The picture above is a basket of laminated folders.  I laminate one folder per child in my class.  Then I put a mailing label on the folder with the child's name.  Laminating makes folders more durable and they will last for the year.  Use scissors or a knife to gently slice along the inside of the folder (top or side of the pocket, depending on kind of folders), where papers are inserted.  Be careful not to go all the way through...just a slight slice through the laminating to allow papers to be put in.  When students finish an assignment, it goes into the folder.  At the end of the week, I am able to easily check to see who has/has not finished all of the assignments.  *Durability makes them great for writing workshop too!