A good organization system of Physical Portfolios is key to not becoming overwhelmed or frustrated with the process.
Here is a list of tools and supplies you may need to get physical portfolios set-up in your classroom:
portfolio system - binder, duotang, two-pocket folder, folder, box, notebook
student folders or envelopes- to house curated student work
dividers
hole punch
tape, double sided tape, glue
camera & printer (for original pieces that may be too large within the portfolio system)
Keeping student work organized can feel like a challenge, but with a few simple practices it can become easy to manage.
Organization Tips:
Create a folder for each student and have an easily accessible folder storage system for students to place curated work.
Do as much in real time as you can. Have students select, reflect upon, and file work when the assignment or learning skill is fresh.
Attach student reflections directly to the associated assignment or learning skill.
Curate work in the student folder and update the portfolio regularly. Students are more like to own the process and the learning through reflection by seeing their growth unfold through the process. Small amounts of time over longer periods will help students become comfortable with the processes and practices associated with building their portfolio.
Decide on which style of Portfolio: showcase, learning, assessment, hybrid.
Pick a portfolio system (binder, duotang, two pocket folder, folder, box, notebook).
Create a folder for each student and create an easily accessible folder storage system.
Have students create and add work along with their reflections that fits within the style of portfolio.
Organize and update regularly. Small amounts of time over longer periods will help students become comfortable with the tools, processes and practices associated with building their portfolio. They will also enjoy being able to see their personal growth and success throughout the process.
Teachers may need to help with the curation process a little more with primary students. Designing the learning experiences with portfolios in mind, pre-selecting the assignments and the work pieces that will be used in all student portfolios can be helpful in documenting students learning, thinking and growth.
Students in the junior and intermediate grades can and should have more ownership of the curation process. Consider giving students categories and allowing them to curate their work and their reflections from there (beyond the more common parts, students could identify work in various categories like "Something I am proud of, Something I persevered at, Something I am still learning or getting better at...").