File folders have always been a staple in a special education classroom. I remember the days back when my Mom was a teacher, and would bring home these file folder books to have me color in the teeny tiny pictures, cause color ink was unheard of… I like to think of those days as my first swing at product creation 🙂
Over the years, file folders have remained a staple. They are easy to put together, easy to store, sturdy and long lasting, and they remain relevant year after year. Kids like the hands on work as an alternative to writing and worksheets, and some might even request them.
In my classroom, one of our biggest goals is INDEPENDENCE. We want to build independence across the board, but one of the biggest settings is while working. Raise your hand if your kids will do their work wrong to finish quicker when some one is not looking… (cue all of my hands and feet raised…) We want them to WANT to finish their work, have pride in their work, and do it the RIGHT WAY.
File folders are perfect for teaching this skill.
First things first, before you give a child a file folder and expect them to be independent, make sure that the skill is MASTERED! You do not want to teach independence and a new skill at the SAME TIME. Yes, eventually, you will want the to complete harder work more independently, but in order to build that independence you must start small. 
Things like clothes, body parts, colors, might be too easy for your kiddos, but if they are, that means they are perfect for teaching independence. 
These types of skills also might appear more fun to them, which is always a plus to have extra motivation!
A common question I get is where do I get my velcro and why do I use black.
I get my velcro in BULK ( because who could ever have enough velcro?) from Feiner Supply. Make sure you get both hook and loop because they come separate.
The reason why I use black, is because I have some students with visual impairments in my classroom and kids with low dexterity. The black velcro is easy to find and easy to match, the clear and white do get a little tricky. It is all up to you, I choose to make it easier on my kids so they can focus on the skill, they can skill see the word, and see the face, and it actually makes the skill a little bit more difficult for matching, which is always a plus.
If you are looking for some easy to set up, simple file folders, all the ones in this post can be found in this bundle here: Basic Skills File Folders. 15 file folders are included and most come with two levels! 
Do you use file folders in your classroom? What themes are your favorite? Let me know in the comments!
Interested in science file folders? Check these out too!
