Works for Me Wednesday: Reinforcing File Folders
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We love using our version of workboxes — workcrates, but the file folders in my kids’ boxes lead a hard life. I’ve tried explaining to the kids that if I have to replace the folders — again — I’ll be replacing them with ugly, utilitarian green folders, rather then the more expensive bright primary-colored folders.
Either they don’t believe me or they don’t care…or it’s just really hard on a pretty, bright-colored folder to handle the daily onslaught of kids and workbooks because the second set of folders are looking pretty tattered. I hit on a solution, though, that seems to be working.
It occurred to me that the ugly green folders may be reinforced — or else I’m not as rough on my hanging file folders as the kids are on theirs. So, I thought that maybe simply reinforcing the pretty ones might just be the answer. Enter: the packing tape.
This solution has worked wonders! (So far.) By straightening out bend metal hangers (on the folders) and folding packing tape over the top of the folders (and tears), I have, at least, extended the life of the file folders. The ones I’ve repaired so far seem to be hanging in there (pun intended only if you noticed it). So, if you’re using workcrates, rather than workboxes, you may want to try this tip to make your file folders last longer.
Visit Kristin at We Are THAT Family for more Works for Me Wednesday tips.
Kris Bales is a newly-retired homeschool mom and the quirky, Christ-following, painfully honest founder (and former owner) of Weird, Unsocialized Homeschoolers. She has a pretty serious addiction to sweet tea and Words with Friends. Kris and her husband of over 30 years are parents to three amazing homeschool grads. They share their home with three dogs, two cats, a ball python, a bearded dragon, and seven birds.
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I just learned recently what workboxes were (finally, after hearing about them but not being willing to pay to learn more) and realized I had used that system all along in a version called the pile. 🙂 I just plop down a load of work next to each child.
I use packing tape for EVERYTHING home school!! My favorite usage is over their ABC and number charts for the little ones. They learn the correct form and can erase it too!! Super smart I think.
Very nice tip in deed. I like it.
Thanks for sharing!
Ah, yes, packing tape…poor man's laminate when I can't get to the library. 🙂
I had never thought of work crates instead! Awesome!
I've been having the same problem with my file folders, what a great tip!
I just learned what workboxes are recently myself. How neat. Now if I can do it with the rest of the house:)
Good idea! Those hanging file folders can get very expensive. This is a nice idea even for repairing ones you might find at a yard sale or thrift store. 😀
-Christina S.
LessonPathways.com Team Member
I just had to go get more packing tape so I could fix my son's homework folder from school. It was getting trashed going back and forth with is planner in it every day. Packing tape is great! I even used it to "laminate" the kids chore lists.