Simple Vivacity

File folder games are a fun way to enhance any homeschool, lesson, or unit study. They are basically generic (or colored, if you prefer) manila folders with games inside. To make a file folder game, you will need file folders, glue, scissors, a laminating machine or clear contact paper, envelopes or plastic baggies to hold the pieces, and hook & loop tape or magnets to fasten the pieces.

Some suggest that the best way to store the pieces is to glue an envelope or small sealable plastic baggie to the back of the file folder. You may even want to attach the envelope and store the pieces in a removable plastic baggie. They choice is yours.

One way to attach the pieces to the game board is with hook & loop tape. Simply glue one side of the hook & loop tape to the game board and the other to the piece. Another quieter way is to glue a small washer under the piece that is attached to the game board and a magnet to the back of the game piece. Or you may not want to provide a way to attach them at all, that is your choice.

Free Printable File Folder Games, Books, & Resources

• Preschool Printables: File Folder:
  File Folder games are a great way for preschoolers to learn colors, shapes, numbers, letters, matching, etc... Print and make our file folder game for classroom or home fun.
  
• The HomeSchool Hutt
  You need only to print the game boards and mount them onto a file folder and cover with clear contact paper, or have it laminated.
  
• EnchantedLearning.com - File Folder Games and Activities
  These are educational games and activities made from manila file folders. File folder games are inexpensive to make and they store easily!
  
• Mary Shares Game Ideas
  View pictures of actual games. Read the directions on how to make and play each one.
  
• DRC Preschool Printables
  While most are for sale, there are some free printables on this site.
  
• Preschool's educational file folder game
  Terrific educational file folder games make learning fun for pre-school age children.
  
• File Folder Games
  A few file folder games, mostly about fall & autumn
  
• Early Learning Activities For Pre-K and Kindergarten
  Early Childhood File Folder Games
  
• Yahoo Group: File Folder Game Printables
  Provides parents and providers with additional learning tools.
  
• Phonics Games
  Phonics File Folder Games

I once bought a couple of books that had premade games included. All I had to do was cut them out and put them together in the file folders. They were colorful, professional looking, and the kids enjoyed the process almost as much as the games.

Here are some books that can be used to make file folder games: