A student's writing will change dramatically during the kindergarten year. The majority of students in your class will be unable to do little more than make scribbles when asked to write their name, but by the end of the year they should be able to write their name and often other words as well. Include dated samples of your students' handwriting in their portfolios so parents can see their progress. Samples might include their written name, special words students learned during the year, or even their own short stories. In addition, include a list in each child's portfolio of their favorite books and stories.
Ask your students to write the numbers one through 10 on a piece of paper and add that to the portfolio. In addition, provide paper and ask students to draw different shapes in different colors; help students to label these drawings and add the date. Include completed math worksheets in the portfolio as well. Additionally, include science-related worksheets and drawings.
Include a wide selection of the student's best artwork. Help students make hand prints on paper with paint during the first week of school and include these in the portfolio or use as the cover. Other artwork to add to the portfolio might include finger paintings, crayon or chalk drawings and collages. Include artwork created for holidays and special occasions, as well as a student self portraits.
Take pictures of students throughout the school year and include them in the portfolio, recommends the website Ed Avenue. Capture moments from the first week of school, celebrations, special field trips and show and tell. Take pictures of students working in groups, singing songs, playing on the playground or taking part in science experiments. Remember to label each picture with the date and what is happening.
Let students choose some of their favorite work to include in their portfolio. The work students choose does not have to be their "best" work, but work they are especially proud of. In addition, ask students to fill out a worksheet at the beginning of the school year about their favorite things, such as favorite color, favorite food and favorite song. Add this page to the portfolio.