Now that you know how you will assemble and organize your portfolio, you need to develop labels for each item in your portfolio. The label should include the title and a short description of the item. You will need one label for each item you plan to include. Keep in mind that titles should be short and simple, yet descriptive. Try to keep the description of the item to no more than a paragraph or two long, but make sure it is interesting, specific, and as detailed as possible.

In a binder-style portfolio, you should include the labels on the same page of the item, if there is room. If the item takes up the whole page, display the label on the opposite page of the binder so the reviewer can see both the label and the item at the same time.

In a box-style portfolio, you may have a separate binder in the box that includes the labels, or you can find a way to attach the label to the item. If you put the labels in a separate binder, be sure to number the item and the label correspondingly so the reviewer can easily match your item and the correct label.

Below are labels that two different youth put in their portfolios to describe a bug collection they did for science class. Which label do think is more effective in describing the bug collection?

My Bug Collection I collected bugs for science class. It was fun to look for them. I hope to find more bugs soon.

I Caught the Bug! This school year, I collected bugs for science class and I really “caught the bug!” Although it was a lot of work, I really enjoyed looking in a variety of habitats for different types of insects. I collected insects from forests, lakes, streams, fields, and urban settings. The final collection consists of 50 insects, from 7 different insect orders. Entomology has become a new hobby for me and I continue to enjoy learning as much as possible about different insects.

Notice that both the labels say the same things about the bug collection, but the label on the right is more detailed, specific, and catchy. Even if the author of the portfolio was not present when someone was reviewing the portfolio, the reviewer could clearly understand how the author created the bug collection and why it was included in the portfolio.

Now try labeling on your own! Fill in the label below for one of your portfolio items. Remember to keep it short, but provide as much detail as possible.

Title:
Description:

Good job! Now find a friend or family member and have them look at the description you wrote. Do they understand what the item is and what it means to you? If not, consider revising your description to be a little more detailed. After you have accomplished labeling your first portfolio item, go on to create a label for each item you will include in your portfolio.