How to Make Alphabet and Phonics File Folder Games
Homeschooling parents and teachers can use file folder games as independent activities for children to practice alphabet and phonics skills. When creating file folder games, one can create board games, matching games, and sequencing games. Board games utilize the file folder to create the game board. File folders can utilize a variety of craft materials to make matching games. Sequence games generally use Velcro to have children put events in order. For the alphabet and phonics games, the best file folder options are board games and matching.
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Things You'll Need
- File folders
- Laminator or contact paper
- Cardstock
- Index cards
- Old game pieces
Instructions
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Homeschooling parents and teachers may want to make multiple games. To get started on the first game, choose a board game or a matching game. Decide on a phonics game or a letter recognition game.
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To create a matching game decide on the skill that will be worked on. For matching upper and lower case letters, use the computer to type and print on cardstock the upper and lower case letters. Choose a large readable font. If cardstock is not available print on paper and glue to index cards. Laminate all the pieces. Contact paper works for those who do not have access to a laminator. Cut to the size of the desired game pieces. It is easier to laminate before cutting all the small pieces.
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Laminate the file folder or use contact paper. Place Velcro dots or strips on the file folder to provide places for the matches to be made. An alternative is to write the upper case letters on the file folder, laminate, and place the Velcro dots or strips on after the game has been laminated. This eliminates the possibility of using the board for other matching games.
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To create phonics matching games cut up coloring books, clip art, and online photographs to match the sounds you wish to teach. Attach these to cardstock or index cards and laminate. These can also be glued to the file folders and the matching cards can have letters or phonics sound representations.
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Decide on the type of board game you wish to make. There are free patterns that can be downloaded and books that provide ideas. Stickers can provide game board patterns as well. Lay out the pattern on the board prior to gluing or placing the stickers on the board. Verify the pattern covers the desired area. Add clip art, coloring page art and other pictures as desired to decorate the board. A generic theme can be reused. Laminate or contact paper the board.
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Make alphabet cards for upper and lower case recognition games. Flash cards can also be used for these games as a short cut. Lamination will preserve game materials. Look for old board game materials to use for markers and other materials.
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Tips & Warnings
Lamination preserves games for longer use.
There are lots of free materials available to get started.
