Observing & Recording is a way to develop an understanding of students' learning and thinking. When done correctly, a students’ portfolio should take it's viewer on a journey through the way children are thinking about what they are learning:

“Like a mirror, documentation reflects our practice and our theory. Like a beacon, it lights the winding path of investigation. Documentation allows us to look at children’s thinking through their representation, conversation, and play. That process can be a tremendous gift of discovery and understanding of our own practice.” - Pam Oken-Wright