2nd Grade Report Card Comments (80+ Examples by Subject)

Good 2nd grade report card comments name one specific skill, give evidence from your classroom and suggest one next step, and they reflect the big shifts of second grade: fluent reading, place value to 1,000 and writing full paragraphs. Families of second graders want to know whether their child is reading on track and has the math basics in place. Below are 80+ comments organized by subject and level. Replace [Name] and adjust the details to your own data.

What changes in 2nd grade

If you need fluency targets for evidence, our reading fluency benchmarks by grade list typical ranges.

Reading (1–24)

Above grade level

1. [Name] reads 2nd grade texts with excellent accuracy, expression and speed, and is ready for longer chapter books.
2. [Name] decodes multisyllable words independently and uses context to check meaning.
3. [Name] retells stories with key events in order and explains the character’s problem and solution.
4. [Name] asks thoughtful questions while reading and finds answers in the text.
5. [Name] reads nonfiction with confidence and uses headings and captions to find information.
6. [Name] chooses challenging books and talks about them with enthusiasm.
7. [Name] compares two versions of the same story and explains the differences.
8. [Name] is a model reader during independent reading and builds stamina of 20+ minutes.

At grade level 9. [Name] reads 2nd grade text with good accuracy and is building fluency. 10. [Name] uses vowel team and r-controlled patterns to decode new words. 11. [Name] retells the beginning, middle and end of a story. 12. [Name] answers who, what, where, when, why and how questions about a text. 13. [Name] is learning to read with expression, pausing at punctuation. 14. [Name] identifies the main topic of a nonfiction paragraph. 15. [Name] self-corrects when a word doesn’t make sense. 16. [Name] reads independently for 15 minutes and is building stamina.

Below grade level / working toward 17. [Name] is working on decoding words with vowel teams. Reading decodable books at home will help. 18. [Name] reads carefully but slowly. Rereading a familiar book aloud three times builds fluency. 19. [Name] is learning to retell events in order. Ask [Name] to tell you “first, next, last” after reading. 20. [Name] sometimes guesses at words from the first letter. We are practicing looking through the whole word. 21. [Name] is building sight word recognition with daily practice in small group. 22. [Name] understands stories read aloud well and is working to match that with independent reading. 23. [Name] receives extra reading support in a small group and is making steady progress. 24. [Name] is working on staying focused during independent reading for 10 minutes at a time.

Writing (25–40)

25. [Name] writes organized paragraphs with a clear topic sentence and strong details.
26. [Name] uses descriptive words and dialogue to bring stories to life.
27. [Name] revises writing independently to add details and fix errors.
28. [Name] writes narratives with a clear beginning, middle and end.
29. [Name] uses capital letters and end punctuation correctly most of the time.
30. [Name] spells taught patterns correctly and uses resources for unfamiliar words.
31. [Name] writes opinion pieces with a reason and is learning to add a second reason.
32. [Name] uses transition words like first, next and finally.
33. [Name] is working on writing in complete sentences.
34. [Name] has great ideas and is learning to put them on paper in order.
35. [Name] is working on remembering capitals and periods; a checklist helps.
36. [Name] is building writing stamina and can now write four to five sentences.
37. [Name] benefits from talking through ideas before writing.
38. [Name] is learning to leave spaces between words and write on the line.
39. [Name] uses phonics to spell words and is learning common irregular spellings.
40. [Name] is working on adding details to answer the reader’s questions.

Math (41–60)

41. [Name] adds and subtracts within 100 using several strategies and explains thinking clearly.
42. [Name] understands place value to 1,000 and compares three-digit numbers.
43. [Name] is fluent with addition and subtraction facts within 20.
44. [Name] solves two-step word problems and shows work with drawings or equations.
45. [Name] counts money combinations and makes change.
46. [Name] tells time to the nearest five minutes.
47. [Name] measures length in inches and centimeters accurately.
48. [Name] reads and creates bar graphs and picture graphs.
49. [Name] skip-counts by 5s, 10s and 100s.
50. [Name] uses a number line to add and subtract.
51. [Name] is building fluency with facts within 20. Five minutes of practice a day at home makes a difference.
52. [Name] is learning to regroup when adding two-digit numbers.
53. [Name] understands place value with tens and ones and is learning hundreds.
54. [Name] is working on reading word problems carefully before solving.
55. [Name] uses manipulatives to solve problems and is moving toward mental strategies.
56. [Name] is learning to count coins of mixed values.
57. [Name] is practicing telling time on an analog clock.
58. [Name] sometimes rushes; checking answers will reduce small errors.
59. [Name] participates in math talks and is learning to explain strategies in words.
60. [Name] receives extra math support in a small group and is gaining confidence.

For more phrasing by math topic, see our math report card comments.

Science and social studies (61–68)

61. [Name] asks curious questions and makes careful observations during science investigations.
62. [Name] records observations in a science journal with drawings and labels.
63. [Name] understands the needs of plants and animals and explains life cycles.
64. [Name] describes how matter can change, like water freezing and melting.
65. [Name] reads maps and identifies land and water features.
66. [Name] explains the roles of community members and why rules matter.
67. [Name] contributes thoughtful ideas during social studies discussions.
68. [Name] is learning to use science vocabulary to explain observations.

Work habits and social skills (69–84)

69. [Name] is a kind and respectful classmate who helps others.
70. [Name] works independently and completes tasks on time.
71. [Name] follows classroom routines and is a positive role model.
72. [Name] works well with partners and takes turns sharing ideas.
73. [Name] takes pride in work and checks it before turning it in.
74. [Name] participates actively in class discussions.
75. [Name] handles disagreements calmly and uses words to solve problems.
76. [Name] keeps materials organized.
77. [Name] is working on staying focused during independent work.
78. [Name] is learning to wait for a turn to speak.
79. [Name] is working on finishing tasks within the time given.
80. [Name] is practicing calm strategies when frustrated.
81. [Name] is learning to ask for help when stuck.
82. [Name] is working on following multi-step directions.
83. [Name] is building confidence in sharing ideas with the class.
84. [Name] is improving at keeping hands and materials to self.

How to put a comment together

Use three sentences: strength, growth area, next step.

[Name] is a curious reader who loves nonfiction about animals. [Name] is working on reading with expression and pausing at punctuation. Reading aloud together for 10 minutes each night will help build fluency.

A few reminders:

• Be specific. “Adds within 100 using a number line” tells families more than “good at math.”
• Avoid labels and jargon. Write “is working toward” instead of “is low.” Explain acronyms.
• Match the grade. Use the same scale language your report card uses.
• Keep it private. Never mention another student, and keep IEP or 504 details in the confidential records, not in comments families may share (FERPA protects education records).
• For struggling students, our guide to report card comments for struggling students has more wording.

More report card comments

Need other grades? See our 3rd grade report card comments and the full bank of report card comments by grade and subject, with a calendar of when each one is used.