Work Samples
Introduction
Teachers have been collecting pieces of children’s artwork and posting them on the classroom walls forever. Not only do the children enjoy seeing their work of art on display, parent’s
appreciate seeing their child’s work as well! To create an official work sample however takes more effort than hanging a picture on the wall. What exactly is a work sample? A work sample is a tangible piece of evidence that showcases a child’s effort, progress and achievement. More specifically, not only does a work sample highlight the final product, it can highlight the process as well, by highlighting the child’s problem-solving efforts, experimentation methods or collaboration skills. Work samples are authentic artifacts that provide information about the child’s learning experience.
Collecting Your Data
Work samples can be gathered throughout the school year. Typically, you would collect a variety of samples that highlight the child’s overall development in each of the developmental areas: Physical; Cognitive; Language; Social -Emotional. More specifically, you might include a child’s drawing or painting, a writing sample from their journal, a cutting sample, or photographs of the child engaged in activities such as building a block tower or sandcastle or riding a bike.
Exercises
Watch the following video to see how you can collect and use children’s work samples.
Organizing your Data
Whether you post a work sample on the classroom wall (using a documentation board) or you collect a sample for a child’s portfolio, you must add documentation. Not only will documentation help families recognize the value of play, it reinforces the concept that every activity is an opportunity to learn. For accuracy, be sure to include the following information: Child’s Name; Date; Setting; and an Anecdotal Note with a description about how and why the sample was collected. Work samples should be organized in a chronological manner to showcase progress over time. Be sure to store work samples in a safe place like a file-folder or portfolio, or electronically in a computer file.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Work Samples
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Examples
What to include with a work sample.
- A photo of the work sample
- Child’s name
- Date
- Time
- Setting
- Center or Area of Play
- Activity
- What activity choices were available that day?
- Anecdotal Notes: objective facts, vivid and descriptive details, concise observation information
- Developmental milestones that were supported
- Quotes or the child’s perspective
Interpretation Reminder
Children’s work samples provide authentic evidence of learning and development by capturing what children create, construct, and communicate over time. While these artifacts offer valuable insight into skills, thinking processes, and emerging understandings, their true meaning is revealed through thoughtful interpretation grounded in child development knowledge. By analyzing work samples alongside developmental expectations, learning progressions, and contextual information, educators can better understand each child’s strengths, interests, and areas for growth. Meaningful interpretation ensures that work samples are not viewed in isolation, but rather as part of a broader assessment system that informs intentional instruction, supports individualized planning, and documents each child’s developmental journey in meaningful and respectful ways.
