How to Make a Homeschool Portfolio with Free Printable Checklist
Ready to learn how to make a homeschool portfolio? This post will help you get started with a homeschool portfolio, plus there’s a free printable homeschool portfolio checklist to take the stress out of it!
Putting together a homeschool portfolio is a necessary part of homeschooling in many states. Unfortunately it can be stressful for homeschool parents as they worry and wonder if they’ve gathered enough information, saved enough worksheets, crossed every t and dotted every i. This is one of those times we feel our teaching and our children are on display and we have to sit back while others judge. It’s not always fun, but it doesn’t have to be so traumatic either.
GRAB YOUR FREE HOMESCHOOL PORTFOLIO CHECKLIST HERE:
What is a homeschool portfolio?
A homeschool portfolio gives an overview of what your child has learned and what skills they have practiced and mastered. Basically it shows proof of learning and growth to others and yourself. Whether you have a Kindergartener or high school freshman (high school of course will require more documentation!), you will want to keep records from the beginning to the end.
What you will need to include will depend on the requirements of your state, though basic requirements are similar. You can find specific information by state on the HSLDA (Home School Legal Defense Association) website. Not every state requires a homeschool portfolio, but I still feel it’s a good idea to keep one just for your own records and for making a high school transcript when the time comes.
It also works as a great keepsake for your child’s work. If you have a mother-in-law or other family member who worries your kids aren’t getting enough learning at home, it can be a great way to include them and let them see what you have been up to.
What should I include in a homeschool portfolio?
What types of things might you put together for your homeschool portfolio? Every one will look different as no two homeschooling families are alike. Again, your state’s requirements will vary from mine but here is an overview of what makes a good solid portfolio:
- Report cards
- Attendance
- Books read list
- Field trip logs
- Photographs
- Textbooks used
- Assessments
- Tests
- Select worksheets
- Curriculum list
- Record of online learning
- Book Reports
- Vocabulary lists
- Year Calendar
- Homeschool schedule
- Subjects covered
It really doesn’t matter if you consider yourself a classical homeschooler, Charlotte Mason, unschooler, or eclectic. You just want to reflect progress and learning regardless of learning style or method.
How do I make a homeschool portfolio?
The best way to make your portfolio is to start it before your school year even begins. Figure out what type of format you want ahead of time so it will become routine to add to it.
Here are some possibilities:
Set up a 3-ring binder for each child and put in tabs to separate your sections/subjects. You can keep a hole punch on hand and a file box to put all your information in. Remember to fill it as you go to avoid a mad scramble later as you try to piece everything together. You can always weed out later before your evaluation, but it is better to keep too much than not enough. I also think it is great idea to begin documenting as early as Kindergarten even if you are not required to do so. You will be glad you kept a running record of your little ones’ progress and growth.
Another handy way to keep track is to use a pre-made homeschool portfolio and just fill in the blanks! I really like this one :
This format makes it simple to remember to write down the important things we do in our homeschool. It’s ideal for record-keeping and reporting if it’s required in your state. It has pages to keep track of reading lists, assignments, field trips, work samples, unit studies, and more. It’s available on Amazon with Prime shipping, too, so it’s convenient. Another advantage is that it looks nice and neat and makes a professional appearance to submit for teacher review. It’s also compact and easily portable.
This free printable homeschool attendance sheet is also helpful to have on hand!
Whatever format you use or what you save in your portfolio, take a deep breath and relax — you’ve got this!
Do you make a homeschool portfolio for your kids? Let me know in the comments!
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