What to write and how When it comes to writing narrative evaluations, veteran teachers make the following suggestions. Be sure your report-card comments . . . . . . So I make sure my words are uplifting and hopeful for future success. Jane Fowler, a fifth-grade teacher from Diamond Bar, California, agrees. I see it as my responsibility to recognize a strength in each child in at least one area.
Parents react better to comments that are informative without being judgmental.
Williams makes sure her comments can be documented with test results, work samples, or anecdotal records. Fran McNulty, a third-grade teacher from Bayonne, New Jersey, says something positive first, sandwiches in the negative afterward, and finishes with another positive comment. I use supportive language and give constructive advice about how to address a child's weaknesses. I try to put a positive spin on things by suggesting ways the family can address the problem. Avoid using critical words such as ill-behaved or noisy.