Colored File Folders...do you use them?

[Tasha]

I notice some people use the colored and not the manilla. Do you find the colored bring out the content or overall appearance of the lapbook? What do your kids say/think? Does it make a difference to them or you?

What brand(s) do you use?

Tasha

[Valerie]

Tasha-

We don't use the colored file folders simply because we're on a budget. I can get a box of 100 file folders from Walmart for under $5.00 Ampad Efficiency Letter size 3-tab manila.

The colored versions are generally more expensive, lite 24 folders for $5.00

We try and just use colored paper to spice them up. You can get a set of color papers 125 sheets, by Embassy at Walmart for $5.00 too.

Also, you can let children decorate their file folders with stickers or even make a collage, like we did in the bible lapbook.

Hope that helps. I'd love to use the colored folders, but they're kinda expensive....anyone know of a good deal on them?

Valerie

[Tasha]

Thanks so much for responding. I agree, the colored file folders are pretty expensive for $11.50 at Staples (100 qty).

I have been straddled the fence with getting the colored file folders. For one, I want to make sure the kids like to do the lapbooks before spending $11.99 (Staples) for the colored.

We also bought the Embassy colored paper. It was such a good deal at around $3.50. I didn't know they sold the manila at Walmart. I'll have to check that out. Maybe I'll stock up on the colored paper and cardstock at Walmart.

I think I'll have more options using colored paper and card stock color then the four colors (blue, yellow, red, blue) offered in the box at Staples. They have a box with orange & yellow but it only comes in a box of 50 for $13.69.

So far, the kids don't mind using the manila. I think it gets overwhelming trying to do everything that everyone else does. Thanks for letting me know it's "OK" to just use the manila.

Edited later to say: I just checked out colored file lapbooks. It looks as if some people use the colored and mostly use white mini books. If you do it this way, I guess a person would spend the $11 on the colored file folders and just use regular white paper. Which would probably end up at the same price as buying 2 packs of colored paper from Walmart. I don't know. I'll have to decide which route to go.
Thanks so much!
Tasha