File Organization

File Naming & Organization

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Master file management, descriptive naming conventions, folder hierarchies, file extensions, and cloud backup systems to keep your work organized.

Level 1

My First Folder & Saving

Create a personalized student folder and save digital work directly into it.

Learning objective

Learning About: Creating Folders. Learning To: Create a new folder and save files inside it. Learning To Be: Inquirer.

Let's Go!

Step media

Learn

A Folder is a digital binder that holds your files! Right-click in File Explorer and select 'New โž” Folder' (or Ctrl+Shift+N). Name your folder with your name (e.g. 'Alex_Work'). When saving files, always choose your folder!

Visual guide for My First Folder & Saving
Curriculum Level:Level 1
๐Ÿ“
Level 1: Desktop Clean-Up & Folders

Your desktop is messy! Drag loose files from the right grid into the folders on the left.

๐Ÿ”
๐Ÿ“„Homework.docx
๐Ÿ–ผ๏ธPuppy.jpg
๐Ÿ“Story_Chapter1.txt
๐ŸŽตClass_Anthem.mp3
๐Ÿ–ผ๏ธField_Trip.png

Try it yourself

Create Your Personal Main Folder

๐ŸŒŸ Student Project GuideSuccess Criteria & WAGOLL (What A Good One Looks Like)โ–พ

๐ŸŽฏ Task Success Criteria (Rubric)

Foundation

Opens File Explorer / Finder.

Developing

Creates a new folder using Right Click โž” New โž” Folder.

Secure (Goal)

Names the folder with their student name and saves a document into it.

Mastery

Explains why saving work in a designated folder prevents files from vanishing into Downloads.

๐Ÿ‘€ What A Good One Looks Like (WAGOLL)

๐Ÿ“
Save to Your Website Portfolio:

When you finish creating your project in your software, copy the share link or take a screenshot and publish it onto your student portfolio website!

โญSelf-Assessment: How confident do you feel with this skill?

Reflect

How does having your own named folder make finding your work easier tomorrow?

Low
High

Learning check

Learning Check

Which keyboard shortcut creates a brand new folder in Windows File Explorer?

Choose the best option:

Answer correctly to unlock the next level.

Correct! Ctrl+Shift+N creates a new folder instantly.Remember: Ctrl+Shift+N creates a New Folder.
Teacher setup, curriculum links and progress descriptors

Spark support

Routine: See, Think, Wonder

Achievement pathway

  • Foundation: Opens File Explorer / Finder.
  • Developing: Creates a new folder using Right Click โž” New โž” Folder.
  • Secure: Names the folder with their student name and saves a document into it.
  • Mastering: Explains why saving work in a designated folder prevents files from vanishing into Downloads.

Curriculum links

Curriculum strand: Everyday Digital Skills

Outcome: FILE.01.B.1.1 โ€” Create a personalized student folder and save digital work directly into it.

PYP: Form ยท Organizing personal digital folders ensures our work is stored safely and easily found.

Learner profile: Inquirer

Competency tags

  • folders
  • new-folder
  • file-saving
  • file-explorer
  • directory

Gate support

Accessibility alternative:

Teacher override: allow

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Locked level

Level 2: Descriptive File Naming

Complete the previous learning check to unlock this next level.

Level 2

Descriptive File Naming

Replace default file names (e.g. 'Untitled') with clear, descriptive filenames containing topic and name.

Learning objective

Learning About: File Naming. Learning To: Name files using 'Subject_Topic_Name' conventions. Learning To Be: Communicator.

Let's Go!

Step media

Learn

Never leave a file named 'Untitled' or 'Document'! Always use a descriptive file name following the Golden Rule: Subject_Topic_YourName (e.g. 'Math_Fractions_Sam.xlsx'). This tells everyone exactly what is inside!

Visual guide for Descriptive File Naming
Curriculum Level:Level 1
๐Ÿ“
Level 1: Desktop Clean-Up & Folders

Your desktop is messy! Drag loose files from the right grid into the folders on the left.

