Should Toddlers Have Access To Their Portfolios

[summer]

Hi, was just wondering where it states that children should have access to their portfolios (toddlers) ?
We had them stored on high shelves, clearly and easily accessible to families should they wish to look at them? We were told recently they need to be at children's level; is this true?

[Lorina]

With toddlers, it's a little hard, especially with portfolios. You put so much time and effort to complete these and the last thing you need is for a toddler to pull it off a shelf, throw it across the floor or start drawing in them... Instead, I think that weekly once you could set time aside to share portfolios with them. At group time sit, them on the mat and show them their portfolios. Encourage educators working with you, to go through portfolios with each individual child and look at the photos and samples that have been added. Remind educators to note down any input that a toddler may have while looking through their portfolio and add it into the page. For example: if there is a painting of blue and red and the toddler points to it and says "blue"... add this in as child input - even on a sticky note...

It's important for toddlers to feel proud of their achievements and reflect on their learning!

Hope this helps!

,
Lorina

[linsaa fdc]

I've also been told that they need to be accessible but like Lorina says far too much work has gone into them.
When we have time we put the portfolio pages up on my laptop and let them scroll through, they love looking at their pages.

Linsaa fdc

[socialispiice]

As per my experience it is very difficult, i think we should only appreciate what they are achieving

[Sandy17]

As an educator who worked with toddlers for nearly 4 years in a row (10 yrs ece) i believe toddlers should have access to their learning. This give oppertunities to re visit and refresh memories. In my expirience this then stems from previous learning to further and sometimes greater oppertunities.

In my expirience i only encouraged this to occur supervised and or during quiet time. I encouraged the children to assist with adding to thier "special books" and assist with glueinh. Given ages this was more of a one onone as waking type activity however age does not define ability and i feel as an educator it is my role to encourage and empower these little people in all ways.

[Lorina]

Yes I agree! Children should be given the opportunity to look through portfolios... That's why it is important to set up a set time during the week that allows all toddlers to look through their special books.

,
Lorina

[Sandy17]

Defaintly!

I didnt mean any offence as i do understand as far as work goes but i guess its all about and a part of teaching them respect for belongings and the correct way we look at them. This can be difficult and sometimes frustrating but important to get educators onboard if in the room with you

[Lorina]

Defaintly!

I didnt mean any offence as i do understand as far as work goes but i guess its all about and a part of teaching them respect for belongings and the correct way we look at them. This can be difficult and sometimes frustrating but important to get educators onboard if in the room with you

Oh of course! You need everyone on board to help with getting the toddlers to look at their portfolio, otherwise it definitely going to be a challenge!


Lorina