Homeschool World Forum

[Miguelsmommy]

My son 5 bombed the end of the year test. I know this because he didn't even finish the test because he was to busy spinning in his chair! I need to know how to put together a portfolio when you haven't really been keeping track of things? I know what series of book he's read but I have nothing from before November. I wasn't planning a portfolio. please help next year I know better. I'm thinking of continuing until the end of July so he has more stuff in it then taking a "brake" after it's in but I don't know help please.

[elliemaejune]

He's just 5. Why do you need a portfolio?
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Married to Mr. Ellie for over 30 years
Mother to 2 dds and 2 dsil
Grandmother to 1 sweet boy
Caretaker of 2 dear kitties, 1 French bulldog, 1 dachsund, and 3 budgies

[Miguelsmommy]

I registered him in august and they put him in first grade he has a June birthday.

[elliemaejune]

[Decrease]

I think the previous post is wise. A couple of notations for you next child (?), as well. I encourage homeschoolers not to register until they absolutely have to register. Most states do not require a 5 yo to register. You can still homeschool but it keeps everything simple.

As well, I would not test my child until they have to be tested. Not knowing what state you are in, you probably did not have to test this child at this age (though I could be wrong). Frankly, it is none of their business.

Finally, I would get involved and know the laws of your own state. It sounds like you are frantic and that may be because you are not too familiar with the laws. Get involved in HSLDA and use their resources. Know the laws of where you are. Sometimes not knowing the laws causes more fear than needed.

More than likely bombing this test is not a big deal.

If your son cannot take tests well, you may want to consider the portfolio route.

[Miguelsmommy]

I'm in Ohio so I had a choice to test or portfolio.

I unfortunately choose the test. He needs a 25 percentile but I was under the impression that he had to get a 25 percentile separately in BOTH math and English. I found out that it's combined so I'm not as worried.

I'm still getting a portfolio together and getting that evaluated because that will show what he knows better, then his test wont matter. Our superintendent was confused that we didn't register Miguel for their pre-school home school program. Our state requires registration at 6. However being low income they want him in school as fast as possible,they wanted him in head start at 3, so it was a lot easier just to register him. He's an only child so I don't have to worry about making the same mistake twice .

I don't do good with the unexpected. This was the last thing I expected. He knows this stuff like the back of his hand. Try make a portfolio when I didn't start in the beginning is going to be difficult for me.I know I covered all the subjects don't remember how. Again a mistake I wont make twice.

I need to paste a copy of the law on the wall so I can read it in times when the unexpected happen.

Thanks

[Ophelia]

I'm in Ohio and I do the Portfolio method. Throughout the year I save handwriting samples, math worksheets, photo's of activities and field trips, craft projects, etc. (My kids are too young for reports of any kind but we do take quizzes)

At the end of the year I assemble samples of work from each quarter and put them into a binder to show progress and improvement throughout the course of the year for the Portfolio review. My assessor said that she looks at the Portfolio to see that the child is performing to the best of his ability and that the child has made progress throughout the year.
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Dawn

Mother of Fionn (5-7-01), Bailey (9-12-02) and Owen (8-7-07)

[Ophelia]

[Miguelsmommy]

Him being five was little concern to us and we did know that we could wait until he was six. Our superintendent was confused because he would have been placed in first a year before he was. His work from the beginning of the year looks exactly the same as the end. Do they do it based on ability or grade level? Miguel has chosen all curriculum that is at least a 1st grade level but very easy for him. Yes I let HIM pick his curriculum.
Most of his learning is done through discussion because he lacks "motivation".

So how do I do the portfolio that's based on conversation? He does have tons of work sheets but not "to his ability".

Should I just try getting him to do some work at his level to put in the back? I really don't want to push him.

[Ophelia]

[Miguelsmommy]

Thank-you

[MelissaM]

Thank you so much for the certificate idea. I will use that myself. DD loves certificates and stars!
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