Creativity and Problem Solving Report Comments, P1-P3 (Scotland)
Creativity and problem solving covers generating and sharing original ideas, trying more than one way to tackle a problem, explaining reasoning, and making sense of new information well enough to use it in a different task.
Below are 13 sample sentences for P1-P3: two strengths and one next step for each of the 4 comment levels (Secure / Consolidating / Developing / Beginning), plus a tip for families. They are a small selection from the 173 creativity and problem solving sentences in the full pack. Copy one, then add a detail only you know about the student.
Jump to: Secure · Consolidating · Developing · Beginning · Writing tips
Fills in the name and pronouns on this page. Nothing is sent anywhere.
Secure S
Strengths
- [Name] uses [his/her/their] phonics knowledge to work out unfamiliar words in [his/her/their] reading book, switching strategies when needed.
- Faced with an open-ended challenge, [Name] plans several possible solutions before choosing the most promising one.
Next step
- On the carpet, [Name] could be asked to show the class a second way to solve a problem and explain why it works.
Consolidating C
Strengths
- When building in the construction area, [Name] mostly tests [his/her/their] model and makes changes if it topples over.
- [Name] mostly checks whether an answer makes sense and will look again if something seems wrong.
Next step
- When a word in [his/her/their] reading book is tricky, [Name] could have a go with two different strategies before asking for help.
Developing D
Strengths
- In the construction area, [Name] occasionally tries a new way to build when a model falls down, especially with encouragement.
- At times [Name] checks whether an answer makes sense, particularly when an adult asks a guiding question.
Next step
- A visual prompt showing different reading strategies will help [Name] have a go at harder words in [his/her/their] reading book.
Beginning B
Strengths
- [Name] can share a simple idea at show and tell when given one-to-one help to plan what to say.
- Checking whether an answer makes sense is something [Name] is working towards, and [he/she/they] can do this when an adult models it.
Next step
- A sound mat on [his/her/their] table will help [Name] work out simple words in [his/her/their] reading book with growing independence.
Support at home
- Everyday puzzles, such as fitting the shopping into the cupboard, give [Name] a chance to try different solutions.
How to write creativity and problem solving comments for P1-P3
- Describe creativity in play: a new use for junk modelling materials, a story invented in the role-play area or a pattern made outdoors. Say what the child made and what was new about it.
- For problem solving, note what the child does when an approach does not work, such as trying a different block or asking a friend. Name that 'have a go' moment specifically.
- Ask young children how they worked something out and record a phrase they used, like 'I counted on'. Quoting their own words shows reasoning far better than a general word of praise.
Watch out: Avoid treating creativity as artistic talent alone. Neat drawings or crafts say little about problem solving, so describe an idea, a strategy or an explanation the pupil produced in any area of learning.
Let the level shape the wording. Secure suits consistently, independently and without being asked; Consolidating suits usually and with growing confidence; Developing suits sometimes and with reminders; Beginning names what the pupil can do with adult support or a visual prompt. Show the level through one behaviour you have seen rather than repeating the word itself.
What Creativity and Problem Solving covers
In these comments, creativity and problem solving covers these behaviours:
- generates and shares original ideas
- tries different ways to solve a problem
- thinks critically and explains reasoning
- makes sense of new information and applies it
More Scottish primary comments
- Curiosity and Enthusiasm, P1-P3
- Creativity and Problem Solving, P4-P7
- Focus and Independence, P1-P3
- Resilience and Adapting, P1-P3
- Communication and Collaboration, P1-P3
- Respect and Responsibility, P1-P3
- Opening and closing sentences
- All Scottish primary skills and grade bands
- For the same report: Scottish Secondary Subject Report Comments, S1-S3
- Build a comment with the comment picker
How these sentences were made, and what has been checked: About these comments.