๐Ÿ”
๐Ÿ“„Homework.docx
๐Ÿ–ผ๏ธPuppy.jpg
๐Ÿ“Story_Chapter1.txt
๐ŸŽตClass_Anthem.mp3
๐Ÿ–ผ๏ธField_Trip.png

Try it yourself

Rename Messy Files Challenge

๐ŸŒŸ Student Project GuideSuccess Criteria & WAGOLL (What A Good One Looks Like)โ–พ

๐ŸŽฏ Task Success Criteria (Rubric)

Foundation

Identifies that 'Untitled' or 'Doc1' are bad file names.

Developing

Re-names a file with a single descriptive word (e.g., 'Robot.png').

Secure (Goal)

Uses structured naming conventions: Subject_Topic_Name (e.g. 'Science_Habitat_Maya.docx').

Mastery

Critiques messy file names and demonstrates systematic file renaming across a folder.

๐Ÿ‘€ What A Good One Looks Like (WAGOLL)

๐Ÿ“
Save to Your Website Portfolio:

When you finish creating your project in your software, copy the share link or take a screenshot and publish it onto your student portfolio website!

โญSelf-Assessment: How confident do you feel with this skill?

Reflect

Why should you never save a file as 'Untitled'?

Low
High

Learning check

Learning Check

Which of these is the BEST descriptive filename for a Year 4 History poster by Alex?

Choose the best option:

Answer correctly to unlock the next level.

Spot on! Including Subject, Topic, and Name makes a filename professional and clear.Think about it: Include Subject, Topic, and Name in your filename.
Teacher setup, curriculum links and progress descriptors

Spark support

Routine: Zoom In

Achievement pathway

  • Foundation: Identifies that 'Untitled' or 'Doc1' are bad file names.
  • Developing: Re-names a file with a single descriptive word (e.g., 'Robot.png').
  • Secure: Uses structured naming conventions: Subject_Topic_Name (e.g. 'Science_Habitat_Maya.docx').
  • Mastering: Critiques messy file names and demonstrates systematic file renaming across a folder.

Curriculum links

Curriculum strand: Everyday Digital Skills

Outcome: FILE.01.B.1.2 โ€” Replace default file names (e.g. 'Untitled') with clear, descriptive filenames containing topic and name.

PYP: Function ยท Descriptive file names communicate content identity clearly without opening the file.

Learner profile: Communicator

Competency tags

  • file-naming
  • descriptive-names
  • save-as
  • clear-titles

Gate support

Accessibility alternative:

Teacher override: allow

Back to top

Locked level

Level 3: Creating Folder Trees

Complete the previous learning check to unlock this next level.

Level 3

Creating Folder Trees

Organize work into a logical folder hierarchy with subject subfolders.

Learning objective

Learning About: Subfolders. Learning To: Create subject subfolders inside a main student folder. Learning To Be: Thinker.

Let's Go!

Step media

Learn

A Folder Tree uses subfolders inside main folders! Inside your main 'Year4' folder, create subfolders for 'Math', 'Science', 'English', and 'Computing'. Moving files into their correct subject subfolder keeps your digital school desk spotless!

Visual guide for Creating Folder Trees
Curriculum Level:Level 1
๐Ÿ“
Level 1: Desktop Clean-Up & Folders

Your desktop is messy! Drag loose files from the right grid into the folders on the left.

๐Ÿ”
๐Ÿ“„Homework.docx
๐Ÿ–ผ๏ธPuppy.jpg
๐Ÿ“Story_Chapter1.txt
๐ŸŽตClass_Anthem.mp3
๐Ÿ–ผ๏ธField_Trip.png

Try it yourself

Build Your Year 4 Subject Folder Tree

๐ŸŒŸ Student Project GuideSuccess Criteria & WAGOLL (What A Good One Looks Like)โ–พ

๐ŸŽฏ Task Success Criteria (Rubric)

Foundation

Understands that folders can be placed inside other folders.

Developing

Creates two subfolders ('Math' and 'English') inside their main student folder.

Secure (Goal)

Builds a complete 2-tier folder tree (Main โž” Year 4 โž” Computing / Science / Art).

