Tips for Crafting an Empowering Homeschool Portfolio

“Another book was opened, which is the book of life.”

~Rev 20:12a

Have your kids ever told you they want to go to "real school" and you lack homeschool recordkeeping to show them that they do, in fact go to the BEST school?

Have you had rich educational experiences either out and about or at home and no homeschool record keeper of the learning that took place?

Have you asked yourself what you taught or what they learned and wondered how to become organized to easily store and find that information?

The fact that God keeps a book of life is astounding. It’s the ultimate, most prized place to have our names written. While the homeschool  portfolio doesn’t hold the great eternal sense of significance that God’s book of life holds, it is still an important testament of your child’s learning journey and will make your life easier if you learn to keep one! We will use this space to explore why a homeschool portfolio is essential and the usefulness it can have later in your child’s learning journey.

Beyond meeting legal requirements in some states, keeping a homeschool portfolio will lead to better organization and can be used to cast vision and track goals.

In Florida, keeping a homeschool portfolio of daily lesson plans, work samples and a book list is a requirement by law. A review of this portfolio is one option to meet the annual evaluation needs also required. Regardless of that state of residency, we encourage keeping these types of records. When done well, a homeschool portfolio shows off the student's accomplishments and can be a valuable resource when planning for the future. This collection of records is important for all ages and can help older students with talking points at interviews, essay topics for college/club applications and in resume preparation. 

One thing we’ve seen over our years as evaluators and experienced in our own homeschool journey is that in each season, a family creates a portfolio unique to their journey. We’ve whittled it down to the basics to show how to build a stellar homeschool portfolio. Let’s dig in!

1. Find out if your state has homeschool portfolio requirements in the statute, and become familiar with what is expected. 

Consider the requirements as a daily way of work so there are no surprises and/or mad dashes to organize at the time of evaluation. As an example, click here to read the Florida statute. We’ve copied the part about portfolio review evaluations below as it's a good framework of how to keep records that show progress:

(d) The parent shall maintain a portfolio of records and materials. The portfolio must consist of the following:

1. A log of educational activities that is made contemporaneously with the instruction and that designates by title any reading materials used.

2. Samples of any writings, worksheets, workbooks, or creative materials used or developed by the student.

(e) The parent shall determine the content of the portfolio, preserve it for 2 years, and make it available for inspection, if requested, by the district school superintendent, or the district school superintendent’s agent, upon 15 days’ written notice. Nothing in this section shall require the district school superintendent to inspect the portfolio.

2. If your state requires homeschool evaluations, be sure to know your evaluator’s expectations and their style.

Some states require that homeschoolers are evaluated by a certified teacher or psychologist. For example, those homeschooling in Florida are required to get an annual evaluation. This is one of those times when it’s important to be with YOUR KIND OF PEOPLE! Set your family up for success by researching, and make the effort to get to know the evaluator beforehand. If your style and methods are not appreciated and nurtured during your meeting, it will be a waste of a wonderful opportunity to celebrate your unique homeschool! 

One example: Florida law requires a conversation to be had during the meeting however, it does not require the type of conversation, and there are evaluators who consider replying via email a substantial way to meet this requirement. This process wastes the opportunity to develop not only character and confidence but the chance to practice presentation and interview skills in an informal setting. Whatever age, why not practice this together? What better time than the evaluation meeting to nurture skills which can be applied directly to life. 

3. Find a plan book, printable template, or online organizer to us as a homeschool record keeper for your lesson plans. 

According to the statute, lesson plans that are made “contemporaneously with the instruction and that designates by title any reading materials used” are required. This means these plans do not need to be made or written ahead of your daily activities. Take advantage of this freedom even if plans are made in advance. Use them as a flexible framework. There’s a myriad of rich, educational experiences out there so don’t get boxed in by squares on a page. 

Then be sure to include those experiences on the list of materials used. Some examples are special events, field trips, movies, apps, games, contests, presentations, fine art classes, clubs, volunteering, vacations, research, experiments, projects, sports, community involvement, church gatherings, tours or impromptu investigations, and any other activities that contribute to vibrant learning. (Is it evident that now that are kids are older, we miss our homeschool adventures?!)

