On this blog each week I hope to share with you more
specific information related to the Hesston College Preschool that is more than
just“pictures of what we do at preschool”,
but will be more about why we do what we do
at preschool – what makes this place tick, as well as any helpful parent
information I come across.
This week the “sharing” is about Portfolio Books - the what/why/how
we use these in the classroom. Portfolio books are used as a way to collect artifacts (sounds like we are anthropologists or something, right?! J)
throughout the school year of children’s “work” in the preschool. Each child has a book that is kept at the
preschool and sent home one time during the year to share with family.
Artifacts include:
o Pictures completed during the planned art activity that demonstrate
creativity along with other “skills” needed to complete the activity. Not that we are so concerned with the product, but more the process of how the activity was accomplished. Not all art pictures turn out the same and that is the great thing about art - each child does it in their own unique and eclectic way!
o Pictures that children initiate independent of any planned art
activity at the “free art” table using a variety of materials; children often
request to save these special pictures for their books.
o Assessments – writing, math, literacy, fine motor, a checklist
of developmental milestones used for parent/teacher conferences
o Photos of child’s activity in the preschool.
These artifacts help me learn more about your child as well as
helping me plan learning activities that will enhance your child’s abilities and
skill level. Lastly, children enjoy sharing these books with family members and recalling the pictures they've created, and former students often look at these books years after they
have moved on from preschool.
