Documentation Books

The students are beginning to take more pride in their learning and documentation books. They have started to share them with one another.

Share your thoughts :

  1. I think the most powerful part of documentation is when the kids begin to use it and review it. I always get excited when students take out their portfolio to talk about something they had done or a project they were a part of. Even more exciting, when we have visitors in our room and the kids go right to their portfolios to share their learning!

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  2. I agree! I love how proud they are about their learning!

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  3. What kind of folder did you use? I currently use a binder and it is too cumbersome.

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    1. We use project folders (inside are clear sleeves) from Staples Business Depot, although I would like to move to binders with clear sleeves to allow for more space. I find it quite frustrating when a piece of documentation is missing and then you must take all the pages out and re-order them to follow the date. At least in a binder, you can do so quickly!

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    2. Hi Joanne:
      Could I get a copy of the documentation templates please? Just started in a FDK classroom and looking for ways to document my students' learning.
      Thank you,
      nbraida@scdsb.on.ca

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  4. This is great! I was thinking of starting this next year... What items go inside? does this go home weekly? monthly? Any help or ideas would be great!

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  5. Do you document what children do and say with text and pictures? I was wondering if you explain what type of learning is going on in a pic or project? Such as cognitive, social, emotional, creative, etc. Or, do you just quote what children say and describe what they are doing? I guess my question is, do you explain to parents what their child learned in each picture/project?

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  6. Hi,

    Each page has photos, students' thinking, and links to the curriculum.

    The format could be a standardized template that I created or a free form where I design the documentation myself on the pages software.

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  7. We were there last year visiting your classroom. I loved your documentation books! My ECE didn't see them. Is there any way I can get a copy of a finished one to show my ECE?
    Yvonne Leegstra
    yvonne.leegstra@granderie.ca

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  8. Hi Yvonne,

    I will take a photo of a completed one and email it to you tonight!

    Thanks for your interest in them!

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    1. Could you please send me one too please? They look great! Thank you!

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    2. Could you please send me one too please? They look great! Thank you!

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  9. Hi Joanne. I was recently introduced to the Reggio Emilia Approach and love it. I too would like to have Documentation binders in my classroom and was wondering if you could email me a pic of what you have inside of your finished product as well? I would greatly appreciate it and am excited to be a part of this approach!
    Carrie Cicchelli
    carrie.cicchelli@st-clair.net

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  10. Hi Carrie,

    I would love to share this with you, however it requires an entire explanation! Yvonne already heard that when she came in to visit. I will try to post something about this soon to give you more of a context of how to use them. It will also be made available through the ETFO website (soon!!) as a video interview with me explaining how to use them and an attachment of the resource.

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  11. Hi Joanne,
    Loved your Dot project. I have visited your classroom and met you a couple of times. Amazing stuff! Hard part is where to start... I want to have documentation books like yours so would it be possible to share what's inside them I want to share with my ECE. I saw them and I loved them but it's hard to explain to others. Also, in terms of inquiry how would you begin the inquiry process? I would appreciate your input.
    Saima
    sahmad28@hotmail.com

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  12. Thank you Saima!

    I just posted about our Portfolio/Documentation Books in greater detail. Have a look and let me know if you have any more questions!

    How to begin an inquiry will have to be saved for another post. I will try to do that this week!

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  13. I use the app Kid's Journal https://itunes.apple.com/ca/app/kids-journal/id528173573?mt=8
    to document learning, it's easy to insert photos and text.
    Angie Harrison

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  14. Thanks Angie!

    I will check that out!

    I personally find the app version of documentation to be more efficient, however I like how the portfolios are on display and visible to any visitors without having to access the technology.

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  15. Hi Joanne could you please also email a copy of finished documentation book to me?
    my email
    sydney_amy@yahoo.com.au

    Thank you very much.


    Amy Li

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  16. Hi Amy,

    I can send you the templates tonight!

    Thank you for your blog comment.

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  17. Hi Joanne,
    I am just in my first year of inquiry learning with K's and love your website. Is there any way you could e-mail me a copy of a finished documentation book too? Such inspiration!!!

    tammi108@shaw.ca

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  18. Hi Joanne,
    I love your website! There are so many great ideas. it's a great resource. Thanks for sharing. If you could email me a copy of your documentation book I would appreciate it.

    Sheila
    dennisds@shaw.ca

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  19. Hi Tammi and Sheila,

    Thank you for the kind feedback about the blog!

