DIY Dora File Folder Games

LM loves Dora the Explorer, especially the character Swiper.  So when I came across a $1 pack of Dora stickers, I knew I had to “swipe” them so that my little guy could have some learning fun.

FRONT

For my learning center, I used a file folder.  I decorated the front just for fun and motivation and created 5 learning activities.

INSIDE

3. A Counting Board Game– you will need one character each and a die. Roll the die to help Dora. Whoever gets to the finish first wins!

BACK

On the back, I put this little pocket to hold the game pieces for the different activities.  I made the matching game by placing the stickers on a sheet of construction paper, cutting out the stickers, and then laminating them. These are to be used inside for the counting activity, for the matching games, and for a rice hunt.

Matching Ideas
1. Put all of the pieces in a pile facing upward.  Take turns picking one and finding it’s match.
2. For older children, put the characters facing down and play the traditional matching game.
3. For younger children, place 5 characters on a tray and mix up the 5 matches.  Have them find the match and place it next to the ones on the tray.

Rice Play
1.Hide all of the Dora characters in the rice.  How many Swipers can you find?  Find the swipers and count.  Next, Where are all of the Doras?  Count.  Do this with all of the characters.
2. Another variation- hide one set of the characters in the rice.  Place the others on a tray.  Have your child find a character and then match it with the one on the tray.

If your child doesn’t like Dora the Explorer, keep in mind that you can make something similar with your child’s favorite characters!