What is a Homeschool Portfolio?
A homeschool portfolio is a window into your child’s homeschool experience, achievements, and academic progress, throughout the school year. There are more then on way to keep a portfolio but I will list the core items you will need. However, always check your state laws, homeschool co-ops, and with the evaluator, on what materials are required.
The Basic Supplies
- 3 ring binder {3 inches or more thick}
- dividers
- page protectors
- Sharpies
- computer paper to print out basic forms
- samples of your child’s work
- photos {optional}
Forms to Provide
- Attendance Form:
- List of Curriculum and Resources
- Reading List
- Daily or Weekly Routine
- Record of Grades or Progress Report
Printable Forms:
Attendance RecordsCourse of StudyWeekly LogReading ListField Trip and Activities LogAchievements ListCourse of StudyTitle Page{Links connect to Donna Young and Successful Homeschooling. See both sites for more valuable information. Another great resource and instructions for portfolios is HERE.}NOTE: I did not include my letter from the superintendent that excused my children from school attendance for the purpose of home education. You may want to do that or have it handy if asked. I did include the form my state requires to prove a certified teacher reviewed the portfolios.
Documenting Courses of Study
Core Classes:
Math: Provide a sampling of work and tests from the beginning of the year, the middle, and the end, to show the progression of learning. Three to five sample pages and a test from each term should be sufficient. If your child did any logic problems or math game type workbooks then include some samples. Provide a list of math resources online and manipulatives or games you used to enhance the course
Language: Include samples of grammar work, vocabulary sheets, or spelling tests in this section. If your child wrote a story, a book report, biography, or did sample letters, also include those. This is the section to include a reading list. Again, list any games or enhancements you added to the course. If you have pictures of your child putting on a puppet show or something of that nature, include it! I used this section to include samples of narration, dictation, and copywork
Science: We are very hands on when it comes to science. So, I provided images of science projects and some sample pages from lab books. I included a list of all experiments we did for the year. History: If you have any brochures from field trips or images from projects include them. If your child did a timeline, wrote a report, or made a project, you will want to add it in to the section. Tests, quizzes, worksheets and relevant work throughout the year is important to include as well.
Other Classes
Foreign Language: As with any other course you will want to list the objective and the progression. If your child uses an online course then print out a progress report or take a screenshot that shows what has been completed. If the course is through a book, then provide the information, and any tests, quizzes, or projects the child has done throughout the year. You only have to provide a sampling to show the progression of learning.
Music: list any unit studies on music or composers and any lessons your child takes.
Art: list any classes or co-ops along with any unit studies on artists, etc.
Physical Education: list any sports your child is involved with or any organized time of physical play or instruction.
Organizing Your Portfolio
If you select a binder that you can insert a sheet for the cover then insert your title page which includes your child’s name, grade level, and school year. You may want to allow your child to decorate it. Start the portfolio with any legal documents required or you want to include. Follow that with a list of curriculum and resources used for each subject. Include a list of extra-curricular courses, field trips, and awards. You may include a reading list here or in the language arts section. Follow that by your schedule, daily, or weekly routine. If you keep grade records or progress reports include that next. A scope and sequence is not necessary but if you follow one or want to include it then you may provide it here as well. These first sections are basically the snapshot and outline of the year.
Once you complete the snapshot then you will provide more information on each course. Each course should have its own section. Begin the section with a list of objectives for the individual course or a course outline. Next provide the samples of work. You may place a divider in between the beginning, middle, and end of the year if you wish.