Design a game in which children match pictures with a number of objects to an outline with the same numerical value. For example, use clip art or a simple art program such as MS Paint to create an activity sheet with the outlines of five cupcakes. The cupcake outlines are each numbered one through five. Create a second sheet with five cupcake game pieces, each with a different number of cherries numbering one through five. This same game can be played with a variety of subjects, such as fish in a bowl, colored apples in a basket or children on a bus.
Print out one of each sheet for every folder game you are making and cut out the game pieces..
Lay the activity sheet down on the inside of the file folder. Secure it in place with a laminating machine. Purchase clear contact paper from an office supply store if you do not have access to a laminating machine.
Laminate each of the game pieces or fold a sheet of contact paper in half to fully enclose each piece. Cut the pieces free from the laminate.
Take some small pieces of self-adhesive hook-and-loop tape and secure the loop part to the activity sheet, and the hooks to the backs of the game pieces. Be careful not to obscure the numbers on the activity sheet.
Staple a zip-seal plastic sandwich baggy to the inside of the folder and store the loose game pieces.