Step one: Assemble the folders~ this step may sound a little confusing, but I hope the pictures help. you are going to glue the folders together. NOT in an accordian style. Basically you will lay out two folders one with the front side down and the next with the front side up. Using the rubber cement place glue on the right folder (front side up). Be sure to work kind of fast as rubber cement has a tendency to dry fast.
After covering the front of the right folder with rubber cement, flip it over and line up the "spine" of the folders and glue the front of the right folder to the back of the left folder. As seen in the photo below. Do this with all folders that you are using. don't worry, the spine will line up, but the other edge won't.
Step 2: Layout configuration~At this point you have an empty folder. Separate your mini-books or info sheets into subjects. I have mine separated into Spelling, Writing, and math for my 3rd grader with a world map on the back. After you have it sorted, decide how you will lay it out. I used page protectors for large pages, like the "word wall" sheet and the Adding/subtracting charts. this freed up room on the actual folder for more mini-books/info slips.
Use the glue sticks to temporarily glue down your info slips. If you are using mini books, you may want to use rubber cement as it is a LOT more sturdy/reliable hold than a glue stick. Keep in mind there is no wrong way to lay them out! Have fun with it and let your kids help! :)
If you are using Page protectors I found a way to secure them without brads that cause them to stick out. I used the contact paper to tape it down. you can easily use clear packing tape to accomplish the same thing. (i just couldn't find mine! LOL) What you do is cut 2--1" strip of contact paper for each page protector. Tape down the edge, with the first piece of contact paper, so that it folds along the crease in the folder. this will make it easy to close the folder later. Use the second piece to tape the back of the page protector to secure it. (don't worry it will be secured even more by the time we are done!) See pictures below for more of an explanation:
**** note: Be sure to lable the tabs at this point. I forgot to and The laminate makes it kind of hard to write on them unless you have a good pen. So skip the irritation and just label now!! :)
Step 3 Laminate~Now you CAN take this down to your local Office supply store and have them laminate it if you are not using page protectors or you can use a home laminate system. As mine died (Xyron) because my 5 yo decided she needed to play with it, I no longer have one. I however had clear contact paper! This works just as well on projects like this. I measured a slightly larger piece then the side of the folder. I then laminated it. Being carful to fold over the edges so that they over lapped the page protector edge to secure it. I did laminate over the pocket for the fractions. Then cut it open to be able to slide the fractions in and out. I have left the front cover un-laminated so that the girls can add a cover tomorrow. I'll cover it then. The picture below shows the side laminated with a page protector "secured" so it won't slip.
After you get each page laminated close the folder. Take a piece of contact paper that is about 4-5" wide. Use this to cover the spine. You want to pull it snug so that it is a tight binding. This picture shows the placement.
Now after you are done laminating it. you can go back through and add in any flips you need to add. Like on this page, I have a short vowel slip and a consonate blend slip that won't quite fit, so I have it over lapping. To be able to lift it I need it laminated separately and then just tape down one side. (again I used contact paper).
And that's it! Congratulations you have now made a mini office!
