and solves familiar problems with a model.

Next steps:

Sorting a handful of play coins, [Name] can practise naming each coin, saying what it is worth and ordering the coins from least to greatest value.

Level 1 (D, 50-59%) D

Strengths

Acting out simple math story problems with counters and one-on-one guidance, [Name] can show the answer with the objects.
During measurement tasks in math, [Name] is beginning to choose a suitable unit with direct support and can carry out one step of a problem with a worked example.

Next steps:

With picture cards and play money, [Name] will match familiar Canadian coins to their names and values, using a model to check each choice.

Support at home

When your child solves a math problem, invite an explanation out loud and ask what would change if one of the numbers were different.

How to write mathematics comments for Grades 1-3

Name the tool the child uses, such as a ten frame, rekenrek, base ten blocks or a hundred chart, and whether they still need it. Families can copy the same model with buttons, coins or egg cartons.
Describe the strategy behind an answer, such as counting on from the larger number or making ten, rather than only accuracy. In Grades 1-3 this is what reasoning looks like, and parents can ask for it at home.
Primary Financial Literacy is concrete: naming coins and bills, counting a small collection and making simple change. Mention a classroom store or sorting activity you saw, since families can repeat it with real coins.

Watch out: Avoid letting speed with math facts stand for the whole subject. Pick one strand, describe how the student explains or represents their thinking in it, and give a strategy to practise in that same strand.

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 Mathematics covers

Report card strands and skills for mathematics:

Number: number sense, place value, fractions, decimals and percents, math facts, mental math and operations
Algebra: patterns, variables, equations and inequalities, coding and mathematical modelling
Data: collecting, organizing, displaying and analysing data, and probability
Spatial Sense: geometric reasoning, location and movement, and measurement (length, area, volume, angles, time)
Financial Literacy: money concepts, and in Grades 4-8 budgeting, saving, spending and consumer decisions
The mathematical processes (problem solving, reasoning, communicating, representing, connecting) shown across every strand

More Ontario subjects comments

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