Do you use file folders in your special education classroom? We use them all the time in my classroom! I love using them for independent work and for teaching new skills. Let me show you how to prep the March file folders!
Supplies You’ll Need
Before you get started, make sure you have all the supplies needed to prep the file folders.
- March File Folders
- File Folders
- 13 inch laminator
- 11″x17″ Laminating pouches
- Scissors
- Glue stick
- Velcro
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Glue Label to Folder
First, cut out the folder label and the tab label. Then, glue them to the file folder. I have file folders with the side tab like this and with the tab at the bottom. Either type will work for the March file folders.
Stationary Pieces in File Folder
Next, you’ll need to cut out your stationary pieces and glue them to the inside of the file folder. I cut out each individual piece like this, but I have also seen teachers just trim the piece of paper and glue the entire sheet inside of the file folder. Either way will work!
Laminate the File Folder
Once all the stationary pieces are glued on the folder, you need to laminate the file folder. You will need a 13 inch laminator and 11 inch x 17 inch laminating pouches for this step. I have that size laminator, but my school also has an industrial laminator I use to make file folders. If you are in a pinch and only have regular size laminating pouches, you can cut the sealed edge of a second pouch and extend off of your first laminating pouch by taping them together.
Laminate Movable Pieces
Once the file folder is laminated, you need to laminate the movable pieces of the file folder. You can choose to cut, laminate, cut or you can just laminate then cut. I personally always laminate then cut. I’ve never found the cut-laminate-cut method to make my materials last any longer, so I just skip that extra step!
Cut Movable Pieces
Next, you need to cut out the movable pieces for your file folder. Sometimes I will cut a rounded edge so the pieces aren’t too sharp for my students.
Velcro the File Folder
Once everything is laminated and cut out, apply Velcro to the file folder and the movable pieces. This is always up for debate in the special ed community, but I personally put soft Velcro on stationary surfaces and hard on the card (or the movable pieces.) You can use strip or dot Velcro, whatever your preference is. I use both, so I typically just use what is available.
Assemble the File Folder
The last step to prep the March file folders is to assemble them. Put the movable pieces on the left, and have the student match to the stationary pieces on the right.
There are 6 skills included in the March File Folders pack with 2 levels for each skill. You can also try a FREE digital March file folder here! What resource would you like a tutorial how to prep next? Check out how Alyssa preps a tactile token board in her blog post!
