File Folder Actvity Hack

Do you love file folder activities? I do- I love their portability, effectiveness, and re-useability! However, I made the mistake of buying a 9-inch laminator instead of a 13-inch laminator, so until this one breaks, I can't laminate my file folder activities. And an un-laminated file-folder activity is basically just some disorganized worksheets. 

But wait! I recently discovered a hack to get use out of my file folder activities without having to laminate the folders themselves! 
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The secret is... plastic file folders! I got mine from Amazon for about $12.

Smead Poly File Folder, 1/3 cut tab letter size, assorted colors,  24 per box 

Step 1: Laminate the pages/items that will go into your folder (this allows you to adhere the Velcro).

Step 2: Place the loop (soft side) Velcro dot onto the folder. I put one dot on all 4 corners, but do as you feel led. ​

Step 3: Place the hook (hard/scratchy) side of the Velcro on the back of your laminated papers/items, in the position you used for the folder itself (e.g. since I had put soft Velcro on 4 corners of my folder, I put hard Velcro on the 4 corners of my paper)

Step 4: Attach the sheet that has the hard Velcro on it to the file folder. This sheet is now useable and removeable! Simply switch it out for any other laminated sheet whenever you want.

Voila! You have yourself a re-positionable and reuseable file folder activity!

I've found that this works great for AAC books (I LOVE The Dabbling Speechie's AAC Starter Kit, especially the portions with the interchangeable vocabulary.) For the example above, I used Sublime Speech's Articulation Battle Boats, which work great with interchangeable pieces! Instead of making file folders for each sound, I just laminated the pages and can switch them out for the desired target sound as needed. I used washi tape on the folder tabs so I could easily change out the label as well. 

And there you have it- a file folder hack to make your life easier! Do you love this, hate it, or have any other thoughts? Tell me in the comments! 

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