Monday, December 3, 2012

Easy & Cheap Test Folders DIY


Okay sooooooo this post is long over due! I use these these items every single day. Every SINGLE day I use them I think hmmm I really need to find the pictures I took while I was making these and share with all the other teachers out there who dont want to spend crazy money on test folders. I know I spend way to much money for classroom items/tools/materials. So if anyone is willing to spend the bucks I feel as thigh I would be one of them.  Well during Targets crazy school deals that came out waaaaaay to early in the summer I saw tons of folders. Now of course since the folders were so cheap, like fifteen cents, I had to snatch them up. Then I was meandering through all of Target and came upon all the fun and fancy duck tape! I thought I bet I can tape two folders together with fun duck tape and then laminate them.  TADA!! Cheap oh so super practical test folders. I use mine everyday and they are still I perfect condition. Obviously such a long introduction is only worthwhile if the item is valuable. You will be so thankful for these.  No more "I don't have any empty folders!"

Step-by-Step DIY Test Folders

Step 1
Select an even amount of folders.  I like to match so I bought an equal number of folders that were all the same color.

Step 2
Select two folders.






Step 3
Open one of the folders with the pocket facing you.



Step 4
When facing the open folder take your chosen duck tape and place half of the decorated side of the duct tape strip onto the right side of the open folder.



Step 5
Then shut the folder with the adhesive side of the duck tape looking up at you.







Step 6

Then open the other folder with the pockets facing down. (remember to make sure thickets are opening the same way as the already taped folder) Align the folder to match up with the folder already taped and press it down onto the exposed tape.





Step 7
Then continue to roll the tape onto the spot where the two folders are joined together.



Step 8
Cut off the tape roll with approximately a 2 inch overhang. Fold the tape over onto the pocket side of the folder.





Step 9
Flatten out the "test folders" and laminate them.


Step 10
Once the folders are laminated, cut them out of the lamination and fold them on there original creases. I folded them and placed a couple big books on them. The you are easy to use them!

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I've also been busy making these Old Lady activities!


Check it out HERE!

Check it out HERE!
This goes along perfectly with this book:
There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Bell!

Check it out HERE!
Check it out HERE!
This goes along perfectly with this book:

I Know an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Pie (Picture Puffins)