Fall File Folder Games for Preschool

Development Games With an Autumn Theme for Young Children

Oct 16, 2009

Create fun file folder activities for preschool aged kids that incorporate the fall season with educational elements.

File folder games for preschool kids allow them to focus on a variety of skills based on individual need. They work well in both classroom settings and at home. These learning activities require only a few basic supplies and allow for complete customization, making them perfect for the varied skills of preschool-aged kids.

Basic File Folder Game Supplies

The basic materials for homemade file folder games remain the same regardless of the skills covered or themes used. These include:

File Folder Construction

The cardboard file folders serve as the base of the game, providing both the playing board and the storage. A game board is typically constructed by gluing pictures, numbers, shapes or other construction paper cutouts to the folder. Laminating the entire folder adds durability to the game, which is particularly important for young kids. The playing pieces also benefit from lamination and make the game last longer.

Fall Preschool Game Ideas

Jack-O-Lantern Matching Game: This festive matching game requires preschool kids to focus on the details of the jack-o-lantern faces to determine how they are similar and different. Create several pairs of identical jack-o-lanterns. Each pair should have unique facial features. Glue one pumpkin from each set to the file folder and leave the other pumpkins out as the game pieces. The kids place the pumpkins on top of the exact match that shares the same facial features.

Leaf Counting File Folder Game: The leaves add a fall touch to this counting game. Cut out and glue 10 leaf shapes onto the file folder. Write each number from 1 to 10, with one number on each of the leaves. Higher numbers also work for older children. The kids place the corresponding number of acorns on top of each leaf. Either real acorns or pictures cut from construction paper work well for the game.

Scarecrow Dressing Game: This file folder activity allows preschoolers to construct a scarecrow by putting together different pieces. Draw a wooden pole on the file folder to create the base for the scarecrow. Draw several different faces, hats, bodies, legs and accessories for the scarecrow. Cut out each piece, laminate it and place a small piece of Velcro on the back. Place corresponding pieces of Velcro on the file folder to hold the scarecrow parts in place. To play the game, the kids pick one of each body part and place the pieces on the file folder in the correct spots to they create a scarecrow.

Halloween Costume Dress Up Game: Similar to the scarecrow game, this version lets kids dress up a picture of a person drawn on the file folder. Provide different pieces to costumes and let the kids dress up the file folder person.

Apple Basket Ordering Game: Draw 10 apple baskets with a different number of apples in each basket, starting with 1 and working up to 10. Higher numbers are an option if the students are more advanced. A piece of Velcro on the back of each apple basket allows them to adhere to the file folder. Place 10 pieces of Velcro on the file folder, with the numbers 1 through 10 written next to them. The students place the apple baskets in numerical order, holding each on in place with the Velcro.

Fall Activity Steps: This file folder games works on putting steps in the correct order to complete a task. Decide on a fall activity or occurrence in nature, such as the leaves falling or carving a jack-o-lantern. Create a card depicting each step in the process. For example, the jack-o-lantern task might have cards for planting the pumpkins, picking the pumpkin, removing the seeds, carving the face and putting in a candle. The number of steps depends on the age of the kids and their cognitive level. On the file folder, put a number for each step. The kids place the picture cards in order next to the corresponding numbers to show the correct order for the task.

Using File Folder Games

These games work well both in a preschool classroom and at home. In the classroom, fall file folder games work well during center time or other quiet, individual work times. Students can work individually or in small groups to play the games. It is helpful to demonstrate the game to the entire class so everyone knows how to play it. At home, file folder games give young kids extra practice in a fun way. They work well as a rainy day activity or as a quick time filler.

File folder games for preschool kids enable parents and teachers to focus on specific skills in a fun manner. They are simple to create and store. Most of the fall file folder activities take only a few minutes to set up, making them ideal time fillers. These games add a festive and educational tone for preschoolers.

The copyright of the article Fall File Folder Games for Preschool in Kids Educational Activities is owned by Shelley Frost. Permission to republish Fall File Folder Games for Preschool in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.