File Folder Games

I have been making file folder games for the kids. This one is available for free through www.FileFolderFun.com and all you have to do is register for free. You will get occassional emails from them, but nothing annoying. Just this week they sent me a link for a spiritual game and some St. Patrick's day cards to give out to friends.

This particular game was one I made for Sierra (K) for phonics word practice. I quickly realized that I had underestimated it. I showed the "game" to Caden (3 yr 5 mo) and he quickly became interested. I thought I would just have him put centers on the flowers and not worry about the words, but he pointed to the words on the flowers and asked, "What does that say?" So, I read the words phonetically to him (bu-uh-g, bug ...while pointing out the letters) and he would place the appropriate pic in the center of the flower. I must say that I was quite impressed with my little guy. It is also made me realize that teaching him will be easier than my two older ones because I will have some experience behind me and I will be able to teach gradually from the beginning with him. Anyway, back to the game.... Sierra did the game as intended. She would read the words on the flowers and match the pictures. She did great. Savannah (3rd) wanted to do the game, also. It was obviously too easy for her, so I told her to match the pics with the words as fast as she could and I would time her. She did it in 20 seconds! They all did a great job and it was fun.

One thing to note is that some of these take a long time to make. If you are going to make file folder games you should know there is a time investment. Also, if you want them to last through several kids you might want to laminate the pieces and store them in a zipper lock bag or envelope. I laminate mine with contact paper. This week I managed to get about five games made.

Also, you could add a "dry erase" page in with any of these games simply by inserting a blank lined page into a clear page protector. For the one above the child could write each of the words with a dry erase marker for an added level to the game. Another idea might be to make a "tracer page" by printing the words on a sheet of paper and inserting that in a page protector for the child to trace and that would help with practicing proper letter formation.

Also, check this site... www.homeschoolcreations.blogspot.com for more file folder games.