"What goes in a portfolio?"

I get asked this question many times throughout the school year.  Honestly, the answer is simple.  "The portfolio contains samples of the students work for the school year in five subjects - math, reading, language, history and science."

"Well, there's more to it than that...."

I'm thinking, "Nope.  Just a sampling of their work is what I need."

Why is this so hard for a sweet home school parent, I ask?

1. Because it is too broad of an answer...?  
2. It is too easy?
3. Because another "certified" teacher somewhere along the line has said she expects this or that, and this many pages of that subject, and 15 sample worksheets (front and back) of four quarters of the grading period...attendance records....grades.....  blah blah blah.

A true portfolio review depends on YOUR school, YOUR student, YOUR schedule, YOUR life.  It is a reflection of what YOU and YOUR child(ren) do for YOUR school year.  The portfolio experience will show uniqueness.

What I like to see are the items or elements of your child's work of which you are proud.  That is it!  Problem solved!!!



Typically what do I see?

Binders!

3 ring binders with tabs divided into the 5 mandatory sections and then a few tabs for other subjects that show a well-rounded (Art, Bible, Physical Education, Music lessons) school year.

Laundry Baskets!

No not filled with homeschool moms' dirty laundry issues or gossip; but a laundry basket filled with books, binders, references, files, folders, workbooks, textbooks, and flashcards.  Moms want their full-gamut of a class day/week to prove worthy of a formal review.  RELAX!  I just need to show a progression of the child's abilities!  Don't stress and think you need the entire kitchen (sink) in your basket!  I know that moms want to brag on their pupils!  I love seeing all the extras.  It shows a growing mind, growing body (health counts as science), and growing spirit (please put your Bible studies in there)!

Flash Drives!

Flash Drives are done many ways.... some take pics of the portfolio binder and then mail the flash drive.  Some keep a running timeline of the books, worktexts, or books on which their children are working to display electronically.  Some families provide links to YouTube videos of their child reading which is awesome.  Others will give me a book list which is awesome too.  Either way is fine; really!  I LOVE seeing the pictures of science experiments, and the children enjoying what mom or dad are doing WITH THEM!

Cell Phones!

This has happened a couple of times.  In addition to the binder or laundry basket a parent will show me cell phone pictures of field trips, experiments, or projects.  Another parent will show videos or actually invite me to the house or a restaurant where the children will 'show what they know' right then and there!  Fabulous, but don't feel guilty if you want to leave your child at home and bring a binder with only tests in them.  That is OK too!

What am I, fellow homeschool mom and friend (never mind the 'certification', Dear), looking for?

I'm looking to see if you have given your child an education for the current school year.  What is an education?  Google says the following:

ed·u·ca·tion

ˌejəˈkāSH(ə)n/

noun

1. 1.

   the process of receiving or giving systematic instruction, especially at a school or university.

   "a new system of public education"

   synonyms:

   teaching, schooling, tuition, tutoring, instruction, coaching, training,tutelage, guidance; More
2. 2.

   an enlightening experience.

   "a day with those kids was an education in patience and forbearance"

So, based upon these definitions, I like the "enlightening experience" definition.

Have you given your children an experience?  Whether it be with workbooks, nature studies, classic literature, modern art, discussions, narration, penmanship, textbooks, living books, memorizing, experiments, work texts, A Beka Academy, Penn Foster online school, Sonlight, Bob Jones, Circe Institute, CC, Alpha Omega, No Name Publisher, Unit Studies, Lap Books, time4learning, ABCmouse, Animal Planet, History Channel, Netflix, etc....it is an experience - your experience.

No matter the methods, the education experience needs to be meaningful and thought-provoking.  I need to see progress from year to year.  I want to have a conversation with you, Mom, about your child's accomplishments, weaknesses, strengths, and your fears for the future years.  Not only that, but I want to learn from you - learn about your curriculum, your schedule, your opinions, and more.

I want to allay concerns that you aren't doing enough, that you can't continue, that your child would be better off in another school setting, that you are a failure.  Let me help you through the process as a team member focused on your child.  This entire process is a portfolio review!


When I look at the portfolio, in what ever form YOU choose, I want to "see" YOUR child as you see him - bright, funny, strong, sharp, inquisitive, hands-on, musically inclined, talented, energetic, quiet, sensitive, caring, compassionate, thoughtful...........