Mathematics Report Card Comments, Grades 7-8 (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 7-8: 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
Fills in the name and pronouns on this page. Nothing is sent anywhere.
Level 4 (A, 80-100%) A
Strengths
- During probability experiments, [Name] compares experimental results with theoretical probability and explains the differences thoughtfully.
- [Name] makes insightful connections between math and other subjects, such as using measurement in science or reading graphs in other lessons.
Next steps:
- Exploring circles, [Name] can investigate how circumference and diameter relate and use the relationship to solve design problems.
Level 3 (B, 70-79%) B
Strengths
- When creating a budget or financial plan, [Name] accounts for income and expenses accurately and can explain each choice.
- [Name] generally makes reasonable estimates in math and uses them to check whether an answer is close.
Next steps:
- Checking units at each step of a surface area or volume problem will help [Name] catch errors and label answers correctly.
Level 2 (C, 60-69%) C
Strengths
- [Name] can carry out a simple probability experiment in math and record the results with some accuracy, then compare them with the expected outcome when prompted.
- During number talks, [Name] is developing mental math strategies and can explain one way to solve a question when given time to think.
Next steps:
- Drawing the net of a prism from a partly completed template and labelling each face will help [Name] find surface area one face at a time.
Level 1 (D, 50-59%) D
Strengths
- Using sentence starters, [Name] is beginning to explain one step of [his/her/their] math solution and shows a limited understanding of how to justify it.
- Following a worked example, [Name] can complete a similar math problem and is starting to check whether the answer makes sense.
Next steps:
- Comparing the prices of two similar items in a flyer with a teacher, [Name] can practise deciding which one costs less per item.
Support at home
- Talking about math in any language spoken at home, while sharing a snack fairly or setting the table, builds your child's understanding.
How to write mathematics comments for Grades 7-8
- Comment on proportional reasoning, which runs through ratios, rates, percents and scale drawings in Grades 7-8. 'Sets up a ratio table to compare unit prices' tells families far more than a general remark about problem solving.
- For Algebra, describe how the student moves between a pattern, a table of values, a graph and an equation, and whether they can explain what a variable stands for in a real situation such as a savings plan.
- Financial Literacy at this stage includes budgets, interest, credit and exchange rates. A next step such as comparing the total cost of two ways to pay for a purchase links math to decisions families make.
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
- Language, Grades 7-8
- Mathematics, Grades 1-3
- Mathematics, Grades 4-6
- Science and Technology, Grades 7-8
- History, Grades 7-8
- Geography, Grades 7-8
- Opening and closing sentences
- All Ontario subjects skills and grade bands
- Build a comment with the comment picker
How these sentences were made, and what has been checked: About these comments.