Wednesday, January 11, 2012

Keeping track: K-5 Portfolios

a 4th grade portfolio
**update 09/2014 - new portfolios available on my Teachers Pay Teachers store :http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Mrs-Knights-Smartest-Artists
  We are trying out new portfolios this year, and I thought I'd share our progress at the mid-year point.  We've always used paper folders for collecting our work, but this year I decided to try printed portfolios where we can keep up with vocabulary words, artist names and other important concepts so that students can easily recall these things throughout the year without having to sort through lots of papers.  I am hoping this will be a great way to assess - kind of like an open-book test - where all the answers to the questions are on their portfolio.  So far, it's going really well - the kids seem to have more respect for their portfolios this year than the years when we just "decorated" them. They are also more patient about keeping all their work here until the end of the year, knowing they are creating a fantastic collection.  I started with a format based on a portfolio cover I had seen over at The Art of Education, (thanks again for that, Jessica!) but added more spaces and included a back sheet so there would be space to add info all year long.  I printed them on the school copier using 11x17" paper. I thought about making a different one for each grade level, but then this year was the "trying it out" phase so I stuck with the same format for all levels.  I left the sections basically blank so that we could use them for different things at different grade levels.  Here's how they look at the beginning of the second semester - I'll share again at the end of the year, after I've fine tuned this thing.  I am happy to send my portfolio word docs format through email if you'd like to get a copy to try yourself... paying it forward!

a 2nd grade example, front and back view, CLICK to view larger
first day, checking them out
a kindergarten example

5th grade front and back view

61 comments:

  1. These look great! I agree with you that it is super handy to have the kids have everything all in one area; both their work and the key terms and info that you are teaching them! I love all the open spots where they can fill everything in as your year progresses! Nice Job and have a great second semester! :) Jana (from room9art.blogspot.com)

    ReplyDelete
  2. I like that you have printed them out on 11x17 paper. What a great idea!!!
    I'd love to see what a kindergarten one looks like too.
    I saw this on Jessica's blog too and thought about trying it out next year. Now that I see it again, I am feeling braver about trying something new with portfolios... keep us posted!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Thanks for the post, Hope. I do portfolios with my students as well because I feel it is important for them to have a special place to store their work and carry it home at the end of the year. It's so much better than to see them fold their artwork into quarters and stuff it into their backpacks! I was thinking about having a checklist of what work is included in their portfolios and having them glue it to the inside. I'd love to have a copy of your portfolio....maybe I will add a check list of some sort to that! Thank you! Beth @ Art with Mrs Hurley (bhurlee@hotmail.com)

    ReplyDelete
  4. I just wrote about this same topic. http://thebeeskneescousin.blogspot.com/2012/01/portfolios.html. Do you keep all work untll the end of the year then? I collect things all year long and timed it well this year where we didn't make the portfolios until we came back from holiday break. It was a nice, easy, relaxing thing for the kids and me to come back to and the kids enjoyed seeing their work get passed back to them. I'll keep them on file until the end of the year but I was curious what others did. I think I'm also going ot keep adding a border and decorating the portfolio itself as my emergency sub plans for the rest of the year.

    ReplyDelete
  5. I added a kindergarten sample pic - I try to keep the wording really short for them, just basically names and terms. I do keep most everything all year, because we have a number of exhibits at different times of the year and I like to have lots to choose from. Original Works and our end-of-year show both require relatively small formats, so the majority of our pieces are 9x12" and under and fit nicely into the folder. If we make something larger, that goes home early as well as anything 3-D. Thanks for the comments!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. oh, and another benefit to having the portfolios all year is that if a student finishes early, they can easily look back at anything that needs a touch up or a few more minutes work and take care of it because it's all right there. i make sure i do the collecting of the folders at the end of class, however - a spill can be disastrous! So far, so good... knock on wood.

      Delete
  6. You are welcome, Hope! They just look great and I love what you've done with the concept. If anyone else wants the Pages file I can send it to them to modify, too!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Hi love your idea of the portfolio sheet- I have to share my experience which is about 22years of teaching visual arts in a number of schools plus curriculum writing for the state of Western Australia.
    My students have a visual diary which is a scrap book - blank pages or around 30 - 60- This book stays with me for about 2 years. I hate wasting paper. In that book they complete any written tasks such as image analysis, reflections on their work - vocabulary words , design development etc this is used for all ages- 5yr olds to 13 year olds.
    It also can be used for early finishers.

    As for portfolios - I have one that is great for storing their work. I help students especially the younger ones make it as IT is a large envelope which is folded so work does not fall out. These are big enough to take A3 size work. The students decorate these as an artwork - I come up with different abstract art ideas to make them a work of art.These are stored in large lidded plastic tubs until the end of year assessments. A great way of having enough work to assess but also for the end of year art exhibition and district art displays. As for 3D work including clay I like to also store it for final assessment but also displays around the school and exhibition- . I am lucky I have fabulous storage. At the end of the year they just love getting them to take home especially the little ones!!!
    Cheryl Hancock
    Perth Western Australia

    ReplyDelete
  8. Hope, this is a wonderful idea! I have never tried a portfolio with students before. Would you be able to share your format with me? Thanks for sharing so many great projects and ideas. It is such an inspiration!

