Reading Between the Lines: What Teacher Comments on Report Cards Might Really Be Telling You About Your Child with ADHD

Jess Ellsworth
5 days ago
4 min read

Teachers write report card comments to share insights about your child’s strengths, challenges, and progress. These are not just “checklist” notes — they are observations grounded in daily classroom interactions. When you spot comments like “struggles to stay focused” or “frequently forgets materials,” those phrases can be signals. They’re gentle alerts that your child may be navigating some challenges with attention, working memory, or self-regulation — all common for kids with ADHD.

Before we jump into decoding, it helps to remember: ADHD affects executive function skills. These are the brain’s “management tools” — things like planning, organizing, remembering instructions, regulating impulses, and managing time. Imagine trying to juggle several balls while riding a bike. For kids with ADHD, that juggling act can be 30% harder than for their peers (Barkley, 2015).

Common Report Card Comments and What They Might Mean

Let’s walk through some typical comments parents see and unpack what they might mean for your child — and most importantly, what you can do next.

1. “Struggles to stay focused during lessons”

What this means:Your child may find it hard to maintain attention, especially on tasks they don’t find interesting. This isn’t about willpower — their brain is wired differently, making sustained focus a real challenge.

Try this at home:Break tasks into small, manageable chunks. Use timers or visual countdowns to help your child see how long they need to focus before a break. Celebrate the little wins of sustained attention!

2. “Often forgets to bring materials or complete homework.”

What this means:Working memory struggles — think of it as your child’s “mental sticky notes.” Remembering multiple steps or items to bring can be overwhelming, especially when mornings are rushed.

Try this at home:Create a simple checklist together for packing school bags or completing homework. Use visuals or apps that send reminders. Making it a routine reduces the mental load.

3. “Talks out of turn or interrupts classmates frequently.”

What this means:Impulsivity is a core part of ADHD. Kids often want to share their ideas or questions immediately because they fear forgetting them. It’s not about being disrespectful — it’s their brain’s impulse control at work.

Try this at home:Practice “waiting your turn” games or gentle reminders. Role-play scenarios to help your child practice pausing before speaking. And when they do interrupt, acknowledge their excitement and guide them to the right moment.

4. “Has difficulty sitting still or staying in their seat.”

What this means:Children with ADHD have lots of energy and a brain that craves movement. Fidgeting or needing breaks isn’t defiance—it’s their way of self-regulating.

Try this at home:Incorporate movement breaks into daily routines. Allow for activities like stretching, jumping jacks, or a quick walk. Talk to the school about accommodations like “movement breaks” or a “fidget tool.”

5. “Makes careless mistakes in classwork or homework.”

What this means:These aren’t careless at all. It’s often difficulty with attention to detail or working memory — forgetting to check work or missing steps in math or writing.

Try this at home:Encourage your child to develop checklists for reviewing work. Teach them to read instructions out loud or use colored markers to highlight key parts of an assignment.

How Understanding These Comments Can Empower You

Reading report card comments with this understanding allows you to:

Spot patterns in your child’s learning that you might also see at home.
Ask the right questions during parent-teacher meetings.
Advocate for evaluations or supports that can make a difference, such as an ADHD assessment or executive function coaching.
Celebrate your child’s strengths — because these challenges come with incredible creativity, curiosity, and problem-solving skills.

For example, a child who struggles to stay focused might also be the one who comes alive during hands-on projects or creative tasks. Recognizing this helps you and the school lean into those strengths.

Practical Next Steps for Parents

Read every comment with an open mind. Try to see the message behind the words.
Keep a journal of comments over the school year to see if any patterns emerge.
Communicate with teachers — ask for examples or suggestions on how to support your child at home.
Consider executive function coaching or ADHD evaluations if multiple comments point to attention, memory, or self-regulation struggles.
Build routines and systems at home that reduce the load on your child’s working memory.

Remember, support doesn’t mean fixing something “wrong.” It means helping your child use their amazing brain in the best way possible.

Final Thought: You’re Not Alone on This Journey

Navigating school report cards and teacher comments can feel overwhelming. But know this: you’re already your child’s greatest advocate. Every insight you gain from reading these notes is a step toward understanding, supporting, and celebrating your child’s unique learning path. For more information on how we can help support your child, please schedule a free consultation with us on our website at https://www.wethrivelearning.com/consultations