by Alan Haskvitz

Twenty years ago I was cleaning out my files when I found one on which a student had drawn classroom notes.  On the inside was a collection of word scrambles I had handed out.  It dawned on me these inexpensive and tough folders would make a great way to teach and expand on ideas.  I created about 20 of them with the topic on the cover and the game, puzzle or quiz on the inside.  The answers were kept in the answer folder near my desk.  As students finished their tasks, they went to select a file folder.  They are also excellent for rainy days, and you can feel good about recycling used file folders as well.

Over the years the students were asked to create new folders, and the number expanded greatly. File games are great ways to expand learning, remediate and provide students with some thinking activities out of the norm.  Although largely used in primary and elementary classes, they can easily be adapted for middle and high school students.

The following sites offer a variety of folders, but making your own is always best as they can be made specific to the languages your students' may speak as well as to their achievement levels. Good file folder games can be used for years, promote group work and even help remediate difficult concepts.  These file folder games can create as much interest as a video game if done with vibrant colors and images.

Before you start searching for file folder games, always update your virus protection.  Check this sites listing for free versions.

File Folder Sites

How to Make File Folder Games
 
File Folder Games [PDF]

File Folder Games and Activities
For primary classes

How to Create Folder Games for Children with Autism

Top 10 Sites about File Folder Games
 A link site 

Mrs.Russ.com Folder Games
Language arts

Suite101.com File Folder Games
A simplified overview 

Extracurricular Activities
For younger students

Positively Autism File Folder Games
For autistic students

Shoebox and Folder Games

File Folder Games for Students with Autism
Video on file folder games -- it starts with ads, and it can be downloaded.