How to use file folder activities at home: a step-by-step guide for parents

Why it helps

• A clear start and finish. When every piece is matched, the activity is done.
• It can help your child practice attention to detail. Your child has to look closely to find the piece that matches.
• It can help your child practice working on their own. Once your child knows how, they can do it without you.
• It travels. A folder fits in a bag for a waiting room or a car ride.

Step 1: Choose one simple skill

Start with something your child almost knows: matching colors, matching shapes, or matching two pictures of the same animal. Letters and numbers can come later.

Step 2: Make or print the folder

Inside a folder, glue a row of pictures, for example four colors. Make a matching piece for each one. If you can, cover the pieces with clear tape or plastic and add a small piece of Velcro to each. Keep the loose pieces in an envelope taped to the back of the folder. Start with three or four pieces.

Step 3: Show how, one piece at a time

Sit beside your child. Hand them one piece and say "Match." Help only as much as needed: point to the right spot, or guide their hand. Help a little less each time.

Step 4: Talk about each piece

As each piece goes on, name it: "Red. A red apple." Then ask about everyday things: "What else is red?"

• Letters: say the letter, think of words that start with it, and trace it with a finger.
• Numbers: say the number, count real things like spoons or blocks, and trace it with a finger.
• Shapes: name the shape and look for it around the house, like a round plate or a square window.

Step 5: Celebrate finishing

When every piece is matched, praise your child, or give a small reward they like. Then put the pieces back in the envelope together, so cleaning up becomes part of the activity.

Step 6: Step back, a little at a time

When your child can finish with little help, sit a bit further away. Then let them do it on their own at a set time, like while you make dinner. When it gets easy, add more pieces or start a new folder.

If it isn't working yet

• Too many pieces? Use fewer.
• Pieces get thrown or lost? Hand your child one piece at a time.
• Your child isn't interested? Use pictures of things they love, like a favorite character, animal or vehicle.
• Small pieces are hard to pick up, or your child is often very upset? Talk with your child's doctor, occupational therapist or behavior analyst.

Make one free, or use a ready-made set

• Make your own free: print two copies of four photos of your child's own things. Glue one copy inside a folder and use the other as the pieces.
• The File Folders Bundle: five printable matching activities (animals, colors, letters, numbers and shapes), with directions, and pictures you can reuse to make more. US$19.99, in English. It is a download; you print it at home. See the File Folders Bundle
• Use it with flashcards: see how to use flashcards at home.

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