Free printable file folder games

Learn how to make file folder games for preschool, kindergarten and even learning folders for toddlers.

What are File Folder Games

File folder games are set of educational yet fun activities that can be used at home or school.

Eye catching and colourful learning activities based on numeracy and literacy is designed in a way that engages children.

How it works?

Simply put, they are sets of activities printed, laminated and held in folders including any accessories for the games.

They are a great way to concentrate efforts on a teaching and improving numeracy skills, literacy skills, pattern recognition and other learning areas.

Benefits of File Folder Games For Kids

Fun and engaging for the kids
Easily accessible, reusable and very cost effective educational resource
File folder games can be designed to be age appropriate for preschool, kindergarten and even toddlers
Number recognition, word recognition are just some of the skills that are developed when file folder games are included in the learning activities
Different themes and topics can be used in file folder games which make it an informal way of teaching

Types of File Folder Activities or Games

File folder activities come in many shapes and sizes. File folder games are age appropriate to ensure suitability for level the kids are in.

For example Preschool file folder games suit kids of preschool age.They can be designed using everyday items, places or people. Games or activities can also be centered around what children already know or are familiar with.

The kids will be either be matching, identifying, sorting, classifying or figuring out patterns

An example of pattern folder game

An example of matching game

Common themes of file folder games include

Colour
Seasons
Community helpers
Numbers
Words
Shapes
Animals
Weather

File folder games can also be designed to be subject specific like science file folder games.

How to make File Folder Games

To make your own File Folder Games, you will need the following materials

Folder – to store the laminated pages
Printed templates of the games or activities
Laminator
Laminating pouch
Nylon pockets – to store game accessories
Scissors
Velcro dots – to make accessories stick to a particular part of the page. Only required if it is a matching game.
Edge trimmers

Instructions.

Print out the file folder template. This is the main page to be laminated as well as items to be matched. It is recommended that the templates are printed in colour. You want the activities to pop out on a page. Some activities also require colour identification.

Laminate the pages. Warm up the laminator until ready for use. Then insert a printed page into a laminator pouch. Feed it into the laminator through the sealed side.

Cut out the pieces or accessories of the games or activities.

Attach velcro dots to the right places on the page where the accessories will go if it is a matching game. Do the same for the accessories.

Use edge trimmers to make round the sharp edges of the laminated pages and pieces.

They are sharp and can cause injury.

Perforate the sides of the pages and store in a folder so that it is held in place.

Put the cut pieces in the nylon pockets and insert in the folder.

File folder matching games involve pairing one piece to another. The velcro dots ensures the pieces stay in place on the laminated pages.

When the folder games and activities are finished. Simply remove the pieces and put back in the nylon pockets. You may seal the nylon pockets by adding two to three velcro dots to prevent the pieces from falling out.

Alternatively, use a small strip of sellotape.

If you have more than one game or activity in a folder, add labels