What goes in a homeschool portfolio

A homeschool portfolio is the year's story in paper and pictures. Some states ask for one to be reviewed; everywhere, it's the best answer to "what did you do this year?"

The records

• Attendance: the days of instruction, or the hours if your state counts hours. A printable attendance record or hours log works, and so does Hornbook's printed year record.
• What was taught: the subjects, the curriculum or books used, and a short description of each.
• A reading list: books read aloud and read alone.

The work

• Samples from the start, the middle and the end of the year in each subject, dated, so progress shows.
• Tests and quizzes, if you give them, and any standardized test results.
• Photos of projects, experiments and field trips, with a line on what was learned.

Keeping it together

• A binder with a tab per subject is enough. Add a few pieces each month instead of hunting at the end.
• Date everything as it goes in.
• Keep the portfolio for several years after the school year ends; high school records for good.

What a review looks at, and who reviews it, differs by state. Check your state's current homeschool law.