Time for Report Cards!

How do you pass out report cards in your classroom? In the past few years, I have done everything from just puttting them on their desk right or in their mailbox before the bell rang to having an individual conference with each child. Simply putting the report cards in their mailbox did not provide enough feedback for the students. Having an individual conference with each child took too long and is not realistic for a class with 25 or more students. So...I finally came up with a more effective approach! 

Before I pass out their report cards I have the students fill out this self-reflection:

Student Self-Reflection

Click on the title to download the document

After the students fill out their self-reflection, I call them to the guided reading table to have a mini-conference. I call about 5-6 students at a time and give them the opportunity open the report card envelope, review their grades, and most importantly, ask any questions. We then discuss how I assessed their "characteristics that affect learning" and compare it with their own self-reflection. The students and I then talk about what can be done to improve and make a realistic goal for next quarter.

After they finish meeting with me they should have an understanding of why they earned the grades that they did. 

What is this you might ask???

It is Melissa's report card from fourth quarter of second grade!

Did your parents keep your old report cards? If so, bring them out at report card time! My kids got a kick out of listening to me share what my second grade teacher wrote about me when I was 7!!

"Melissa has worked very hard this quarter. With extra reinforcement of new skills, she is able to master concepts. Your help at home has been very beneficial to Melissa. You can be very proud of the progress she has made this year. :) Have a great summer!"

Thanks Mrs. Noreen! (Yes, I still remember how "sweet and pretty" she was!)

I also share what my teacher wrote for second quarter. "Melissa is a conscientious student. She needs to concentrate on learning her math facts as she is having difficulty on the timed tests. Practice her math flashcards as often as possible."

That sounded very similar to the comments I wrote on some of my own student's report cards!

How do you distribute report cards in your classroom?

Share your great ideas with us!