Reading Portfolios
Excerpted from Let's Read!
A reading portfolio can be as simple as a file folder of information about reading progress for each student in the classroom. The portfolio is maintained by you, although the student can have input. Keep the folders in a secure area. In this file folder, labeled with the student's name, there can be a representative sampling of the items listed below. The folder is designed to give a profile of the child as a reader and is helpful for conferencing with child, parents, or special needs counselor.
- Assessment
A statement, made monthly, of the child's progress, the skill group to which the student is assigned, and the child's interest in reading. This can be handwritten or in the form of a checklist. You can put a plus sign (or check mark) or minus sign after each item. These ideas can help get you started:- shows interest in reading books
- listens attentively to stories
- tries to figure out new words
- is building a reading vocabulary
- is making letter-sound relationship progress
- excels in _____; needs work in _____
- Reading Tests
Samples of work that are graded and evaluated using a districtwide measure. - Vocabulary Checklist
Use a predetermined vocabulary list and periodically check the child's progress. Keep good records of dates. - Reading List
What is the child's reading interest? What books has this student read? (This is one place where the child can have input into the portfolio and help keep this record.) - Alphabet and Phonetic Progress
Forms or teacher statements about ability, interest, and progress. - Producer of Information
Keep representative samples. The following will help you get started:- likes to draw pictures to accompany text
- interested in writing story sentences
- interested in writing stories
- likes to make books
- engages in reading enrichment activities (drama, construction, puppets)
- writes book summaries
- writes journal entries
- General Comments (dated record)
- Specific Comments (dated record)