    -Maggie mmaloney@mcps.org

    ReplyDelete
  9. Hope I would really like to use this next year. Would it be possible to get your format? My email is hmorral@hotmail.com
    Thanks Heather

    ReplyDelete
  10. This is great! I just started teaching this year and I'm really interested in using a portfolio piece. If it's possible I would love to get your format. My email is m.crimmins28@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  11. Hi Hope. This is an amazing idea!!! I'm currently on maternity leave which gives me some time to look around and find some new and interesting things. If at all possible, I would love to get a copy of your portfolio. My email is cindybee@hotmail.com.

    You are truly a talented art teacher!

    Cin

    ReplyDelete
  12. Love this idea! I have been trying to find a way to make something like this work. Would you be willing to share your template? I would love to use it!
    tiff.m.hall@gmail.com
    Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  13. This is wonderful! I would love a copy at aclaird@gmail.com. Please and thank you!!

    ReplyDelete
  14. Hey there! I would love to use this idea!!! If you could send me a copy at lauren.deese@douglas.k12.ga.us I would greatly apprectiate it! LOVING your blog!

    ReplyDelete
  15. WOW! These are so cool. Yes, I would love to use this in the new school year. Would really apprectiate if you would send a copy to: jestergab@comcast.net Thanks. Great blog.

    ReplyDelete
  16. Hi! I would like to work on a portfolio cover this summer for my students. What kind of 11 x 17 paper did you use? Could you send me a copy of your templates? Thanks. swfox@comcast.net

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Will do... Need to get to my laptop. I just used the basic copy paper from office supply, nothing fancy

      Delete
  17. I also would love your template. I also saw this over on the Art of Education. I have been trying unsuccessfully to use publisher to create something similar but am not having much luck.. I love the idea of making a general one for everybody the first year. Great job. Mcbartos@uc.k12.in.us. Thanks for taking the time to share your ideas. They are very valuable. Thanks again!

    ReplyDelete
  18. Love this!! Going to start portfolios this year with my k-5 students. Would love a copy of your template!! awhite@pasco.k12.fl.us
    You have some fabulous ideas!

    ReplyDelete
  19. I love this! Would love a copy of your template too. danaedi(at)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  20. I really love this idea and would like to try it, would you please e-mail a copy of the template. sunartchick01@yahoo.com. Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  21. This is such a great idea! I have been interested in saving artwork all year for the students so that they can actually see their progress overtime. It really helps the student to see where they started at the beginningnof the year and how they are progressing. With using the 11x17 ledger paper, how do the portfolios hold up over the year. Would it be better to take 12x18 drawing paper, cut it down and send it through the copy machine? Could you please email a copy of the file template? ejallen430atembarqmaildotcom It really looks great! Thanks so much.

    ReplyDelete
  22. I would love to have a copy of the template (amyrutherford@ymail.com). I would also like to participate in your ATC swap this year!! Thank you so much! Amy

    ReplyDelete
  23. I'm always looking for new ideas and would love a copy of your portfolio template (wbrownin@lcps.org). Love your website! Whitney

    ReplyDelete
  24. Great idea for a portfolio! I would love a copy of your template! Thank you so much for sharing!! My email chulsey@richland2.org
    Thank you!!!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  25. I love this! Just trying to ready to start up and would really like to use your template this year. My email is joanna.keller@gmail.com thank you!

    ReplyDelete
  26. Love! Love! Love! I would like to use this template. My email is artteacherbarbie@yahoo.com

    Thanks so much!

    ReplyDelete
  27. I love this idea as well! Could you please send me the templates? I would love to use this for my K-5 students this school year. My email is kschall@dlsd.k12.pa.us. Thank you!

    ReplyDelete
  28. Hope, thank you so much for your blog. It truly is a treasure to me, and by extension, to my students! I am looking to try portfolios this year and would love to have a copy of your template if you get a chance. Thank you for such great inspiration!

    cgalginaitis@smsva.org

    Thanks!
    Christine

    ReplyDelete
  29. If you're still up to sending out the template, I'd love to have it! (unless you've put it on the site somewhere?). I look at many art teacher blogs and yours has been the most comprehensively helpful! connie.mcdaniel@gmail.com (elem art, rabat, morocco)

    ReplyDelete
  30. Thank you so much for sharing your amazing ideas! I'd really like to use your template this year, so, if you're still sending it out, I promise to use it and credit you too! scella527@gmail.com Thanks again!

