File Folder Games for Toddlers
For toddlers, file folder games can improve various skills, such as hand-eye coordination, motor skills and the ability to recognize letters and numbers. Your child can manipulate game pieces in these games, which typically involve sorting, matching, counting or labeling. Participate in a one-on-one game with your child or allow your child to play with the folders on her own. In addition, prepare your child by first describing the game's rules as well as how to care for the game pieces.
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Learning Numbers and Counting
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Introduce your child to numbers by creating a counting game with a file folder. Begin by choosing a theme, such as space, a barnyard or a garden, that would appeal to your child. For example, make five to 10 paper planets and glue them to the inside of a file folder. Label each planet with a number and then tape or staple a plastic bag with a zip closure next to each planet. Create aliens using stickers, attaching each sticker to a heavy-paper backing and cutting it out. Have your child identify the number and place the correct number of aliens on each planet.
Identifying Matches
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To create matching games, begin by gathering materials -- file folders, clear contact paper, scissors, crayons, markers, glue, construction paper, colored stick-on dots, scrapbooking paper and a tag board. For a color-matching game, cut out two identical shapes from eight different colors of construction paper. Add details to the cutouts, such as happy faces. Glue one set of the shapes to the inside of a file folder. Use contact paper to cover and protect the file folder and game pieces so they can weather wear and tear. Have your child match the colors with the other set of cutouts. Attach a plastic bag to the folder̵7;s back to store the game pieces. Other matching games include shapes, dot numbers and patterns. For example, create pattern pieces from scrapbook paper.
Recognizing Letters
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File folder games can help toddlers recognize letters and prepare them for reading. Start by creating pictures of objects that will represent different letters. For example, an apple begins with the letter ̶0;A,̶1; a balloon represents ̶0;B̶1; and a cat is ̶0;C.̶1; Make stickers out of these objects by applying an adhesive, such as hook and loop tape, to the backs of the objects. Paste the corresponding letters to the file folder and add the hook and loop tape anchors. Have your child attach the correct object to the corresponding letter.
Sorting Objects
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You can use a file folder game to not only teach your child about community helpers but also to help improve her sorting skills. Begin by finding pictures of community helpers, such as a firefighter, dentist, mail carrier and police officer. Then glue them to the inside of a file folder. Attach a plastic bag next to each community helper. For objects to pair with the community helpers, create pictures of their tools. For example, objects can include a firefighter̵7;s hose, a dentist̵7;s drill, a police officer̵7;s badge and a mail bag. Have your child match the tool to the helper.
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When taking toddlers on a field trip, the key to success is to make the trip short and work around meal and nap times. No matter how fun the destination is, toddlers wont enjoy it, and will make sure everyone knows that, if they are tired or hungry.
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Occupy your little one with fun, safe and educational games that the whole family can enjoy together. There are various activities for a family to do with their toddler such as arts-and-crafts, outdoor activities, indoor activities and learning games
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The family friendly town of Parker is less than 20 miles south of Denver. The suburb has an historic downtown and plenty of park space. Activities for toddlers in Parker are plentiful. Indoor activities, outdoor activities and organized classes are a
