Organizing File Folder Games

Lost pieces and the struggle to keep it all organized will make any mom wonder why they are they are trying to use file folder games. However, you can’t beat the fact that they are an inexpensive, hands-on way to help children learn. File folder games make everything from drilling the math facts to understanding homonyms more interesting. So we must organize.

But how? Methods for organizing file folder games are as diverse as people. Here are some ideas for organizing. Hopefully you can find one that works for you.

• Organize them as file folders. This is the traditional way to organize. This can work well if you have a filing cabinet or one of those plastic totes designed for hanging folders. Use hanging folders to organize by topic and file each game accordingly. Keep track of loose pieces by gluing an envelope to the back of the file folder and storing pieces there. Another favorite way to keep all the pieces together is to put them all in a sandwich size Ziploc bag which is stored inside the file folder.
• If you are not hung up on gluing the games into the folder, try cutting all the pieces separately. When your children play the game they lay all the pieces out and then match them up. Store them in a Ziploc bag (generally I use the gallon size when storing them this way, depending on the game). The individual bags can then be stored in a plastic Rubbermaid type of tote. This is probably my favorite way to keep track of file folder games
• Use gallon Ziplocs and keep all the pieces loose as in the previous example. Fold the end opposite the ‘zipper’ over a couple times and tape down with clear tape (see picture above). Punch holes with a three-hole punch along the folded edge. Store in a three ring binder.

These are only a few ideas. Do you have any other thoughts on keeping your file folder games organized?