The two main sources I turn to for file folder games are Finch Family Games for religious topics and Preschool Printables for preschool topics (they even have some free ones). Do you use file folder games? If so, where do you usually find yours? Not too long ago I posted a free shape file folder game on my blog. Today I am going to share a color game I made especially for Or so she says… Plus I am going to teach you how to make it. So, let’s get started!
First, print off your file folder games. I suggest printing the pages you will be putting in your folder on text-weight paper because it is easier for the magnets to stick through. The ones you will be attaching are better on cardstock for durability.
I designed these. They are copyrighted, but free for personal use. Go here for the plain crayons and here for the labeled ones. I printed the plain ones on text-weight paper and the labeled ones on cardstock.
Some other file folder games are designed to copy and color. If you are planning on taking them to get laminated, I recommend using markers or colored pencils. Crayons may melt and smear in the laminating machine.
Gather your materials. You will need:
Clear Laminate
(or a laminating machine)
Adhesive Magnet Strips
Printed Game
File Folder
Glue Stick
Scissors
Cut out the game pieces.
Laminate the game pieces.
Attach a piece of adhesive magnet to the back of each game piece. I used about 1 inch on each of these. For smaller pieces, like my shape game, I usually only use 1/2 inch.
Attach a piece of adhesive magnet to the back of each crayon on the sheets that will be attached to your file folder.
Glue all over the back (except where the magnets are) of each sheet and attach to your file folder. Label the tab if you want. I just wrote “Colors” on mine.
Cut a piece of laminate large enough to laminate your folder. Slowly unroll and peel the backing off your laminate to gradually laminate your file folder. Be patient. This is the part I always mess up on because I get in a hurry.
Yay! I Made It! (and so can you)
Mariel
@orsoshesays
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Cute game!
Thanks, Jocelyn.
You rock, Jessica & Mariel! Thank you so much for featuring me.
This is my 3-year olds favorite file folder game. Anything to keep him entertained for a few more minutes.
ohhh Maria! I could kiss you right now..is that weird..ya that’s weird, but moving on!
I have been thinking and thinking of ways to keep my 19mon old son busy during church so he isnt climbing up and down and throwing cheerios and books he is tired of….and then you posted and *ding!* these are a great idea.. I cant believe I forgot about them, I played with them a bunch as a kid. Oh I am so happy right now, hopefully matching colors and shapes, etc will keep him entertained, and teach him in a fun way
How do you like to store all your games? I wonder if I could 3 hole punch them and carry them around in a binder somehow? hmmm…. There are so many free file folder games to print off online, I cant wait to start making these. Seriously, you have saved my sanity.
Megan, I feel for you! That is a rough age for church. It does slowly get better. For a while there I was coming home crying every week…just so frustrated. I almost gave up but instead I asked family for suggestions.
Some good ones are…
–Hold out some special toys for your church bag that they only get to play with on Sunday.
–When you take your child out, don’t make it fun, put them in time out…no playing! This way you aren’t re-enforcing the negative behavior. It is hard at first but it pays off in the long run.
–Think of what keeps their attention…some kids it’s books. For our little boy it was cars and putting things in cups and containers. This cozy car caddy would have been perfect for my little guy at that age.
As for storing my games, I just leave them in the folder and slip a sturdy envelope full of pieces inside. I have also seen people staple a plastic bag to the back. I think the binder is a great idea. I keep all of my file folder games in an expandable envelope file. It is sort of like a huge envelope with dividers.
Good luck!
Cute game, I love the idea to use magnets so they actually stay in place!
Thanks. I have also seen people use velcro but sometimes it interferes with the design.
Fabulous idea!
I made these with velcro, but next time would use magnets- they are a bit noisy in church:)
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I’m thankful that our church has wonderful programs for kids, so I won’t be needing these on Sundays…
but I’m thinking they’d be GREAT for car rides and long shopping trips. Adorable idea! THANK YOU
Love it!! Thanks for sharing!