There are many different ways to compile portfolios that reflect a child's home education progress. New Hampshire statute requires portfolios include a list of books the child read (it doesn't have to be comprehensive) plus a sampling of work from different points throughout the year. The reading list can be very simple; it can be just a list of title, including any you read to your child. It does not need to include page count or minutes spent. The work sample should be from different points in the academic year -- beginning, middle, and end. It must be kept for two years. The portfolio should reflect whatever the child learned and whatever was used for the home ed program. This process can be very helpful later if your student enters a public or private school, or to prepare a transcript for college applications.
Some families like using a scrapbook approach with photos and mementos that reflect the student's activities and accomplishments. Some families keep the entire portfolio in an electronic form, including photos, videos, and scanned documents. Some maintain a blog or other online presence that documents the year. Other families just throw everything into a box. It's all good! There is no one right or wrong way to approach it.
In addition to including a variety of work samples such as tests, quizzes, and worksheets, be sure to also document writing projects, fine arts works (photos or recordings), science projects and labs, details of extracurricular activities, volunteer or career related work records, grades and work samples from any public school or online class providers, and field trips.
Portfolios remain the private property of the family.
GSHE team leader, Amanda, created this informative video to help you build a portfolio for your child.
Long-time homeschooler and GSHE member, Heidi Paquette, has great suggestions regarding how to prepare a portfolio and document your child's progress. There are several photos to further explain how to demonstrate your child's learning. Lots of great advice and suggestions.
For those interested, below are resources and portfolio service providers.
Bright Hub Education: Homeschool Portfolios -- Evaluation Checklist and More
Bright Ideas Press: Tying Up Your School Year with a Homeschool Portfolio
Cleverly Changing: How to Prepare a Homeschool Portfolio
Donna Young Homeschool Portfolio Lesson Planner
Homeschool Learning Network: Homeschooling Essentials - the Portfolio
Homeschool Helpdesk: Homeschool Portfolio Ideas
Homeschooling Help: How to Create a Homeschool Portfolio
How to Homeschool: How to Create a Homeschool Portfolio
Mama of Letters: Recording a Homeschool Student's Progress
Oklahoma Homeschool: Recordkeeping -- Portfolio & Grades
Real Life at Home: Homeschool Portfolios
Simplified Organization: Video Tutorial - Digital Homeschool Portfolios
