Laminate something bigger than your laminator!

I recently bought some file-folder games from Shelley Gray and they are awesome! I am usually not a fan AT ALL because of the little bitty pieces that end up getting lost and once they use the game a time or two it kind of loses its appeal. I love these because you glue the pieces to the folder (genius!) and then change out the answer sheets to create different activities. Check them out here - really, they rock. I bought the bundle.

After I introduced them to my kids, they went bonkers because it was something new. They were totally engaged and then one group came up to to me and asked if they could make their own. Seriously! So of course, I didn't hesitate and I gave them a file folder, which for some reason was just the coolest thing ever. Before I knew it, just about every group had asked if they could make a folder game. We put that day's math lesson on hold and created our own file folder games. I mean, come on, how can  you pass up a teachable moment like that? I know I'm in the fortunate position that I don't have to. Here are some of their creations. THIS is the stuff they really remember and really learn from.


Our school laminator is prehistoric, so I bought my own. I got a really good one from Sam's. It's a Royal Sovereign. It was a little over $100, but it's a workhorse. I get the pouches at Sam's too. They're $20 for 200! It's a lifesaver to have at home, but the one drawback is the size of the items you can laminate. I have figured out how to laminate some things that are bigger, like Shelley's folder games. I made a little picture tutorial to show you how I do it. I hope it makes sense!





13 comments

  1. Good to know how to laminate larger items. I am looking for a newer laminator for our school. Ours is in the art building and so broken down most of the time. I bought myself a small one. Thanks

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  2. Oh my Gosh!!!!! This is amazing, thanks a lot for the tutorial :)
    Lili
    Sweet Blessings & Learning Treats

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  3. Hmmm, what a great tip! I'm going to have to try it out!!
    ❤Teri
    A Cupcake for the Teacher

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  4. Thank you! I have been thinking about ways to use small laminators to laminate larger items! I also hate the small file folder pieces. What you found is a great solution!

    Crystal Shepherd
    lucytumnus@gmail.com
    The lamppost in 1st grade math

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  5. Good tips, and I just wanted to point out how close you are to 3,000 followers! Holy cow! If you're doing a giveaway or anything to celebrate, I'd be willing to donate. What an accomplishment!

    Mary Beth
    Run Teacher, Run

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  6. Genious! i'm going to see if this will work with my Scotch laminator, too! Thanks, Denise!
    Nicole
    Teaching With Style

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  7. I love the file folder games your kiddos made, Denise! That's something I always did in the last weeks of school - the kids loved working with partners on them, and then trading off to play them! I usually gave my first graders a list of review topics to work with, like sight words or math facts. How awesome that your students thought of doing it themselves! It's such a credit to the classroom community you've created.

    Linda Nelson
    Primary Inspiration

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  8. Okay, I officially think you are a genius! SERIOUSLY! First off, the file folder game is SUCH an amazing idea! Your kiddos were so engaged-- ah-mazing!! And the laminating idea? Holy moly, you rock!

    Thanks for sharing :)

    Amelia
    wherethewildthingslearn

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  9. this is just awesome!thanks much!

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  10. I work at a public elementary school in Washington State and we have a great laminator, but sometimes it is just not pig enough, this trick was a life saver for those large classroom posters, thank you for sharing with the internet world!

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