Writing Report Cards

Let’s be honest—every job comes with tasks that aren’t exactly our favorite. Teaching is no different. And as long as the parts we do enjoy outweigh the things we don’t, we’re usually pretty content, right?

Why Report Cards Can Be So Draining

For teachers who like to stay in touch with families during the semester, the process becomes a little less painful. Personally, I send out emails regularly to keep parents updated. Some of my colleagues prefer text messaging, but I stick with email for a few reasons (which I talk about more in this post).

Structuring Report Card Comments

Start with the positives. There’s always something uplifting to say about every student, even the ones who might be having a tough time—academically, behaviorally, or socially. That said, it’s not always easy to find the right words.

One little trick that helps: use or create a list of phrases.

Here’s ours you can access for free right here. Or just Google “list of adjectives” and keep it open while you write. Having some variety in your wording makes the whole process smoother and more meaningful.

Start with Proficiency Marks, Then Write the Narrative

Another tip? Take a closer look at the proficiency markings—those little skill-based statements tied to student performance. Things like:

• Turns in quality work on time

• Understands math facts 1–10

• Conducts science experiments using safety protocols properly

If your report cards require both proficiency marks and narrative paragraphs, try doing the marks first. Once they’re done, you can use them as the foundation for writing your narratives. It makes the whole thing feel more focused and a lot more manageable.

Final Thoughts on Report Card Writing

Report cards might never be fun, but they don’t have to be miserable either. With a little organization, clear communication during the semester, and a few tools and tricks in your back pocket, you can make the process easier, and maybe even meaningful