The Transformative Power of File Folders in Special Education
For the past six years, I’ve had the privilege of working with children on the autism spectrum. It’s been a journey of discovery, patience, and unwavering commitment. But it was only in my recent job that I stumbled upon a simple yet powerful tool: file folders. These unassuming folders, have become my secret weapon in helping my students thrive while giving me a creative outlet during those long boring hours. Let me share with you how these unassuming folders can unlock a world of learning for our exceptional kids. Today we will discuss three things: what file folders do in the classroom, different ways of using them, and then we will look at how you can revamp your classroom file folders.
Unlocking Potential: The Magic of File Folders
File folders—those humble, manila rectangles—hold immense potential. Traditionally used for independent work opportunities, they’re like tiny treasure chests waiting to be opened. File folder games or activities are matching exercises designed to offer visual structure and repeated practice on specific skills and concepts, facilitating mastery and maintenance of matching abilities. Once a skill is mastered through a file folder activity, it can be incorporated into a student's ongoing maintenance routine or utilized as part of an independent work system. These activities provide valuable opportunities for skill development and reinforcement in a structured and engaging format, promoting learning and independence in special education and autism classrooms. Most of the kids in my room are very low, and file folders must be extremely basic. for those who may transition out of our program, or be at a 1st-2ng grade reading level, file folders can be an interactive time between para and students, They can be intricate, multifaceted tools that help kids learn skills beyond mere matching.
Beyond Matching: Teaching Sentence Construction
Imagine a child with autism constructing a sentence. It’s more than just arranging words; it’s a bridge to communication. I am creating file folders with simple sentences: “a dog is a pet that can ______” Options are : run, write. Students will identify the correct word and Velcro it onto the blank spot. students will learn vocabulary and syntax, while completing sentences in a different way. By creating folders that encourage sentence-building, we empower our students to express themselves. Simple prompts, colorful visuals, and structured layouts—all within the confines of a folder—become stepping stones toward language mastery.
Word Families and Creativity
Word families—the building blocks of language—are another area where file folders shine. I created some word families trees, which helped my students reading grow at an exceptional rate. With a little creativity, we can turn these folders into mini word workshops. If I could create a file folder to teach my student to construct a sentence, then you certainly can as well.
Revamping and Leaving a Legacy
Recently, I made a decision. Yes, my friends, I’m leaving my job. But it’s not a farewell; it’s a transformation. I’m focusing on raising my two boys and building something close to my heart: Anthropologist in Heels. My store really needs me to invest all my work hours. I am already in the top ten percent of teacehrs pay teachers (94% percentile as of today), but to become a top earner i must put in the hours. Big news, indeed! But amidst this change, I have a goal: to revamp as many of my school’s file folders as possible. It’s my way of leaving a lasting contribution—a legacy—for the students who will follow.
Secret Project to Revamp my schools file folders
I am going to completely repair and recreate as many file folders for my school as possible before my last day. Why file folders? Because they matter. Years from now, when I’m no longer in the classroom, those folders will remain. Students will still reach for them, tracing their fingers over the laminated cards. And in that moment, I’ll know—I’ve influenced lives. Not just one life, but many. It’s a quiet victory, a ripple effect that extends beyond my tenure. File folders become vessels of inspiration, carrying my dedication forward.
My file folders on TPT: So here is the deal, yes i am going to make my file folders available at anthropologist in heels. i haven’t started uploading anything yet, because i have been spending all my time creating. there are many things i have to do before making them available. but once they are available, i will be sure to like my autism file folders here!
Calling All Educators: Join the Folder Revolution
So, fellow educators, let’s embrace the folder revolution. Let’s create, refurbish, and share. These are some of my file folders—simple, yet potent. Feel free to tag them, use them, adapt them. And know that as you do, you’re part of something bigger. Together, we’ll transform education, one folder at a time. And who knows? Maybe, just maybe, a child with autism will find their voice within those carefully crafted folds.
