Teacher-to-Parent Student Evaluations: Softening the Blow

When communicating with parents regarding the performance of their child in school, it is always important to remember to be very cautious with the words that we use that might have unnecessary negative implications.

Here are the positive expressions to use in lieu of the negative expressions:

Instead of: Mean you can say: Has difficulty getting along with others

Instead of: Lazy you can say: Can do more if they try

Instead of: Troublemaker you can say: Disturbs class

Instead of: Uncooperative you can say: Should learn to work with others

Instead of: Stupid you can say: Can learn to do the right thing

Instead of: Never does the right thing you can say: Can do the right thing

Instead of: Impertinent you can say: Discourteous

Instead of: Stubborn you can say: Insists on having his/her own way

Instead of: Liar you can say: Does not always tells the truth

Instead of: Sloppy you can say: Could do neater work

Instead of: Failed you can say: Failure to meet the requirement

Instead of: Time and again you can say: Usually

Instead of: Dubious you can say: Uncertain

Instead of: Poor grade of work you can say: Working below the standard

Instead of: Selfish you can say: Seldom shares with others

Instead of: Rude you can say: Inconsiderate to others

Instead of: Show-off you can say: Tries to get attention

Instead of: Will fail him/her unless ... you can say: Has a chance of passing, if...