Building these lesson plans are part of the daily journey of homeschooling, and there are many creative ways to keep track of them. We started by using a more traditional spiraled teacher lesson plan notebook and changed often. From customized lesson pages with artsy covers, to a website service which easily produces customized reports, know that needs will change according to the age of the children and season of life.

4. Use these homeschool record keeping ideas on how to become organized.

According to the Florida statute, this portfolio needs to be kept for two years (with the expectation to have it available within 15 days’ notice if ever called by the county superintendent of schools for review). A review by the county is not the norm or done at random, and most people are not going to experience this type of investigation.  It's still a treasure to keep, even if it isn't needed by law in the state of residence.

There are many options beyond written forms of completed assignments which include art/craft pieces, pictures, videos, online course records and grades. Save samples that reflect growth and achievement for evaluation purposes and also special treasures for nostalgia. For us, each season brought a new way to keep track. For example:

• A file box brimming w/ creative work
• An art or alphabet wall in our kitchen
• A cabinet full of various types of books and games we had used
• Manipulatives in a tub under the bed we had used
• Files and apps on their tablet/computer/laptop used for learning
• Photos and videos from historical re-enactments or other community activities
• Schedules, class syllabus and grades in a binder
• Dual-enrollment materials in a backpack
• Student-created, blog, vlog, website, emails or social media posts

More Homeschool Tips related to portfolios:

As for daily work samples, make it a habit throughout the school year of considering what would be good to show progress at the year-end evaluation.  Don’t let this become overwhelming, it’s not necessary to save everything that is produced. Just keep in mind to dogear, bookmark, or save to a file as you go. Think of the equivalent as shopping for gifts here and there instead of the time crunch of shopping right before the holidays. A bonus for working a homeschool this way is that effectiveness in planning, follow through, and knowledge of a child’s strengths and weaknesses increases. Always good things!

The Florida statute only requires progress to be shown which aligns with ability level. In order for an evaluator to see such a comparison DATE THE WORK and take samples from the beginning, middle and end of year in the same subject. Every homeschooler and the parent should create a habit of dating work samples and plans for this reason.

Those are the basics to portfolio creation and before we sign off, it's important to note the temptation to misrepresent records in the portfolio...we’ve all been there! Whether it was lack of time/motivation in one subject area or a challenging season for the entire school year, life happens. But, it’s important not to falsify or exaggerate and to show it as it is with honesty and clarity. Lack of completion, retention, or even failure is the starting point for deep learning to take place. That can’t happen if the truth isn’t shown. The portfolio is a chance to create a time of celebration, so save work and presentation-worthy experiences, which show off perseverance, unique talents and good work ethic!

Any way it’s made, we know from our own experience that these records will make up a heartfelt collection. Like a scrapbook or photo album, it holds beautiful memories that are fun to revisit. Beyond that, a quality homeschool portfolio can be a means to drive confidence and a tangible reminder of achievements and experiences that lend to a lifelong, intrinsic love of learning. For our kids, it has also been a critical tool we’ve used when looking for employment, applying for special opportunities, and the college application process.

We're Here to Help

Now that we’ve fanned the flames of inspiration, get going on creating amazing homeschool portfolios! And don’t worry if instead overwhelm has set in. If help is needed, we’ve got that covered. Homeschooling is a big deal, and it’s smart to link hands with those who’ve gone before you. Click here to join us every week  for personalized help with portfolios as well as all concerns and questions.  We also have pre-recorded classes on how to plan, as well as downloadable PDF lesson plan pages. Click here to read our blog, “How To Plan Your Homeschool Year” and listen here to our podcast episode on this topic for more details. We’re praying for you the Lord’s peace and wisdom and look forward to seeing you around The Well.

We pray this blesses you!

Be encouraged,

Kim

📋Want a free portfolio checklist? 

Download and look at a portfolio sample

👓Other articles you may find interesting!

Know Your Why: Choosing What to Teach In Your Homeschool

How to Make a Homeschool Transcript for High School

End the Year Well: Homeschool Portfolios, Plans, and Parties

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 What resonates most with you and how can we help you apply it to your homeschool days? We encourage you to prayerfully consider the following support systems: The Homeschool Well Community, The Homeschool Well Coaching