Preschoolers should be learning about a wide variety of topics including shapes, numbers, colors, letters, and more. A great way to teach these basics is with file folder games for preschoolers which are simple and fun to make. They involve printing out different patterns or shapes from the computer and then gluing or taping these shapes onto a file folder.

It's best to keep the stray, laminated game pieces in a re-sealable bag that is kept within the file folder. Following are several great ideas for file folder games for preschoolers. These different games help to teach many different subjects and skills in a fun way.

Using Games to Teach Discrimination Skills

Discriminating between different patterns, facial expressions, etc., is something that preschoolers should learn. To create a game that teaches these skills, first pick a theme for the game. If it is October, for example, choose Halloween as the theme.

Print out a number of faceless jack-o-lanterns (5-10), depending on the students' skill level. Glue these pumpkins on the inside of the file folder. Next, create different faces for each of the jack-o-lanterns. Print out two copies of these faces, and glue one set on the faceless jack-o-lanterns.

Laminate the remaining faces and let the fun begin. The goal of the game is for the child to match the face pieces with those jack-o-lanterns with identical faces. You can even switch things up and use numbers, letters or patterns (such as polka dots, stripes, etc.) instead of faces.

Using Games to Teach Seriation Skills

Seriation skills involve being able to situate objects in a particular series. This is another skill that can be practiced and perfected with folder games for preschoolers. Again, pick shapes or objects that fit into your theme. If it's springtime, you may want to use flowers for this file folder game.

Print out a number of differently sized flowers (5-10), depending on the students' skill level. Decorate the folder to suit the flowers. For example, you may want to glue some green grass to the bottom, white clouds in the sky, and a bright yellow sun in the sky. The goal of this game is for the student to place the flowers in order from smallest to largest, or vice versa.

Using File Folder Games to Teach Math Skills

For this preschool math activity, you will again want to choose a theme. If it's February, for example, a good theme to use would be Valentine's Day.

Print out a number of hearts (5-10), depending on the students' skill level. Number each heart, laminate them, and then put them aside. Print out another set of hearts. Using a marker, place one dot on the first heart, two dots on the second heart, and so on.

Glue these dotted hearts on the inside of the file folder. The goal of this game is for the student to match the numbered hearts to the correct dotted heart.

File folder games for preschoolers are both fun and educational. You can even allow the children to participate in the creation of the file folder games so that the experience is doubly fun.

Mary Robinson has been teaching preschool for well over a decade. You can get instant access to her preschool activities, crafts, and lesson plans by visiting her website:

http://www.mypreschoolplan.com

For a limited time, all visitors to Mary's site will also get a free copy of her special report: "The 7 Biggest Mistakes Preschool Teachers and Parents Make". Go get your free copy today!