File folder games have been used in classrooms for years. Easy to make and easy to store, they are ideal to use for reinforcement activities. Matching games, directional games and ordinal games for math and reading are the most common games. Besides paper game boards and rules, all it takes to make a game are note cards, markers, playing pieces, and contact paper. Teachers can make their own games, buy them or download free games (see the Resources section: File Folder Fun). Kids can even make their own file folder games (see the References section: Learn-With-Math-Games).
File folders work great to hold center activities. The cover of the folder is covered with an introductory sheet to let the student know about the activity. Inside, the directions are affixed to one side of the folder with the activity placed on the other side. Small pieces are placed in a plastic bag that closes. The bag is slipped into the middle of the folder for storage. The file folders fit neatly in a magazine holder for easy storage.
Lapbooks can be created to display material studied in reading, social studies or science classes. A lapbook is created by folding each side edge of the file folder to the middle and creasing it. A solid sheet of construction paper is glued to the middle of the folder. Small minibooks containing information and drawings that fit the subject are added to the file folder. Teachers can find ready-made lapbook ideas or make their own (see Resources: Homeschool Share). They are great for individual or whole class projects.
A file folder can become a learning aid in seconds. For example, have students draw a giant Venn diagram (see Resources: The Graphic Organizer) on the front of a file folder. Cut the folder at the two spots the circles intersect by starting at the edge and ending in the middle. Use the diagram to compare and contrast two people or places by writing the names on the two outer flaps and both in the center. Lift each flap, one at a time, and include the information under the appropriate flap.