According to The California Preschool Curriculum Framework, social-emotional learning skills are foundational to academic learning skills. Some strategies that are key to ensuring social-emotional development include "observing children as they play to understand each child's needs and interests, strengths, and areas of growth in social-emotional development" and "Narrating for children what they are observed doing and expressing, providing language to describe their thoughts and feelings and to clarify others' feelings."
Authentic portfolios facilitate discussions and document a child's development collaboratively for the teachers, children, and families.
For example, in September, we will study Eric Carle's book, "Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? " Teachers will take photos and collect work samples of each child as they engage in the various activities. They will ask children questions and record their responses. Once these items are collected for each child, the collection is glued onto cardstock paper and decorated with "Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What do You See?" colorful pictures. Next, the cardstock pages are slipped into a plastic page protector and placed in the children's three-ringed authentic portfolio binder. What about the sticky glue used to add photos and wipes? The Kleenex antibacterial wipes are perfect for cleaning up a messy workspace!
Each month a new page is added to the authentic portfolio. Children have full access to the portfolios and often discuss and consider their growth as each new page is placed in the memory book. Through actively engaging in a review of their portfolios, children gain the essential skill of self-awareness! In addition, an authentic portfolio is an excellent tool for teachers to share what children are learning in the tk classroom with parents.
More than a third of students from low‑income households
Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. Learn more
Oxford Round Ring Binders, 0.5 Inch ONE-Touch Binders, View Binder Covers on 3 Sides, Xtralife Hinge, Non-Stick, PVC-Free, White, 12 PK (90793)
• Amazon Business
$39.99
3
$119.97
Staples 67 lb. Cover Stock Paper 8.5 x 11 White 250 Sheets/Pack (82991)
• Staples
$25.78
1
$25.78
Craftinova 500 Sheet Protectors, 3 Hole Lightweight Binder Sleeves, Designed to Protect Frequently Used 8.5 x 11 Papers, Acid Free, Clear Plastic Design, 9.25 x 11.25 Top Loaded
• Amazon Business
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As a teacher-founded nonprofit, we're trusted by thousands of teachers and supporters across the country. This classroom request for funding was created by Mrs. Swanson and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
