Parents and teachers require independent learning activities for children to do as part of their daily work. Homeschooling parents and teachers can both benefit from creating and utilizing various types of file folder games. Children can review and practice a variety of skills independently, leaving homeschooling parents and teachers to engage in other activities. Students benefit from a fun practice activity that provides an alternative to traditional flash cards and worksheets.
Independent Learning Opportunity
Students need independent learning activities that match their learning styles and abilities. File folder games allow teachers and homeschooling parents to create games that match a child’s learning needs and provide a purposeful activity. Children can work through a range of activities from math problems to the water cycle using file folder activities.
File folders games come with clear directions and a clearly outlined method of review when the activity is finished. This may mean an answer key is included, the activity can is only correct when it is finished appropriately, or the teacher or parent will evaluate.
File Folder Board Games
File folder board games can be created using free templates or those available from commercial products. Yard sale stickers and other crafts materials also are used to create the outline of a board for these games. Clip art, photographs, and coloring sheets often provide decorative additions and playing pieces for the games.
Teachers and parents often utilize old board games to find appropriate playing pieces. Spinners or dice are often used to move players through a game. Cards are often made from cardstock or index cards that fit the learning goals of the game. Teachers and parents should laminate the board once it is decorated. Laminating all the cardstock or paper pieces can also extend the life of the game. Contact paper is an alternative for those that lack access to a laminator.
Matching File Folder Games
Matching games are often made for vocabulary and sequence problems. Parents and teachers can write or glue the item to be matched directly to the file folder. The matching card will be made from cardstock or an index card. The board is then laminated before adding Velcro or the other method chosen to match the items. Some teachers and parents use string others use erasable markers and pens.
The other options is to laminate the file folder once it has been decorated. Then use Velcro strips or dots to create a generic matching board. Then use the board for any matching game. The same can be done with sequencing. A specific game can be created for a history or science event or a generic board can be created and used with multiple card substitutions. All items should be properly laminated. Directions and answer keys should be included to make the games self-directed.
Many people mistakenly stop making file folder games for children beyond early childhood classrooms. In fact, file folder are wonderful learning games for vocabulary and sequencing across the curriculum for older students. Students have a kinesthetic inexpensive method to practice vocabulary, sequencing, and engage in math problem solving. File folder games are wonderful independent educational learning tools across the curriculum and for a wide range of age groups.
Christine Ledder - Chris Ledder is a former elementary teacher with experience in accounting. Freelance writing has allowed her to use both career paths in a ...
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