KS2 Reading Report Comments (Years 3-6)
Reading here means reading aloud with accuracy and expression, discussing stories, poems and non-fiction, and understanding what is read: word meanings, retrieval, prediction, inference with evidence and summarising. Word reading through phonics sits under Phonics and Spelling.
Below are 9 sample sentences for KS2 (Years 3-6): one strength and one next step for each of the 4 comment levels (Extending / Confident / Developing / Beginning), plus a tip for families. They are a small selection from the 119 reading sentences in the full pack. Copy one, then add a detail only you know about the student.
Jump to: Extending · Confident · Developing · Beginning · Writing tips
Fills in the name and pronouns on this page. Nothing is sent anywhere.
Extending E
Strengths
- Across several books, [Name] spots shared themes and conventions, such as a quest or a magic object, and explains how different authors use them.Lower KS2
Next step
- A useful challenge would be to explain how the presentation of a non-fiction text, such as headings, captions and diagrams, helps the reader.Lower KS2
Confident C
Strengths
- Reading books by a range of modern and classic authors, [Name] can recommend one to a classmate, giving clear reasons for the choice.Upper KS2
Next step
- To deepen [his/her/their] reading, [he/she/they] could explain how an author's choice of structure, such as a flashback or a cliffhanger, affects the reader.Upper KS2
Developing D
Strengths
- While preparing a poem or play script to read aloud, [Name] is learning to vary [his/her/their] voice and pace to suit the meaning.
Next step
- Looking back at the text to find one word or phrase that supports each idea about a character would strengthen [his/her/their] inference skills.
Beginning B
Strengths
- With adult support, [Name] is taking first steps in spotting that different stories can share a theme, such as friendship.Lower KS2
Next step
- A next step is to find one fact in an information book with adult support, using the contents page or headings to help.Lower KS2
Support at home
- Reading a poem or a short scene aloud together, taking turns and trying different voices, helps your child read with expression.
How to write reading comments for KS2 (Years 3-6)
- Name the comprehension skill precisely: retrieval, inference with evidence, summarising or explaining an author's word choice. 'Finds a quotation to support an idea about a character' tells families far more than 'understands what they read'.
- Contrast the two halves of KS2. In Years 3 and 4, cite dictionary work and inferring feelings; in Years 5 and 6, cite comparing texts, fact and opinion, figurative language or recommending a book with reasons.
- Cite the evidence you have: a reading record entry, a guided reading discussion, an answer about the class novel or a performance of a poem. For a wide reader, name the range of texts rather than counting books.
Watch out: Avoid describing reading only by the book a child is on or how many pages they read. Describe what they do with a text, such as explaining why a character changes their mind.
The scale describes how independently the child shows the learning. Extending suits independently, applies it in new contexts and explains reasoning; Confident suits usually and with occasional support; Developing suits sometimes, or with a model or word mat; Beginning names what the child does with adult support. Show the point through one piece of learning rather than writing the scale word itself.
What Reading covers
In these comments, reading covers these behaviours:
- reads aloud accurately and fluently, rereading to check sense (word reading through phonics is under Phonics and Spelling)
- listens to, discusses and enjoys a wide range of stories, poems and non-fiction, and reads for pleasure
- retrieves and records information, and explains the meaning of words in context
- predicts, infers characters' feelings and motives, and justifies ideas with evidence from the text
- summarises, compares texts and discusses how authors use language, structure and presentation
More UK primary subjects comments
- Reading, KS1 (Years 1-2)
- Writing, KS2 (Years 3-6)
- Spoken Language, KS2 (Years 3-6)
- Phonics and Spelling, KS2 (Years 3-6)
- Maths, KS2 (Years 3-6)
- Science, KS2 (Years 3-6)
- History, KS2 (Years 3-6)
- Geography, KS2 (Years 3-6)
- Art and Design, KS2 (Years 3-6)
- Computing, KS2 (Years 3-6)
- Design and Technology, KS2 (Years 3-6)
- Music, KS2 (Years 3-6)
- PE, KS2 (Years 3-6)
- RE, KS2 (Years 3-6)
- Languages, KS2 (Years 3-6)
- PSHE and RSHE, KS2 (Years 3-6)
- Opening and closing sentences
- All UK primary 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.