How to Make File Folder Games

One of my favorite kids activities is making & playing file folder games {shhh… don’t tell them the games are super educational}. File folder games are great for reinforcing skills and independent practice! Follow these simple steps to make your own affordable, educational file folder games…

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Supplies:

Printable file folder game {the photos below are from my sorting colors & shapes file folder game printable files}
Card stock paper
File folders {manila folders are fine/functional, but the colored folders are extra fun}
Glue sticks or glue bottles
Scissors
Paper cutter
Extra wide (13″) laminator
9″x11.5″ laminating pouches (for the game pieces)
12″x18″ laminating pouches (for the folder itself)
You can also use a regular laminator and laminating sleeves – see the end of this post for details on why I’d suggest purchasing a 13″ laminator.
Velcro dots
6×9 envelopes
Optional: plastic file storage box
Optional: hanging file folders

Instructions:

Create or purchase printable game files. I have some pre-made printable file folder games available in my Etsy shop, and am adding more all the time! Let me know if you have any requests.

Print files. I prefer to print my games on card stock paper. You can get away with regular copy paper since we’re laminating it, but I like the extra weight of card stock.

Trim file folder: The easiest/best method for making file folder games requires using a 13″ wide laminator (see the end of my post on why you really want the 13″ wide laminator with 12″x18″ laminating sleeves). If you’re using the 12″x18″ sleeves, you’ll need to trim about 1/2″ off your file folder so it fits completely inside the sleeve. I trim the front flap of the file folder so it’s about 8.25″ wide.

File folder games have two parts: the game boards {which are laminated to the file folder} and the game pieces {which are loose and get velcro-ed to the game board}. Trim any excess from around the edges of your game board(s) and glue them to the inside of your file folder.

Glue a 6″x9″ envelope to the front of your file folder. This will hold your game pieces. Fold the top flap down. Cut out & glue the game title graphic to the envelope on the front of your file folder.

Use a permanent marker to write the name of the file folder game on the tab at the side.

You should be finished with everything that will permanently stay on the file folder itself. If so, you can now place the entire file folder inside a 12″x18″ laminating sleeve and laminate it. I often have to laminate the file folder twice – send it through once, flip it over, then send it through again {to make sure both sides are sealed really well}.

Trim any excess laminating material from around the folder.

You have just laminated your 6″x9″ envelope closed {yes, this was on purpose}. 🙂 Use scissors to gently score the edge of the envelope flap and open it.

Laminate the game pieces {do not cut them out before laminating – it’s easier to just cut once after laminating}.

Use a paper cutter or scissors to cut out your game pieces.

Add velcro dots to the back of game pieces and the inside of your file folder game. I like to put the fuzzy side of the velcro inside the folder and the rough side of the velcro on the back of the game pieces, but that’s just personal preference.

TA DA! Now enjoy your game. When you’re finished playing, put all the pieces in the envelope on the front of the folder.

I like to store my games in a plastic file box with hanging folders in it. It makes the files easy to keep organized. You could just store them all in a storage box without hanging files, though!

WHY THE 13″ LAMINATOR?
I have a regular laminator (which laminates items up to 9″ wide) and I recently purchased an extra wide laminator (which laminates items up to 13″ wide). I’ve made file folder games with both laminators.
-It’s quicker and easier with the extra wide laminator, and only takes one 12″x18″ laminating pouch per file folder (you glue all the pieces to your file folder, then laminate the whole thing once).
-If you’re using a standard size laminator with 9″x11.5″ pouches, you’ll want to laminate each game board and the front cover pieces, then glue the laminated pieces to the inside of the folder. This will take three 9″x11.5″ laminating pouches per file folder game. It’s still totally doable, just uses more laminating pouches and time… but I have used my trusty original laminator for over 8 years now!

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