3rd Grade Report Card Comments: 100+ Examples by Subject

The best 3rd grade report card comments name a specific skill with evidence, give one clear next step, and reflect the big shifts of the year: reading to learn, multiplication and fractions, and longer pieces of writing. Third grade is often the first year students take state tests, so families pay close attention. Below are 100+ comments by subject, each with options for students above, at and below grade level. Replace [Name] and adjust details to match your own data.

What changes in 3rd grade

Third graders move from learning to read toward reading to learn. Text gets longer, and questions ask for evidence. In math, multiplication, division and fractions take over from addition and subtraction. Writing grows from sentences to organized paragraphs. Good comments name those specific skills instead of saying “doing well in reading.”

Reading (1–25)

Above grade level

1. [Name] reads above grade level with excellent fluency and expression.
2. [Name] finds the main idea of a passage and supports it with strong details from the text.
3. [Name] makes thoughtful inferences and backs them up with evidence.
4. [Name] reads a wide variety of genres and recommends books to classmates.
5. [Name] uses context clues to figure out unfamiliar words independently.
6. [Name] compares characters and themes across two books with insight.

At grade level 7. [Name] reads grade-level text accurately and with growing fluency. 8. [Name] can retell a story in order, including key events and the problem and solution. 9. [Name] answers questions about a text and is learning to point to where the answer is. 10. [Name] decodes multisyllable words by breaking them into parts. 11. [Name] describes characters’ traits and feelings using details from the story. 12. [Name] uses text features like headings and captions to find information. 13. [Name] is building reading stamina and now reads independently for 20 minutes. 14. [Name] participates thoughtfully in book discussions.

Below grade level 15. [Name] is working on reading multisyllable words. We practice syllable patterns in a small group each day. 16. [Name] reads accurately but slowly, which makes understanding longer text harder. Repeated reading at home will help. 17. [Name] understands stories read aloud and is building the decoding skills to read them independently. 18. [Name] is learning to go back to the text to find answers instead of guessing. 19. [Name] is working on identifying the main idea of a paragraph. 20. [Name] benefits from reading with a partner and is gaining confidence. 21. [Name] is building vocabulary. Talking about new words at home makes a difference. 22. [Name] is making steady progress in reading and grew [number] words per minute since fall. 23. [Name] sometimes skips words when reading aloud. We’re practicing tracking carefully. 24. [Name] is learning to summarize in a few sentences without retelling every detail. 25. [Name] receives extra reading support four days a week and is responding well.

Writing (26–45)

26. [Name] writes well-organized paragraphs with a clear topic sentence and supporting details.
27. [Name] states an opinion and supports it with reasons and examples.
28. [Name] writes informative pieces that teach the reader about a topic.
29. [Name] writes narratives with a clear beginning, middle and end and uses dialogue.
30. [Name] uses transition words like first, next and finally to connect ideas.
31. [Name] revises writing to add details and stronger word choice.
32. [Name] uses capitals, punctuation and grade-level spelling correctly in final drafts.
33. [Name] has a creative voice and writes with enthusiasm.
34. [Name] is learning to plan writing with a graphic organizer before drafting.
35. [Name] is working on writing complete sentences instead of run-ons.
36. [Name] has great ideas and is working on putting them in a logical order.
37. [Name] is learning to add more detail to explain each reason.
38. [Name] is working on using correct capitalization and end punctuation consistently.
39. [Name] sometimes needs encouragement to get started. A short list of ideas helps.
40. [Name] spells high-frequency words correctly and uses spelling patterns to attempt new words.
41. [Name] is building writing stamina and can now write for 15 minutes independently.
42. [Name] edits with a checklist and catches most errors.
43. [Name] writes neatly in print and is learning cursive.
44. [Name] is working on writing a strong conclusion.
45. [Name] shares writing with the class and gives kind, useful feedback to peers.

