Comment Bank for Areas of Strength / Areas for Improvement
for the GESS European Section Primary Report
How to use this comment bank:
- Choose 1 – 3 suitable comments for each of the following areas:
i) Language Arts – Areas of Strength
ii) Language Arts – Areas for Improvement
iii) Mathematics – Areas of Strength
iv) Mathematics – Areas for Improvement
- Cut and paste the comment from this document into the report.
As you will notice, any of these following comments could be interpreted as either strength or an area to improve. The comments are organised from those most suitable for early Primary, at the beginning of the list, to those most suitable for upper Primary, towards the end of the list.
- If you wish to write your own, or alter any of those below, ensure that you do not change the syntax and format below: the comment is to be written as a gerund phrase, not a complete sentence, which means it is to begin with a verb ending with “ing”; it begins with a lower case letter and there is no full stop; separate the comments either by putting them on separate lines, or with semi-colons (;).
- If you have suggested additions to the list, please forward them to Sarah or Simon!
Language Arts
- speaking fluently and clearly
- listening effectively
- applying phonetic skills
- attempting new writing skills
- asking for help to check understanding
- knowing and using letter sounds and frequently used words
- making personal and textual connections
- adding details to written tasks
- introducing more description into writing
- presenting written work neatly
- forming letters carefully when writing
- learning sight words
- developing imaginative ideas
- organising ideas clearly
- reading with enthusiasm and good comprehension
- printing legibly
- joined handwriting
- managing time to ensure work is completed within an alloted time
- using and spelling word endings correctly (adding "ing", "ier" and "ies")
- presenting work with care and pride
- writing with increased independence
- beginning to apply taught spelling patterns in writing
- developing awareness and correct usage of punctuation
- applying grammar rules in writing
- using comprehension strategies to answer questions
- listening effectively to instructions
- using capital letters and full stops accurately
- using a variety of punctuation correctly in story writing
- expressing opinions about events or ideas related to texts
- reading with expression
- using adjectives and adverbs in story writing
- re-reading text in order to correct mistakes and clarify understanding
- retelling stories and events in sequence
- elaborating stories adeptly and with details
- constructing complete sentences rather than phrases, when writing
- reading with confidence and improved clarity
- showing comprehension of texts through discussion
- speaking clearly and loudly in oral presentations
- creative and well-planned writing
- participating in small group discussions
- brainstorming and developing ideas
- sequencing story elements when writing
- continuous use of reading strategies to build fluency
- articulating ideas orally
- self-editing written work to correct errors
- transferring spelling knowledge to all aspects of language arts
- completing comprehension activities creatively
- listening to constructive criticism to improve writing tasks
- organising writing into sequential paragraphs
- presenting and speaking confidently in front of peers
- transfering and using spelling knowledge in all aspects of writing
Maths
- grasping and applying new concepts
- solving problems with a variety of strategies
- reading and understanding number problems
- quick recall of number facts to ... (10, 20, 50, 100)
- checking work carefully for mistakes
- understanding symmetry and patterns
- counting forward and backwards from a given number
- understanding shape and patterns
- formulating and interpreting graphs
- reading and solving word problems
- recalling number facts to 10
- understanding number values and concepts
- explaining procedures for completing calculations
- checking answers to ensure accuracy
- becoming familiar with mathematical language
- using equipment appropriately
- writing and solving word problems with ease
- writing and solving 'real life' word problems and explaining choice of strategy
- applying mathematical concepts to real-life word problems
- adding and subtracting two-digit numbers
- explaining mathematical reasoning
- adding and subtracting using mental strategies
- understanding place value
- partitioning a number accurately
- collecting and recording data
- recognising even and odd numbers
- describing time in number and word forms
- reflecting on strategies and reasoning involved in problem-solving
- creating graphs with all necessary components
- describing time in numeric and written forms (2:45, quarter to 3)
- memorising multiplication facts
- taking risks with word problems
- finding alternative approaches and solutions when problem-solving
- measuring area and perimeter
- ordering and writing numbers
- mental recall of multiplication and division facts
- applying math facts to problem solving
- reading questions carefully, making sure the answer satisfies the question
- understanding and completing place value equations
- solving multi-step questions
- reviewing all numeration skills, especially multiplication and division
- staying focused on tasks and not being distracted by others
- reading, interpreting and fully answering word problems
- completing work within allotted time