Easy Folder Games for Preschool Aged Children

Preschool aged children love to learn. They like to count, read, identify their name and other words that may have been taught to them, and they certainly love to play games that teach them all of these things. Instead of buying expensive games from the store that teach your children all of those important things; make your own using a manila folder and eye catching educational tools.

was introduced to these easy and wonderful tools while working in a childcare learning center. They are one of the easiest things you can make, and will be a valuable tool in teaching your child a number of things. And since they are stored inside a manila folder, they don't take up much space, ensuring more room for more games!

To begin with, identify what you want to teach. Identifying numbers, the alphabet, colors, shapes, anything will work. If you are creative enough, you can throw several of these in together and create an elaborate, yet easy learning game. For instance, you can use index cards and use pictures of the same item (or same type of item like the same number, or a number and dots or pictures of several type of item corresponding to that number) for counting and your child must match. Or you can even create a game where they must roll a die, or spin a spinner to figure out what they must do next. Anything goes as long as it is age appropriate, it will work.

When you have decided what you want to teach, and how you are going to do it, gather all your supplies. Glue is great for attaching any items to the inside of the folder itself; you'll need what you're putting into the folder, and any other corresponding game pieces and a Ziploc bag.

To begin, attach the Ziploc bag to the outside of the folder to hold the game pieces that aren't being attached to the inside of the folder. The best way to do this is to staple the bag on either the front or the back so it's not in the way of the 'game board'. Open the folder and construct your game board first without gluing anything. Make sure it's how you want it. Pick up one piece at a time and glue it done so you ensure things stay how you want them. Let this dry and then decorate the board. If you want to add your own shapes or other designs, you can use markers, crayons or colored pens. Add a decoration to the front and name your game, putting that on the front with a few other colorful designs. This will catch your child's interest as they are not sure what's inside, they'll be curious and ready to play.

Bring the game up to your child showing enthusiasm yourself. Tell them you are going to play a game and tell them the name. Open the folder and begin setting out your pieces and allow them to explore while you explain how you are going to play. Next, demonstrate how you play by going first or showing them how it's done and then allowing them to take over. The wonderful thing about folder games are they can be played with more than one person, or they can be a solo game where you encourage and guide your child to the correct answers.

Don't forget to encourage and say Good Job every now and then, even if they do not get it correct with the first try. If they miss something, ask if they are sure that's right, tell them you're not sure yourself and you want them to try it again. If they did not get it correct, carefully show them the correct answer and tell them that it's ok you'll try another one. Don't forget praise is the key to learning. If they feel they are doing a good job, and that you enjoy playing the game with them, they'll be more eager to learn and try again if they miss one or two.

Since these supplies are cheap, you can make several different types of folder games, all teaching different aspects that your child will love. Try a folder game today and watch your child's learning take off.