Report Card Comments for Struggling Students
75+ supportive, growth-focused comments for students facing academic challenges. Acknowledge difficulties while building confidence and fostering hope.
Supportive Comments
Categories
Focused Language
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Key Principles for Writing About Struggling Students
Lead with Strengths
Every student has positive qualities. Start with genuine strengths—academic, social, character, or effort-based—before addressing challenges.
Use Protective Language
Replace "fails to" with "is working toward." Avoid labels and comparisons. Frame challenges as temporary and changeable.
Invite Partnership
Position yourself as an ally working with the family. Provide actionable suggestions and express openness to collaboration.
Language to Use vs. Avoid
Use This Language
- • "is developing skills in..."
- • "is working toward..."
- • "benefits from..."
- • "shows improvement with..."
- • "is encouraged to..."
- • "demonstrates growth in..."
- • "responds well to..."
- • "continues to progress..."
- • "with practice, will..."
- • "is building..."
✕Avoid This Language
- • "fails to..." / "cannot..."
- • "refuses to..." / "won't..."
- • "below grade level"
- • "behind peers" / "behind classmates"
- • "lazy" / "unmotivated"
- • "slow" / "struggling"
- • "will never..." predictions
- • "should be able to by now"
- • "disappointing"
- • Comparisons to other students
Supportive Comments by Category
Click any comment to copy it. Replace [Student] with the student's name and customize for your specific situation.
Growth Mindset & Effort
(14 comments)[Student] shows determination and doesn't give up when work becomes challenging.
[Student] demonstrates a growth mindset and understands that effort leads to improvement.
[Student] is willing to try new strategies and learn from mistakes.
[Student] shows courage in attempting difficult tasks even when unsure.
[Student] has made noticeable progress through persistent effort this term.
[Student] responds positively to encouragement and support.
[Student] demonstrates resilience when facing academic challenges.
[Student] is learning that mistakes are opportunities for growth.
[Student] shows increasing confidence as skills develop through practice.
[Student] approaches challenges with a positive attitude.
[Student] has shown that consistent effort leads to meaningful progress.
[Student] demonstrates that growth happens at different paces for everyone.
[Student] is building academic stamina through regular practice.
[Student] shows improvement in [specific area] through dedicated effort.
Learning Support & Strategies
(14 comments)[Student] benefits from one-on-one instruction and small group work environments.
[Student] responds well to visual supports and hands-on learning activities.
[Student] is making progress with the support of [specific intervention/strategy].
[Student] benefits from breaking tasks into smaller, manageable steps.
[Student] shows improvement when given extra time to process information.
[Student] responds well to structured routines and clear expectations.
[Student] benefits from frequent check-ins and encouragement throughout tasks.
[Student] is developing skills with the use of graphic organizers and visual aids.
[Student] makes better progress when seated near the teacher for support.
[Student] benefits from having directions repeated and clarified.
[Student] shows improvement when using manipulatives and concrete materials.
[Student] responds well to positive reinforcement and specific praise.
[Student] is developing strategies for self-monitoring and checking work.
[Student] benefits from preview of new concepts before whole-class instruction.
Academic Progress & Development
(14 comments)[Student] is developing foundational skills in [subject] through targeted practice.
[Student] has shown improvement in [specific skill] with continued support.
[Student] is working toward grade-level expectations in [subject].
[Student] is making steady progress at their own pace in [subject].
[Student] has made meaningful gains in [specific area] this marking period.
[Student] is building stronger [skill] through daily practice and support.
[Student] shows understanding of concepts when given additional time and support.
[Student] is developing problem-solving strategies with guided practice.
[Student] demonstrates learning best through [specific modality/approach].
[Student] is working on building fluency and automaticity with basic skills.
[Student] shows growth in [subject] compared to the beginning of the year.
[Student] is developing confidence as skills in [area] continue to strengthen.
[Student] is making progress toward IEP/learning goals with continued effort.
[Student] benefits from opportunities to demonstrate learning in multiple ways.
Character & Non-Academic Strengths
(14 comments)[Student] is a kind and caring classmate who shows empathy toward others.
[Student] demonstrates excellent creativity and imaginative thinking.
[Student] has wonderful social skills and is well-liked by classmates.
[Student] shows natural leadership abilities in non-academic settings.
[Student] contributes positively to our classroom community.
[Student] demonstrates excellent sportsmanship and fair play.
[Student] has a wonderful sense of humor that brightens our classroom.
[Student] shows artistic talent and creative expression.
[Student] is helpful and often volunteers to assist classmates and teachers.
[Student] demonstrates integrity and honesty in all situations.
[Student] shows respect for others and our classroom materials.
[Student] has excellent verbal communication skills.
[Student] brings enthusiasm and positive energy to class activities.
[Student] demonstrates strong character traits that will serve them well.
Partnership & Support Requests
(12 comments)With continued practice at home and school, [Student] will continue to make progress.
Working together as a team, we can support [Student]'s continued growth.
I welcome a conference to discuss strategies that work best for [Student].
Home practice of [specific skill] for 10-15 minutes daily would support classroom learning.
Reading together at home nightly will help [Student] build important literacy skills.
Please reach out if you would like additional resources to support [Student] at home.
Together, we can help [Student] reach their full potential.
I appreciate your partnership in supporting [Student]'s learning journey.
Let's schedule time to discuss goals and strategies for next term.
Your involvement makes a significant difference in [Student]'s progress.
I am committed to supporting [Student]'s growth and welcome your input.
With your continued support at home, I am confident [Student] will continue to improve.
Constructive Growth Areas
(12 comments)[Student] is encouraged to practice [specific skill] regularly to build confidence.
[Student] would benefit from more consistent completion of homework assignments.
[Student] is working on developing stronger focus during instruction time.
[Student] is encouraged to ask for help when concepts are unclear.
[Student] is developing strategies for staying organized with materials.
[Student] would benefit from increased reading practice outside of school.
[Student] is working toward completing tasks within the given timeframe.
[Student] is developing skills in showing work and explaining thinking.
[Student] is encouraged to participate more actively in class discussions.
[Student] would benefit from reviewing notes and materials at home.
[Student] is working on developing independence with classroom routines.
[Student] is encouraged to take more time checking work before submitting.
Hopeful Closing Statements
(12 comments)I am confident that with continued effort, [Student] will achieve great things.
I believe in [Student]'s ability to grow and improve with support and practice.
[Student] has the potential for success and I am here to support their journey.
I look forward to celebrating [Student]'s continued growth next term.
Every step forward is progress, and [Student] is taking important steps.
I am proud of [Student]'s effort and perseverance this term.
[Student]'s determination is inspiring and will lead to success.
With time and practice, [Student] will continue to build important skills.
I remain committed to helping [Student] succeed and reach their potential.
The progress [Student] has made shows what they can accomplish with effort.
[Student] should be proud of the growth they have shown this year.
I am excited to see what [Student] will accomplish with continued hard work.
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