    ReplyDelete
  31. Thank you so much for sharing, do all your art works throughout the year fit into the portfolio? I use 9x12 as my standard art work size in class. Could you send me the formats please? Thank you!

    kristie@musd371.k12.ks.us

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Most of our work is also 9x12, so it sticks out a tad, but only by an inch. That is the largest size paper our copier can handle. Larger paper would require professional printing... $$$$$!

      Delete
  32. These are great. I have my students keep portfolios as well, but this adds another dimension which is great. I love the ideas and projects on your blog. If you are still sending out templates I would love one. My email is Juniebee17@gmail.com. Thank you.

    Carley

    ReplyDelete
  33. This is my first year teaching Art and I would love a template too. I am trying to figure out what is the best way to store their work so I am checking out different portfolio styles. Thanks! ktencza123@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  34. I have my students make sketchbooks at the beginning of the year. They can use the books for drawing prompts, free art, note taking, etc. I'm looking around for different covers for each grade level. This would be perfect for one of my older grades. Would you please send me the template? DisneyChica@gmail.com Thank you so much!

    ReplyDelete
  35. Hi! What a great idea...this is my second year teaching art (i came in midway last year due to a staff change and followed what my predecessor had established). I would really appreciate a copy of the template as well...thookano@bayview-academy.org

    Many thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  36. I love the idea of creating an art portfolio for my students. We currently just send things home when they are finished, but I would like to give my students a little something at the end of the term/year. I would truly appreciate a copy of the template as well.
    Thank you so much!
    j_salez123@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  37. I would love to have a copy of the template! Thanks so much for offering to send it. This is such a great way for kids to see the year at a glance. And a great tool to show principals, parents, and teachers what we do.
    Thanks again!
    courtneyrockquel@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  38. Love this. Can you send me a copy? Thank you. Ofthepeace317@ gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  39. I think this is a wonderful idea, I wanted to start using portfolios this year. I was searching pinterest & found your blog. I would love a copy, could you please send me one? Thank you. Aninjah2@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  40. This looks fantastic! I would love a copy of your word doc. I am at lucy@pause.com and I teach art k-5 in Oak Park, IL. Thanks so much!!!

    ReplyDelete
  41. I used portfolios last year but much larger size and they were way too hard to store! This year, I'd love to try this size and make it functional with the info on the outside! Great idea! Can you send me the 11 x 17 file? mmatott@twcny.rr.com

    ReplyDelete
  42. Wonderful for pre/post assessment - I would love a copy of the 11 x 17 template as well. maddieoff@yahoo.com - thank you!!!

    ReplyDelete
  43. These are so cool. I would love to have a copy of your template. gsholl@att.net

    ReplyDelete
  44. Love these! I would love to have a copy of the template for my kiddos at school. Sarah.Hart@mnps.org

    ReplyDelete
  45. I would love a copy of your template. Thanks for sharing and for this wonderful blog!

    agraham@alpinedistrict.org

    ReplyDelete
  46. You have a wonderfull blog. I would love to have a copy of your template. Please send me a copy at stephanie.s.mass@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  47. I would absolutely love to have a copy of this. My email is jjmccormick@spsmail.org
    Thank you for sharing such a great idea!

    ReplyDelete
  48. I would appreciate a copy of this. Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Cynthia - can you send me your email address? knighth@fultonschools.org

      Delete
  49. I'm loving your blog. You have tons of great ideas. I would very much appreciate if you could send me a copy to ebod14@gmail.com .Thanks!
    ~Mrs. W.

    ReplyDelete
  50. Hello! Love your ideas!! If it's not too much trouble, could I also get a copy of your template? I have portfolios for the kiddos, but adding something like this to them would be great for assessing, recalling, and also a great way for parents to see what's going on in the art room! Would greatly appreciate it! Thanks, my email is sohonage76@roadrunner.com

    ReplyDelete
  51. I will be teaching a GT camp this summer for elementary. Could you please email me the format?
    y_galvan@yahoo.com
    Thank you

    ReplyDelete
  52. Thank you for sharing through your wonderful blog! So many great ideas. If possible, I would love a copy of your file. I am having my students organize and reflect on their work right after spring break.
    Tellabell@hotmail.com
    Thank you!

    ReplyDelete
  53. These portfolio covers are awesome! Could I get a link to a copy of them?? emikels@beas.blueearth.k12.mn.us

    ReplyDelete
  54. May I have a copy of this document as well?! Thanks so much! jnadeau@csd3-bres.org

    ReplyDelete
  55. May I have a copy as well? Thanks so much!
    juliebridge@enterprisecharter.org

    ReplyDelete
  56. Could I have a copy of this template? Art Teacher Elem/Middle School Art, Chicago, IL
    Erin Lynch
    ealynch@cps.edu

    ReplyDelete
  57. Could I get a copy of the document as well? it is great!!
    tmeckley@jenisonchristian.org

    ReplyDelete

Comments are very appreciated - thanks for stopping by!