Mastery

Navigates complex subfolder trees smoothly using breadcrumb trail navigation.

๐Ÿ‘€ What A Good One Looks Like (WAGOLL)

๐Ÿ“
Save to Your Website Portfolio:

When you finish creating your project in your software, copy the share link or take a screenshot and publish it onto your student portfolio website!

โญSelf-Assessment: How confident do you feel with this skill?

Reflect

How do subfolders stop your main folder from getting overcrowded?

Low
High

Learning check

Learning Check

Where should you create a 'Scratch_Projects' subfolder to keep your coding work organized?

Choose the best option:

Answer correctly to unlock the next level.

Awesome! Subfolders keep related topics organized logically.Remember: Place coding subfolders inside your main Computing folder.
Teacher setup, curriculum links and progress descriptors

Spark support

Routine: Think, Pair, Share

Achievement pathway

  • Foundation: Understands that folders can be placed inside other folders.
  • Developing: Creates two subfolders ('Math' and 'English') inside their main student folder.
  • Secure: Builds a complete 2-tier folder tree (Main โž” Year 4 โž” Computing / Science / Art).
  • Mastering: Navigates complex subfolder trees smoothly using breadcrumb trail navigation.

Curriculum links

Curriculum strand: Everyday Digital Skills

Outcome: FILE.02.B.1.1 โ€” Organize work into a logical folder hierarchy with subject subfolders.

PYP: Connection ยท Hierarchical folder structures reflect logical categorization systems.

Learner profile: Thinker

Competency tags

  • folder-hierarchy
  • subfolders
  • directory-tree
  • folder-organization

Gate support

Accessibility alternative:

Teacher override: allow

Back to top

Locked level

Level 4: Moving, Copying & Renaming

Complete the previous learning check to unlock this next level.

Level 4

Moving, Copying & Renaming

Move files between folders using drag-and-drop or Cut/Paste, and avoid duplicate clutter.

Learning objective

Learning About: Moving Files. Learning To: Move files into subfolders using drag-and-drop or Cut/Paste. Learning To Be: Knowledgeable.

Let's Go!

Step media

Learn

To relocate a file, drag and drop it into the destination folder! You can also click the file, press Ctrl+X (Cut), open the target folder, and press Ctrl+V (Paste). Cut & Paste MOVES the file completely so you don't leave duplicate clutter behind.

Visual guide for Moving, Copying & Renaming
Curriculum Level:Level 1
๐Ÿ“
Level 1: Desktop Clean-Up & Folders

Your desktop is messy! Drag loose files from the right grid into the folders on the left.

๐Ÿ”
๐Ÿ“„Homework.docx
๐Ÿ–ผ๏ธPuppy.jpg
๐Ÿ“Story_Chapter1.txt
๐ŸŽตClass_Anthem.mp3
๐Ÿ–ผ๏ธField_Trip.png

Try it yourself

Downloads Folder Clean-Up Sprint

๐ŸŒŸ Student Project GuideSuccess Criteria & WAGOLL (What A Good One Looks Like)โ–พ

๐ŸŽฏ Task Success Criteria (Rubric)

Foundation

Drags a file icon into a folder icon.

Developing

Uses Ctrl+X (Cut) on a file and Ctrl+V (Paste) inside a subfolder to move it.

Secure (Goal)

Moves multiple selected files (Ctrl+click) into a target folder simultaneously.

Mastery

Cleans up a messy Downloads folder by sorting files into correct permanent directories.

๐Ÿ‘€ What A Good One Looks Like (WAGOLL)

๐Ÿ“
Save to Your Website Portfolio:

When you finish creating your project in your software, copy the share link or take a screenshot and publish it onto your student portfolio website!

โญSelf-Assessment: How confident do you feel with this skill?

Reflect

Why is moving files better than keeping 100 files piled in your Downloads folder?

Low
High

Learning check

Learning Check

Which pair of shortcuts moves a file from Downloads to your Subject folder without leaving a duplicate behind?

Choose the best option:

Answer correctly to unlock the next level.

