As early childhood professionals, we know that the use of standardized assessment instruments, such as intelligence, readiness, and achievement tests, is not the best way to evaluate the progress of young children. Preschoolers vary from moment to moment and day to day in their ability to concentrate on what they are interested in. These insights, along with samples of children' s work, can be used to create valuable portfolios.
Portfolios contain examples of children's work at different time periods in a school year.
For instance, you can take a photograph of a child's completed block structure in the fall, winter, and spring. Or a child can draw and file a series of self-portraits. Information to Help You Design Instruction . Children's Involvement in Assessing Their Own Work . As children participate in the portfolio process, they begin to reflect on and understand their own strengths and needs.