Folder Games for Kids in the Classroom

Create all sorts of games out of brightly colored folders.

Folder games are simple to make and provide opportunities for students to practice skills in a fun way either individually, in pairs or in a group. Keep them in centers, or at the front of the room for students to grab when they have finished with other work and need something quiet to work on. Positively Autism editor and educator Nicole Caldwell, M.Ed., points out that the games are "visually-oriented, are hands-on and have a clear beginning and end." This makes them ideal for all students, including students with disabilities.

Telling Time

This folder game is simple to make and is an enjoyable way for young students to learn how to tell time. Copy a clock face onto colorful tag board. Glue the clock face to the inside left of the folder. Cut clock hands out of a different color of tag board and laminate them. Cut 1-inch by 2-inch cards, 20 each, out of tag board. Use a fine-tipped black marker to write a variety of times on them. Glue a small envelope to the inside right of the folder as well as a photo of a clock to the front of the folder. Laminate the entire folder and the cards. Use a sharp blade to cut the laminate around the opening of the envelope. Cut out the cards. Insert the cards into the envelope. Attach the clock hands with a brad. Students will use this folder game to practice "setting the clock."

Matching Sounds

Learning initial sounds is an essential reading skill. This folder game encourages children to practice this skill and assists with reading readiness. Collect several small pictures representing objects with various beginning phonemes. Glue these pictures to the inside of the folder, leaving a 1-inch space between them. Cut out 1 inch square pieces of card stock and write the initial sounds on them that are found on the pictures---sh, ch, m, etc. Decorate the front of the folder with letters to indicate that it is a game having to do with sounds. Laminate both the folder and the cards. Attach one side of adhesive hook and loop fastener to the cards, and the other beside the pictures. Store the cards in an envelope or plastic bag that is attached to the folder with a paper clip or metal ring. Students can match the cards with the pictures in order to practice initial sounds. This folder game is useful for group activities as well as individual practice.

Story Sequencing

Sequencing is an critical reading skill, as it enables readers to understand the plot of a story. This folder game reinforces that skill by giving students hands-on practice. Decorate the front of a colorful folder with pictures from a popular story. Use pictures from the story to create a set of six to eight cards that can be put in sequence. Older students can sequence sentences conveying events in the story. Draw and number squares on the inside of the folder for students to put the cards in order. Laminate the folder and cards. Provide an attached envelope for the cards. Students can use this game in a center or working with a friend.

Fraction Fun

Fractions can be difficult to understand if they are not put in concrete form, especially initially. A fraction folder game helps students to see how fractions work, setting the stage for successful work with fractions later. Draw a pizza on the inside of the folder. Divide it into eight pieces. Create "pieces of pizza" that correspond to the size of the picture. Create a whole, two halves, four fourths and eight eighths. Cut out several cards from card stock and write a fraction on each one, making sure not to go beyond eighths. Glue an envelope to the inside of the folder. Laminate the folder and the cards, and place the cards in an attached envelope. Cut open the edges of the envelope with a sharp knife. Store the pizza pieces in the envelope. This folder game is especially useful for pair work with fractions.

References

• Positively Autism: File Folder Games

Resources

• Activity Village: File Folder Games