Spot on! Cut & Paste relocates the file completely without making duplicates.Remember: Ctrl+X (Cut) and Ctrl+V (Paste) moves files cleanly.
Teacher setup, curriculum links and progress descriptors

Spark support

Routine: Parts-Purposes-Complexities

Achievement pathway

  • Foundation: Drags a file icon into a folder icon.
  • Developing: Uses Ctrl+X (Cut) on a file and Ctrl+V (Paste) inside a subfolder to move it.
  • Secure: Moves multiple selected files (Ctrl+click) into a target folder simultaneously.
  • Mastering: Cleans up a messy Downloads folder by sorting files into correct permanent directories.

Curriculum links

Curriculum strand: Everyday Digital Skills

Outcome: FILE.02.B.1.2 โ€” Move files between folders using drag-and-drop or Cut/Paste, and avoid duplicate clutter.

PYP: Responsibility ยท File management skills ensure data is relocated cleanly without accidental loss.

Learner profile: Knowledgeable

Competency tags

  • move-files
  • drag-drop
  • cut-paste
  • rename
  • duplicate-prevention

Gate support

Accessibility alternative:

Teacher override: allow

Back to top

Locked level

Level 5: File Extensions & Search

Complete the previous learning check to unlock this next level.

Level 5

File Extensions & Search

Identify common file extensions (.docx, .pdf, .png, .sb3) and search system files using filters.

Learning objective

Learning About: File Extensions. Learning To: Identify extensions (.pdf, .png, .docx) and search files. Learning To Be: Open-minded.

Let's Go!

Step media

Learn

The 3 or 4 letters after the dot in a filename are the File Extension! They tell your computer what TYPE of file it is: .docx = Word Doc, .png/.jpg = Image, .pdf = Document, .sb3 = Scratch Game. If you lose a file, type 'kind:image' or '.sb3' in the search bar to find it!

Visual guide for File Extensions & Search
Curriculum Level:Level 1
๐Ÿ“
Level 1: Desktop Clean-Up & Folders

Your desktop is messy! Drag loose files from the right grid into the folders on the left.

๐Ÿ”
๐Ÿ“„Homework.docx
๐Ÿ–ผ๏ธPuppy.jpg
๐Ÿ“Story_Chapter1.txt
๐ŸŽตClass_Anthem.mp3
๐Ÿ–ผ๏ธField_Trip.png

Try it yourself

Extension Identification & File Search

๐ŸŒŸ Student Project GuideSuccess Criteria & WAGOLL (What A Good One Looks Like)โ–พ

๐ŸŽฏ Task Success Criteria (Rubric)

Foundation

Recognizes that .png is an image and .docx is a text document.

Developing

Identifies .sb3 as a Scratch coding file and .pdf as a read-only document.

Secure (Goal)

Uses the File Explorer search bar with wildcard filters (e.g. type:pdf or *.png) to locate lost files.

Mastery

Troubleshoots file association errors when an app fails to open an unrecognized extension.

๐Ÿ‘€ What A Good One Looks Like (WAGOLL)

๐Ÿ“
Save to Your Website Portfolio:

When you finish creating your project in your software, copy the share link or take a screenshot and publish it onto your student portfolio website!

โญSelf-Assessment: How confident do you feel with this skill?

Reflect

How do file extensions help your computer know which app to open?

Low
High

Learning check

Learning Check

Which file extension identifies a Scratch 3.0 coding project file?

Choose the best option:

Answer correctly to unlock the next level.

Awesome! .sb3 is the official file extension for Scratch coding projects.Remember: .sb3 stands for Scratch 3 project files.
Teacher setup, curriculum links and progress descriptors

Spark support

Routine: Connect-Extend-Challenge

Achievement pathway

  • Foundation: Recognizes that .png is an image and .docx is a text document.
  • Developing: Identifies .sb3 as a Scratch coding file and .pdf as a read-only document.
  • Secure: Uses the File Explorer search bar with wildcard filters (e.g. type:pdf or *.png) to locate lost files.
  • Mastering: Troubleshoots file association errors when an app fails to open an unrecognized extension.

