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!