(UPDATE: The portfolio binder printable has been updated to 2018-2019)

Hi there! Do you need some help putting your homeschool portfolio binder together?

Homeschool record keeping may sound a little difficult. But, its really very easy.  It is always a good idea to keep a record or a homeschool portfolio with proof that your child has been participating in some kind of school work. The best way to do this is to keep a portfolio of work your children have completed throughout the year.

In some states it’s actually a requirement to keep and show a homeschool portfolio. Make sure you check the homeschool laws in your state. When I first started homeschooling this was kind of a scary thought for me. I had fears that our portfolios wouldn’t be “good” enough. I wondered and worried about what would happen if we couldn’t fill up an entire portfolio!? Were they going to judge my child’s work?

Now that I have been homeschooling for almost five years, I can tell you the truth. The truth is, you have nothing to worry about! Putting a homeschool portfolio together is actually pretty easy. And no one is going to be judging you.

This post will show you step by step exactly how you can set up your homeschool portfolio. You can download the exact printable I used to set this up below.

HOW TO SET UP YOUR HOMESCHOOL PORTFOLIO –  STEP BY STEP

You will need a 1 – 1.5-inch binder and a few page protectors. This binder here is what I recommend using and these page protectors here are perfect! 

CHECK THE LAWS IN YOUR STATE

Each state has a different set of homeschool laws. The best place to check your state’s laws and get updated information is here. There will be a drop-down menu for you to select your state. You will find information on laws for your state, what subjects you are required to do and when you need to set up a portfolio review. This is a great link to keep on hand!

GATER COMPLETED ASSIGNMENTS

You will need to gather at least 3 dated and completed assignments per a subject.  Here in Maryland, we are required to do Math, Science, History, English, P.E, Music and Art.  I recommend picking a dated assignment from the beginning, middle and end of the school year for each required subject.

 

FILL OUT THE P.E LOG

P.E is required in every state, I believe? Don’t worry though you don’t have to do jumping jacks in your living room, (although you could). P.E is pretty much any physical activity that your child participates in.

Examples of activities that count for P.E-

• Jumping Jacks in your living room. 🙂
• Daily walks around the block
• Riding Bikes
• Any sports activities
• Dance activities
• Playing at the Park

Basically, anything that requires your child to get up and be active.

I encourage you to use photos of your kids at the park or any sports certificates as proof. I don’t really think it’s required to include these things, but I think it helps and it’s nice to have those memories documented.

FILL OUT THE HOMESCHOOL ATTENDANCE SHEET

I have included a homeschool attendance sheet in the free portfolio printables. You may not be required to include this in your portfolio, but it is always good to have on hand. If you haven’t been documenting your days that’s ok, just check it off the best you can and start documenting your attendance from here on out. Don’t worry if you haven’t been documenting your days, I have been homeschooling for five years and just realized I should be doing this. YIKES. I guess that’s another good reason to date your assignments. 🙂

DOWNLOAD AND PRINT YOUR FREE PORTFOLIO SHEETS

I have put together a few portfolio sheets for you to print. These are nice to help keep your portfolio organized. Obviously not a requirement, but it looks nice! You can download them below.

PUT ALL OF YOUR ASSIGNMENTS AND PORTFOLIO SHEETS IN PAGE PROTECTORS

Instead of punching holes in everything, I like to use page protectors. This takes less time and keeps the documents protected over time.  These page protectors here are perfect! You can find the binder I use here for my page protectors and portfolio sheets.

ORGANIZE YOUR PORTFOLIO

Now you should be ready to put everything in your portfolio. Organize all of your child’s assignments by subject and place them in your 3 ring binder. This here is the There is no rule for which subject to include first. You can also fill out the front cover provided with the portfolio printables and place it in the clear pouch on the front of your binder.

 

And that’s it! Pretty simple right? Just gather your assignments and print out the portfolio printable below. After putting your portfolio together, sit back and be proud of the hard work you and your child put in this year. If you have any questions I would be happy to help you! Just leave me a comment below.

Oh and don’t forget to download your free Homeschool Portfolio Printables. I created them just for you! You can find the printable in our Print and Go Learn Resource Library. Sign up below for free access!