Curriculum links

Curriculum strand: Everyday Digital Skills

Outcome: FILE.03.B.1.1 โ€” Identify common file extensions (.docx, .pdf, .png, .sb3) and search system files using filters.

PYP: Change ยท File extensions inform operating systems how to interpret and open digital data.

Learner profile: Open-minded

Competency tags

  • file-extensions
  • docx
  • pdf
  • png
  • sb3
  • file-search
  • filters

Gate support

Accessibility alternative:

Teacher override: allow

Back to top

Locked level

Level 6: Cloud Sync & Version Control

Complete the previous learning check to unlock this next level.

Level 6

Cloud Sync & Version Control

Manage cloud storage syncing (Google Drive/OneDrive), version numbering (_v1, _v2), and backups.

Learning objective

Learning About: Cloud Sync & Versions. Learning To: Save to cloud drives and use version numbers (_v1, _v2). Learning To Be: Reflective.

Let's Go!

Step media

Learn

Cloud Storage (Google Drive, OneDrive) saves your work to secure internet servers so you can access your files from any computer! When working on large projects over several weeks, use Version Numbers (e.g. 'Poster_v1', 'Poster_v2') so you can always go back to an earlier draft if needed.

Visual guide for Cloud Sync & Version Control
Curriculum Level:Level 1
๐Ÿ“
Level 1: Desktop Clean-Up & Folders

Your desktop is messy! Drag loose files from the right grid into the folders on the left.

๐Ÿ”
๐Ÿ“„Homework.docx
๐Ÿ–ผ๏ธPuppy.jpg
๐Ÿ“Story_Chapter1.txt
๐ŸŽตClass_Anthem.mp3
๐Ÿ–ผ๏ธField_Trip.png

Try it yourself

Cloud Save & Version Control Drill

๐ŸŒŸ Student Project GuideSuccess Criteria & WAGOLL (What A Good One Looks Like)โ–พ

๐ŸŽฏ Task Success Criteria (Rubric)

Foundation

Recognizes the cloud sync icon (cloud with checkmark).

Developing

Saves work into a cloud-synced folder (Google Drive or OneDrive).

Secure (Goal)

Uses version numbers in file names when making major edits (e.g. 'Project_v1.docx', 'Project_v2.docx').

Mastery

Restores an earlier version of a file using Version History in Google Drive / OneDrive.

๐Ÿ‘€ What A Good One Looks Like (WAGOLL)

๐Ÿ“
Save to Your Website Portfolio:

When you finish creating your project in your software, copy the share link or take a screenshot and publish it onto your student portfolio website!

โญSelf-Assessment: How confident do you feel with this skill?

Reflect

How do cloud backups and version numbers protect your important school projects?

Low
High

Learning check

Learning Check

Why is adding version numbers like '_v1' and '_v2' to filenames useful during big projects?

Choose the best option:

Answer correctly to complete this strand.

Outstanding! Version control protects your drafts so you never lose good ideas.Remember: Version numbers (_v1, _v2) save your progress across major edits.
Teacher setup, curriculum links and progress descriptors

Spark support

Routine: I used to think...

Achievement pathway

  • Foundation: Recognizes the cloud sync icon (cloud with checkmark).
  • Developing: Saves work into a cloud-synced folder (Google Drive or OneDrive).
  • Secure: Uses version numbers in file names when making major edits (e.g. 'Project_v1.docx', 'Project_v2.docx').
  • Mastering: Restores an earlier version of a file using Version History in Google Drive / OneDrive.

Curriculum links

Curriculum strand: Everyday Digital Skills

Outcome: FILE.03.B.1.2 โ€” Manage cloud storage syncing (Google Drive/OneDrive), version numbering (_v1, _v2), and backups.

PYP: Perspective ยท Cloud synchronization and version control protect digital assets against data loss.

Learner profile: Reflective

Competency tags

  • cloud-sync
  • google-drive
  • onedrive
  • version-control
  • backups
  • version-numbers

Gate support

Accessibility alternative:

Teacher override: allow

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