How to Make File Folder Games
Educational Learning Games That are Fun for Kids of All Ages
Nov 20, 2008
File folder games have become a very popular educational tool for teaching children new concepts and as review for concepts already learned. There are some games that can be played by one child, and others that make a great group game. File folder games can be extremely simple for young children, and more complex for elementary-aged students.
Types of File Folder Games Available
There are as many different types of file games available as there are subjects to teach children. Teachers, homeschoolers, and parents use these games to teach:
- Math
- Language Arts
- Science
- Reading
- History
In fact, file folder games can be created to teach any concept, including addition practice, learning letter sounds, and tons of other concepts. They are very educational, and some major publishers of children's workbooks have even begun offering file folder game templates, such as Carson-Dellosa.
Make Games from File Folder Game Templates
The easiest way to put a file folder game together is to download templates from the Internet. These downloads include all of the game board pieces, as well as the actual game board design. All you need to provide is a manila folder, scissors, and glue. There are plenty of places that will allow you to download these games for free, including:
- Child Care Land – for preschool and kindergarten students
- Enchanted Learning – variety of games for all ages
- Preschool Printables – can also purchase a CD with all games included
- Homeschooling NZ – variety of science-related games
- HomeSchool Hut – a few generic games that can be used for different subjects
Once you have a template picked out, follow these steps:
- Print out the template.
- Cut out the game board and game pieces, and all the other parts of the game that may be included.
- Lay down a manila folder so you can open it as if you were going to read a book.
- Label the front of a manila folder with the name of the game. Some folks will include the label as part of a template download. In this case, glue the label to the front of the folder.
- Glue the game instructions to the front of the manila folder, too. Instructions are usually included as part of the template download.
- Open the folder and glue the game board down in the appropriate spots (left side/right side).
- Store game pieces in a plastic bag for safe keeping.
It really is that simple to create a file folder game. When you are finished with the game, simply place the plastic bag containing the game pieces into the folder, and put folder somewhere safe. You might even want to use different colored folders to keep track of subjects, such as:
- Green folders – Science games
- Red folders – Alphabet games
- Blue folders – History games
Make Your Own File Folder Game from Scratch
Making your own file folder game from scratch is rather easy once you see other templates and get ideas. You can make a game using a computer program such as MS Word, or you can cut out shapes and pieces from construction paper. Other materials you might use include:
- Velcro strips or dots
- Cardstock paper
- Crayons or markers
- Coloring book patterns
Choose the theme for your game, design the game board and playing pieces, and follow the steps above for assembling the game.
If the game you are creating is complex, make sure you make an answer key for yourself. This would normally be games for older elementary-aged children.
File folder games do not always have to be about teaching a child something in a learning environment. It can just be a fun game to play on a rainy day. In fact, to make a truly fun game, let your child help you make the game. It's always fun to see what ideas children have when they are feeling creative.
