Fantastic Ideas for File Folders

Whether I’m starting fresh or recycling used one, file folders are on my short list for simple, affordable classroom consumables. Bonus? They’re super versatile. Read on for some teacher-friendly ideas.

Some of my favorite project ideas are the ones that involve the easiest methods and most affordable supplies. File folders meet both of those requirements. Here are a few simple things you can do with them in an educational setting.

Pattern cut-outs.

This is a great way to use folders that are a bit tattered around the edges. Trace and cut out one pattern, then replicate as many as you need for classroom “trace and cut” crafts.

Student-published book covers.

This requires starting with a fresh new folder for each child. Simple bind with staples or brass fasteners and use loose leaf paper or printed computer documents depending on student access to technology. Cover designs can also range from simple to elaborate depending on your consumables budget.

DIY journals or learning logs.

These are basically blank, fillable versions of the book cover idea above. Most instructors prefer class sets of those black and white composition books, but depending on your location, these may be hard to come by. Having a DIY option up your sleeve will help keep all of your learning programs available even in tough financial times.

Individual student calendar resources.

Here’s a link to a great way to have students follow along individually with group calendar work in the classroom. Home schooling? Your morning calendar routine will be even more streamlined. You do have to scroll down a bit to see the illustrations, but it’s there.

Mini offices.

These absolutely, totally ROCK! Heard about them years ago. Here’s a link to an excellent illustrated version of one.You basically have all the reference materials you would otherwise have to hand out individually and have students keep track of on one fold-up file folder office. I really wish I had known about these while I was still in the classroom. Personal verdict? One of the best classroom ideas I’ve ever seen. Bonus? Easily adaptable for all grade levels, K-12. Here’s another link to an idea of how you can use these in the classroom.

Individual privacy cubicles.

Basically, you assemble them the same way you assemble the “offices” discussed above. Put two of them together so they overlap in the middle and then staple them together. They can then be stood up on individual student desks for quiz and test taking, or as an extra integration support tool for those students who are easily distracted visually.

Easily stored games and learning centers.

There are loads of ideas out there. Here’s a link with a couple of interesting and simple ones. Want some more? Here are some printouts to just glue on and go.

These are just some of the ways I’ve found to use file folders in the classroom. I think you’ll see how flexible they are as a resource for affordable classroom programming. And there’s no denying they provide a huge bang for the buck. Got a great idea for a file folder project? Share your thoughts below.

Photo Credit: Mooganic

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About the author….  I am a self confirmed life hacker who has used frugal living and personal finance strategies to focus on early retirement, pursue personal business goals, and achieve debt free living.

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