How to Laminate Flash Cards

Flash cards are valuable learning tools whether you're teaching your child to read or preparing for a college exam. You can make your own flash cards using a variety of materials such as index cards and markers. Or you could design the cards on your computer and print them out. However, you should make sure you laminate the flash cards so you can get a lot of use out of them. Luckily, this is easy to do with a pouch laminator. Here's how you do it:

• First, make sure your laminator is large enough to process your flash cards. You can do this by paying attention to the machine's feed opening. The width of feed openings varies quite a bit, so make sure the machine's slot is the right size for your flash cards.

• Turn your laminator on and let it heat up. Many pouch laminators have the ability to warm up in just a few minutes, so you probably won't be waiting long. When the machine is ready, a "ready" light might go on or else you will hear a beep.

• Select laminating pouches that will completely encapsulate your flash cards. It's a good idea to use one pouch per card. Make sure you check out the pouch's thickness which is measured in mils (0.001th of an inch). You need to do this to ensure that the pouch isn't too thick for your laminator. (Consult the instruction manual to find out how thick your pouches can be.)

• Place one of your flash cards in a pouch, ensuring that there are even borders around it. Then, begin feeding the pouch into the laminator. (The creased end of the pouch must go in first.)

• After your flash card comes out of the machine, let it cool off. Continue laminating your flash cards until all of them have been processed. Don't forget to turn off your laminator when you're done.

• If you want to trim away some of the laminating film, you can do so with a rotary trimmer or a craft knife. (Use the knife in conjunction with a ruler so you'll get straight lines.) This step is optional. If you decide to do it, exercise caution so you don't end up accidentally cutting yourself.

• Begin using your flash cards and take pride in a job well done.

If the idea of processing your flash cards with a pouch laminator is intimidating, you could also use self-sealing laminating pouches. To use them, just insert a flash card into a pouch and make sure it's centered properly. Then, peel away the liner to expose the adhesive and apply the film to your card. If you use a large pouch, you can laminate more than one card at a time. Just make sure that the cards don't overlap and separate them when you're done. That's all there is to it.

Creating and laminating your own flash cards can be a fun project and help you or your child learn. Try making your own flash cards today.