What goes in a portfolio
- A cover with the child's drawing or photo (pasted on the paper).
- Two or three observations in each area: social and emotional, language, early literacy, early math, moving, thinking.
- Samples: a drawing, a name written in September and in May.
- A page of next steps for home.
Writing an observation
Write what you saw and heard, as if for someone who wasn't there. Date it. Keep it short.
- Instead of 'good at counting': 'Counted 7 apples at snack, touching each one.'
- Instead of 'shy': 'Watched the block corner for a few minutes, then joined in when invited.'
- Instead of 'knows letters': 'Pointed to the A in her name and said "A, apple".'
Watch for Use the child's first name or initials only, on a device you control. Peabody's tool refuses a full name and keeps notes on your device.
From notes to a report card
A preschool report card can say what a child does and what they are working on in each area, with no grades: seen, emerging, not yet. It is not a screening; for questions about development, families can ask their child's doctor or their state's early intervention program.