Independent Work Learning Skills Comments, Grades 1-3 (Ontario)

Independent Work is how well a student keeps going without an adult beside them: following instructions with minimal supervision, using class time to get work done, and checking and adjusting their own plan.

Below are 13 sample sentences for Grades 1-3: two strengths and one next step for each of the 4 comment levels (Excellent / Good / Satisfactory / Needs Improvement), plus a tip for families. They are a small selection from the 181 independent work sentences in the full pack. Copy one, then add a detail only you know about the student.

Jump to: Excellent · Good · Satisfactory · Needs Improvement · Writing tips

Student name Pronouns

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

Excellent E

Strengths

When morning work is on the desk, [Name] settles in quickly and finishes it independently while the rest of the class gathers.
During independent work periods, [Name] works steadily and quietly from start to finish.

Next step

As a next step, [Name] can be a centre helper who shows a classmate how to read the task card and get started.

Good G

Strengths

After carpet time, [Name] usually moves to [his/her/their] spot and begins the activity with few reminders.
With few reminders, [Name] settles into independent work and completes most tasks within the time given.

Next step

A next step is for [Name] to use the picture checklist on [his/her/their] desk to check each step of [his/her/their] work on [his/her/their] own.

Satisfactory S

Strengths

[Name] occasionally starts morning work independently, and a picture schedule on [his/her/their] desk helps [him/her/them] remember what comes first.
When a task becomes difficult, [Name] sometimes tries a new strategy and can choose another approach after a brief teacher check-in.

Next step

Practising the steps of the centre routine with a picture card will help [Name] get started without waiting for an adult.

Needs Improvement N

Strengths

When reminded, [Name] unpacks [his/her/their] backpack and starts morning work, and the routine is becoming more familiar each week.
[Name] is beginning to look back at [his/her/their] work before handing it in, especially when an adult sits with [him/her/them] to review it.

Next step

[Name] can practise checking a picture direction and placing a help card on [his/her/their] desk when the teacher is busy.

Support at home

You can ask [Name] to explain the plan for a homework task before starting and check halfway through whether the plan is working.

How to write independent work comments for Grades 1-3

The clearest primary evidence is what happens while you work with a small group: does the child keep going at their centre or seat work, and for roughly how long, before needing an adult?
Describe how the child handles instructions: after hearing two or three steps, can they start on their own, or do they look to a classmate or the teacher first? Name the number of steps they manage.
Choose a next step that builds stamina gradually, such as a sand timer for a short work period or a task card at the centre, and mention that the time will be lengthened as the child succeeds.

Watch out: Avoid describing Independent Work only as 'needs help'. Say what the student can do alone first, then the point where they need support, so parents see the gap to close.

Match the verbs to the letter. Excellent comments use words like consistently, independently and without reminders; Good uses usually or with few reminders; Satisfactory uses sometimes or with reminders; Needs Improvement describes what the student does with adult support and what is beginning to emerge. Then add the evidence behind the rating rather than repeating the letter in words.

What Independent Work covers

Growing Success sample behaviours for independent work:

independently monitors, assesses, and revises plans to complete tasks and meet goals
uses class time appropriately to complete tasks
follows instructions with minimal supervision

More Ontario comments

How these sentences were made, and what has been checked: About these comments.