Although the term portfolios is often something we hear in the professional world, Janice Contos’s kindergarten students are learning how to use a portfolio to organize their work and show their progress throughout the year.

"I use these portfolios during fall conferences to talk with parents about student progress," said Mrs. Contos. "It is much easier for parents to understand how and what their child is doing, when looking at actual work samples rather than just looking at grades on a report card."

Each portfolio is organized into pockets and includes samples of student work and photos of the children working throughout the year. During fall conferences the work was used to show families what students had been doing and how they were progressing. In the spring, students will come to school with their parents and will show the new materials that have been added to the portfolios. This process helps show their growth during the school year in a way that is tangible to both the student and the family. In addition, students will share writing journals and will read a story to their families. This student-led conferencing will afford the youngsters a chance to talk about what they have learned and to talk about their own progress during Celebration Day at the end of the year. Mrs. Contos adds, "The portfolios make for a great keepsake of the kindergarten year for students and their families."