Folder activities are engaging and a fun way to enhance the learning experiences for preschoolers and students in special education. I find these type of hands-on activities can be easily tailored for individual learning needs and can cover a wide range of skills, from colors and shapes to math and language concepts. In this instructional blog, I'll guide you through the process of how I create and use folder activities to support the development of young minds in my special education settings.
Materials Needed:
- File folders (preferably in different colors for easy identification)
- Construction paper or cardstock
- Scissors
- Glue stick
- Markers or crayons
- Velcro dots or adhesive Velcro strips
- Laminator (for durability)
My Step-by-Step Guide:
Step 1: Choose a Target Skill or Concept First I decide on the specific skill or concept I want to address through the file folder activity. I might focus on colors, shapes, numbers, letters, matching, sorting, or even basic math operations, keeping in mind the age and needs of my students.
Step 2: Design the File Folder Activity I create the activity by designing the contents of the file folder. Sometimes I use construction paper or cardstock to cut out various shapes, images, or letters that relate to the chosen skill. For instance, if the activity is about colors, cut out different colored circles. If it's about matching, create pairs of matching objects.
Step 3: Decorate and Label Markers to decorate the elements you've cut out to make them stand out. If you're working on numbers, print out the numbers on each card. If it's a sorting activity, label the sorting categories with clear, easy-to-read words or pictures.
Step 4: Prepare the File Folder Take an empty folder and glue the main background elements on the inside of the folder. These elements will form the base of the activity. You can create multiple activities by using both sides of the file folder or use it as a holding page for detachable shapes and pictures.
Step 5: Add Velcro Strips or Dots Attach Velcro dots or adhesive Velcro strips on both the background elements and the individual cards or shapes. This will allow the children to stick the cards to the correct places, making the activity interactive and reusable.
Step 6: Laminate the File Folder (Optional) Consider laminating the entire folder to ensure durability and extend the life of your activity. Lamination makes the activity more resistant to wear and tear, spills, and sticky fingers.
Step 7: Store and Organize Keep your folder activities organized by labeling them and storing them in a safe place. You can use a file cabinet, plastic bins, or shelves to maintain an easily accessible collection.
Step 8: Introduce and Guide the Activity Introduce the file folder activity to the children during group or one-on-one sessions. Explain the objective of the activity and demonstrate how to use it. Encourage the children to explore and engage with the activity independently, but be available to provide support and guidance as needed.
Step 9: Observe and Assess Observe the children as they interact with the file folder activity. Note their progress and areas where they may need additional support. Folder activities provide valuable insights into a child's development and understanding of specific concepts.
Step 10: Rotate and Refresh To keep the learning experience exciting and fresh, rotate the folder activities regularly. Introduce new activities that target different skills or concepts, ensuring a stimulating learning environment.
Folder activities are a fantastic addition to any preschool or special education classroom. These interactive and customizable tools provide children with opportunities to practice essential skills while having fun. By following this step-by-step guide, you can create a diverse range of file folder activities to cater to the individual needs of your students and support their overall development. Happy teaching!