Math (46–70)

46. [Name] knows multiplication facts through 10 fluently.
47. [Name] understands multiplication as equal groups and explains it with arrays.
48. [Name] solves division problems and understands how division relates to multiplication.
49. [Name] solves two-step word problems and explains the strategy used.
50. [Name] represents fractions on a number line and compares fractions with models.
51. [Name] finds area by counting squares and by multiplying side lengths.
52. [Name] rounds numbers to the nearest 10 and 100 accurately.
53. [Name] adds and subtracts within 1,000 using place value strategies.
54. [Name] tells time to the nearest minute and solves elapsed time problems.
55. [Name] reads and creates bar graphs and picture graphs.
56. [Name] is working on multiplication facts. [Name] knows the 2s, 5s and 10s and is learning the rest.
57. [Name] understands multiplication concepts and is building speed with facts.
58. [Name] sometimes chooses the wrong operation in word problems. We’re practicing reading problems twice and drawing a model.
59. [Name] is learning to compare fractions with different denominators using drawings.
60. [Name] is working on regrouping when subtracting across zeros.
61. [Name] is learning to check answers for reasonableness.
62. [Name] is building confidence in math and is more willing to try new problems.
63. [Name] explains math thinking clearly in words and pictures.
64. [Name] perseveres with challenging problems.
65. [Name] benefits from using manipulatives and is moving toward solving with drawings.
66. [Name] is working on perimeter and understands how it differs from area.
67. [Name] needs more practice with time to the minute. A watch with hands at home helps.
68. [Name] shows careful, organized work.
69. [Name] is ready for more challenging problems and enjoys extension work.
70. Practicing facts for five minutes a day at home will help [Name] solve longer problems faster.

Science and social studies (71–82)

71. [Name] asks thoughtful questions and makes careful predictions in science.
72. [Name] records observations accurately in a science notebook.
73. [Name] explains how plants and animals adapt to their environments.
74. [Name] works well with a group during investigations.
75. [Name] understands forces and motion and describes them with examples.
76. [Name] reads maps and uses a compass rose and map key.
77. [Name] understands how local government works and why rules matter.
78. [Name] compares communities past and present.
79. [Name] shows curiosity about other cultures and places.
80. [Name] is learning to use vocabulary like habitat and adaptation in writing.
81. [Name] connects what we learn in social studies to current events.
82. [Name] completed a strong research project on [topic].

Work habits and behavior (83–105)

83. [Name] works independently and uses time well.
84. [Name] keeps materials organized and turns in homework on time.
85. [Name] follows directions the first time.
86. [Name] is a respectful, kind classmate.
87. [Name] collaborates well and listens to others’ ideas.
88. [Name] shows leadership and sets a good example.
89. [Name] takes responsibility for mistakes and learns from them.
90. [Name] participates actively and asks questions when unsure.
91. [Name] is working on staying focused during independent work.
92. [Name] is learning to manage time to finish assignments.
93. [Name] sometimes talks during lessons. We’re working on waiting for the right time to share.
94. [Name] is working on bringing back homework and the planner each day.
95. [Name] is learning to ask for help instead of waiting.
96. [Name] is working on accepting feedback calmly.
97. [Name] is learning to resolve disagreements with words.
98. [Name] has grown in self-control since the start of the year.
99. [Name] is learning to check work before turning it in.
100. [Name] puts strong effort into every task.
101. [Name] shows enthusiasm for learning.
102. [Name] has become more independent this quarter.
103. [Name] is a reliable helper in our classroom.
104. [Name] is working on keeping the desk and cubby organized.
105. [Name] is learning to follow classroom routines without reminders.

How to put it together

Choose one strength and one next step per subject, or one of each overall if your report card has a single comment box. Here is a complete example for a student at grade level:

[Name] has had a strong start to 3rd grade. [Name] reads grade-level text accurately and is starting to find the main idea on [Name]’s own. In math, [Name] understands multiplication as equal groups and knows the 2s, 5s and 10s facts. Our next step is learning the 3s and 4s; practicing five facts a night at home will help.

For subject-specific banks, see our math report card comments and reading report card comments. Talk with families before a concern appears in writing; our parent-teacher conference comments can help. And if you draft with any digital tool, use initials, not names.

For banks by grade and a calendar for every grading period, see our report card comments guide.