    I will email you a copy of the documentation template now.

    Let me know if you have any questions and please refer our blog site to other educators that you know!

    Sincerely,

    Joanne Babalis

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  20. Hi Joanne,
    I also would love to check out a copy of your documentation book. The work you are doing is amazing...truly inspiring.
    Cheers,
    Leanne

    seamonkey78@hotmail.com

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  21. Hi Joanne,
    I teach in a Reggio Inspired Kindergarten, and would love to see a copy of your documentation book. This is amazing!
    Thanks,
    Brooke

    brookefaill@hotmail.com

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  22. Thank you Leanne and Brooke!

    Please visit my post about Documentation Notes Organizer: http://myclassroomtransformation.blogspot.ca/2013/03/documentation-notes-organizer.html

    It has the template as a pdf for you too look at and print.

    Thank you for your positive feedback! I'm glad you are inspired and are enjoying the blog and resources!!

    Joanne

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  23. Hi,
    I am looking for the letter you send home at the end of the school year encouraging children to write and return their findings after summer holidays. Can you share again?

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  24. Hi Joanne,
    I would also love a copy of a documentation book sent to me, as well as a documentation template. My email address is mariabee5@hotmail.com.
    Thank you for your inspiration!

    Maria l.


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  25. Hi Joanne, this will be my first year teaching an FDK class and I have learned so much from your blog. I would really appreciate if you could send me a copy of a documentation book. My email is archer607@gmail.com

    You have done amazing things!

    Amy

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  26. Hello Joanne,
    My preschool year is just about to start and I thought the documentation book would be a wonderful addition to the classroom can you please send me an email with a copy of the book or the template at rojeda1@gmail.com

    Thank You
    Beka

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  27. hi, Joaane,
    i just found your blog, and i am loving it. I am working as an ECE in day care setting, i love the idea of of documentation books,can you please send me template of it .

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  28. Hi Joanne Would love to have a copy of your documentation book or the templates. Your site has been a great inspiration to me! Keep up the wonderful work you are doing for children. s.j.edwards@excite.com
    Thank you,
    Sharon

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  29. Hi Joanne, I am still learning this stuff and love your approach. Can I please get a copy of one of the books too? My email is ckindice@google.com!!

    Thank you
    Cheryl

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  30. i would LOVE LOVE love a copy of your book as well! We are starting our first year of Full Day Kindergarten and we are constantly learning right now! We love this idea and would love for you to share! My email is kaitidettbarn@yahoo.com

    Look forward to hearing from you!

    Kaiti

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  31. Hi Joanne,
    I will be teaching fdk next year and I have always taught gr.3 and older. I am nervous but super excited. You have so many wonderful ideas. I would love if you could offer any advice or send me info. On documentation books, etc. So my classroom can look half as good as yours. Thanks !! Nicki
    fortinn@rainbowschools.ca

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  32. Hi Joanne,

    We met at the ASWR conference when I thanked you after one of your sharing sessions. I would also like to request a copy of your documentation book. Thanks in advance for sharing your wealth of knowledge. Bea

    byeung@ugcloud.ca

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  33. Hello, I would love a copy of a completed one. Great idea!!!!
    tracyfreeland@hotmail.com

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  34. Hello Joanne! I love your books. I would love to a copy of one of your completed books. I work in a Reggio Inspired School. I would love to have binders accessible to the children so they can reflect.

    Ericakoegel@sbcglobal.net

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  35. Hello, I would like to request a copy of your documentation book. I will be a first year Kindergarten teacher next year and I like the idea of having the portfolios available for the students to interact with. My email is Myhinesight1@gmail.com

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  36. Hello Joanne, I am incorporating Reggio in my kindergarten classroom this school year and would like to request a copy of your documentation book. I believe that having that available for the students to reflect upon is so important in the learning process. My email is adennis@pasco.k12.fl.us Thank you! Amy

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  37. Hi Joanne,
    I would also love a copy of a documentation book sent to me, as well as a documentation template. My email address is bayhills2017@gmail.com
    Thank you for your inspiration!
    Sophie

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  38. Hi Joanne i would love a copy as well please my email is
    mahoney.552@gmail.com

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  39. Hi Joanne,
    I would also love a copy of a documentation book sent to me, as well as a documentation template. My email address is dbrown@npctucson.org
    Thank you for your inspiration!

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  40. Hi - love these books! What do you use for the black folders? Thanks!

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