Creating Customized Folders for Homework
Laminated Pocket Folders Provide Help for Elementary Students
Aug 12, 2009
Students in elementary school are still learning how to keep track of all their notes home to parents, homework, and graded papers. Parents or teachers can make customized folders or binders that can be used for homework and parent teacher correspondence. Including help charts with the things the students are learning give them access to the tools they need to succeed.
Turn a Pocket Folder into Elementary Homework Help
This idea works equally well for teachers looking for a system to use in their classrooms and for parents who need a way to help organize their child’s schoolwork. It can be set up using binders or folders. The key to this system is the help charts and a routine of using it every day.
The folder should be a regular sized 9x12 heavy paper student folder found in the school supply section of a store. The inside folder pocket flap is the perfect size to place a number line, multiplication chart, cursive or manuscript chart, and language arts charts. These often come all-in-one on a nameplate for students.
The back of the folder should be covered with help charts appropriate to the grade level. Ideas for charts to include are:
- Math charts
- Right and left hand charts
- Spelling charts (such as basic words for the grade level)
- Equivalency charts
- Parts of speech and punctuation charts
- Other quick reference charts as needed
- Clock faces or references about time
The front of the folder is a good place for more charts or specific goals for a grade level. The 50 states and capitals is an American learning goal in elementary school, and a chart on the front of the folder helps. History or science goals and core concepts can be put on the front of the folder.
Once the folder is created, it should be laminated to make it longer lasting. It can be laminated inside and out by laying it open flat. After it comes out of the laminating machine, the pockets can be cut open with the edge of a scissor blade. When making them at home, a sheet of sticky laminating paper can be used instead of a hot laminating machine.
If a binder is used for the homework system, one or two plastic sheet protectors can be used to hold additional reference charts. Binders work well for upper elementary students and high school students. Tabbed dividers can be inserted for each subject so the student may keep homework assignments separate, but still in one place.
How to Use the Student Homework Folder
A simple saying helps students remember what goes in which pocket of the homework folders.
- Put it in the right pocket if it must come right back to school.
- Put it in the left pocket if it can be left at home.
Homework sheets should stay in the right pocket, since they should be returned to school. Notes that parents must read and sign should go in the right pocket, along with notes from parents to the teacher.
The left pocket is for graded papers that are going home, announcements from the school, and anything that is complete and does not need to be brought back to class.
Setting a routine with a child to use the folder helps learn good study skills. The child should carry the folder to school each day, in case something is coming home from the teacher. The child should bring it home at the end of each day with any work that needs to be completed.
Once the homework assignment is complete it should be placed in the right side pocket of the folder. Then the homework folder should be placed near the door or some designated spot for school things. This way it won’t be forgotten in the morning rush to get out of the house on time the next day.
This customized folder is an easy way for teachers to create homework folders as part of their overall classroom management, and to reinforce good study habits. It can also be made by parents as a way of helping their children keep on top of schoolwork and homework assignments. When a child uses a homework folder, everything stays in one place, and nothing gets lost.
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