How to Make Folder Games for Students with Autism

Old file folders can be used to make a powerful educational tool.

Students with autism benefit from using many different educational tools. File folder games are an example of an educational game that enables students to learn independently at their own developmental level. Teachers can quickly make different games to keep on hand in the classroom for rainy day activities or in case students finish their assignments early. Not only will students continue learning, but they will enjoy developing a sense of accomplishment.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Drawn or printed pictures
• Scissors
• Glue
• File folders
• Poster board (optional)
• Plastic sealable bags

1. Design the file folder games with your autistic students in mind. Hands-on games that the children can independently complete are ideal. File folder games should be visual and they should have clear starting and ending points. Autistic students do well with matching games. They can match written numbers to numerals, baby animals to their mothers, lower case to capital letters, science terms to their definitions or colors. Beginning readers can match a picture to the written word.

2. Print out or draw pictures for your games. For example, print out pictures of baby and mother animals for your students to match. Glue one set of the pictures, i.e. the mother animals, on the inside of the file folders. Glue the matching set, such as the baby animals, on extra file folders or poster board so they will be more durable. These reinforced pictures will be the game pieces. Cut out the game pieces.

3. Assemble the game. Write the directions on the front of the file folder. Make sure the directions are clear and easy to understand. Staple a plastic sealable bag on the back of the folder to hold the game pieces.

Tips & Warnings

• Plan to help your students with the games until they thoroughly understand how to play them. You can recycle your old file folders to make new games.

References

• Positively Autism: File Folder Games
• Virginia Commonwealth University: Learner Centered Activities Examples
• Graduate College of Bowling Green State University: Teaching Children with Autism to Read in an Inclusive Setting: Meeting the Needs of all Students

Resources

• Fairfax County Public Schools: Autism Spectrum Disorders Resource Packet
• Reach Every Child: Develop File Folder Games