Starting With the End in Mind - End of Year Portfolios

Starting with the end in mind.  That pretty much sums up my approach to teaching.  When you know where you need to go, you plan your journey to make sure you end up at that destination.  I guess I take that same approach with everything though.  End of year portfolios included :) 

If you follow me on Instagram, you may have seen me post a little teaser pic of my EOY portfolios.  Several of y'all asked that I blog about what's included, so here we go!

Here's what my portfolios look like when I send them home with the kids.

These portfolios aren't to be confused with the ongoing portfolios that follow your kids from grade to grade.  Typically those portfolios are very specific as to what's included that best reflects growth and progress.  My little EOY portfolio does the same thing...reflects TONS of growth and progress...but it also serves as a precious keepsake for the parents.  As a mom of two, I can't tell you how much I cherish stuff like this!!!

These portfolios are 2 inch 3 ring binders with pockets in the front and back. They were purchased by my school and every teacher sends one home at the end of the year.  I know how expensive binders can be.  If you're interested in starting something like this, you might be able to offset the cost with a grant, PTO/PTA money, grade level funds, etc.  Not sure how feasible that all is, but those *might* be some options that you can explore if you don't want {or can't} foot the bill out of your own pocket.  

I pretty much  hoard  save everything my kids do.  Well, not everything, but LOTS of things.  I try to make sure I include the bulk of their writers workshop writing samples...books, etc.  I collect their writing each and every time they write.  Mostly to use as a springboard for their writing conferences, but also because I LOVE looking back at all the growth they make throughout the year!  POWERFUL people!!! I'm tellin' ya!  And I like to have a variety of writing formats included in each portfolio.

                

               

I start collecting samples on day 1.  Starting with their first day self portrait. {The self portrait template seen here is from my Saved By The Bell packet}

And just so I don't lose this...because I've been known to *misplace* things a time or two...I add this sample to their portfolios before I go home on the first day.  All of their portfolios are labeled and set up before the school year starts so that I have quick access to them when I need.  I don't add everything right away...most of it sits in file folders in a giant crate...but when I'm organized I'm adding as I go.

LOTS of other samples are included in the portfolio as well.  Lots of pieces that showcase their growth in writing.  Math activities...word problems...you name it.  I really love to include pieces that show off different concepts we worked on throughout the year so that parents can see what their kids know how to do.  Labeling, writing lists, letters, expository writing, how-to, response to reading, etc.  Here are just a few examples.

One of the writing samples I love including is their graduation writing they complete the last couple weeks of school.  A little reflection of their awesome year in Kindergarten.  I place this writing sample right behind their first day self portrait. 

I also include these precious laminated keepsake pics {idea from Katie at Little Warriors} along with a writing journal & calendars and a little summer work packet {both from my Sweet, Sweet Summertime packet.  I put a packet of crayons, a glue stick, and pair of scissors with that as well.}

There are lots of samples I collect that just don't fit inside the portfolio.  I keep lots of things from our art and science teachers that don't fit neatly into the binder.  For anything and everything that doesn't fit inside, I add to their little pocket portfolio that goes home with them on the last day as well.   This is a little "catch all" that I decorate with their names and tuck in the back of their binders.  

The best thing about these portfolios is the look on my kid's faces when they see them for the first time.  I loved listening to them as they looked through their work saying things like "I REMEMBER THIS!!", "Oh!  That was such a FUN activity!", "Mrs. Carroll...are you sure this is mine?  I don't write like that!".   I love that their little portfolios give parents a little freeze frame of their Kindergarten year....to help them remember just how little they were when they started and how they grew SO much and SO fast as the year progressed.   As a mom, it really makes me cherish every little moment all the more because I can see just how fast it all goes by!  

Do you send home portfolios with your kids at the end of the year??  I'd love to hear what you include and how you set it all up if you do!