Wales Report Comments: Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving, Rec-Y2

Critical thinking and problem-solving covers asking questions and investigating, weighing up evidence and different viewpoints, explaining reasoning and making connections, and trying more than one way to solve a problem when the first does not work.

Below are 13 sample sentences for Reception-Year 2: two strengths and one next step for each of the 4 comment levels (Consistently / Usually / Sometimes / Not yet), plus a tip for families. They are a small selection from the 173 critical thinking and problem-solving sentences in the full pack. Copy one, then add a detail only you know about the student.

Jump to: Consistently · Usually · Sometimes · Not yet · Writing tips

Student name Pronouns

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

Consistently C

Strengths

In the outdoor area, [Name] independently investigates minibeasts, puddles and shadows and talks eagerly about what [he/she/they] might find next.
In class discussions, [Name] listens to different viewpoints with an open mind and explains which argument is most convincing and why.

Next step

A next step is for [Name] to share an investigation from the outdoor area at show and tell and explain what [he/she/they] would try next.

Usually U

Strengths

At the water tray, [Name] often tests which objects float or sink and suggests why each result happened.
When looking at evidence, [Name] generally picks out the most important facts and uses them to support an answer.

Next step

During carpet time, [Name] could give a reason for [his/her/their] ideas each time, using the word because.

Sometimes S

Strengths

During learning through play, [Name] occasionally tries a new way to make something work, such as building a taller tower or a longer track.
At times, [Name] considers a different viewpoint in discussions, particularly when a partner explains it with an example.

Next step

At show and tell, [Name] could describe one thing discovered in the outdoor area and explain how [he/she/they] could find out more.

Not yet N

Strengths

At carpet time, [Name] can give a reason for an answer with a visual prompt, such as a picture card.
With adult support, [Name] can choose between two ideas and give a reason for the choice.

Next step

During learning through play, [Name] will be encouraged to try a second way to build or fix something with adult support.

Support at home

Cooking together gives [Name] chances to solve problems, such as working out how to halve a recipe or share a pizza fairly.

How to write critical thinking and problem-solving comments for Reception-Year 2

Ask the child how they worked something out and quote a phrase they used, such as 'I counted on' or 'it sank because it is heavy'. Their own words show reasoning better than praise.
Note what happens when a plan does not work at the investigation table or in the construction area: does the child try another way, or wait for an adult? Name that moment specifically.
For early comparing and sorting, describe how the child grouped objects and whether they could say why. Parents and carers can repeat the same sorting talk with socks or toys at home.

Watch out: Do not count fast correct answers as critical thinking. A learner who gets there quickly may not explain how, so describe the questions, reasoning and second attempts you have actually seen.

Let the rating shape the wording. Consistently suits reliably, independently and without being asked; Usually suits regularly and with few reminders; Sometimes suits at times and with some support; Not yet names what the learner can do with adult support or a visual prompt. Show the rating through one behaviour you have seen rather than repeating the word itself.

What Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving covers

In these comments, critical thinking and problem-solving covers these behaviours:

asks questions and investigates
weighs up evidence and different viewpoints
explains reasoning and makes connections
tries different ways to solve problems

More Curriculum for Wales comments

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