Tutorial and Photos: Independent Work Task System
Oct 13
I realized recently that I have mentioned my work task system tons of times but haven’t gone into too much depth about how this works. So get ready to find out more than you’ve ever wanted to know. I kind of obsessed with it – only because it saves me tons of time and tons of space. Well who doesn’t like that? This system stores over 50 different academic, fine motor, and vocational work tasks and is used by my students who are both higher functioning and lower functioning. So, yeah. It rocks my world.
I know a lot of autism classrooms use the TEACCH 3 bin work task system – I used to but honestly it takes up too much room! And it takes forever to put in new tasks each day. I tried out a few different options – but this has worked the best for us. We have been using it for years! I still use one 3 bin work task for one of my students because I do love the structure it provides for my students who struggle to work independently.
So here is my video tutorial 
Here are some of my tasks included in the bins:
Check out my Work Task pinterest boards for more work task pictures!
The schedule and structure for this system are available on TpT if you think this is something that may work in your classroom! Check out and here is a product preview:
I love this! I am in the process of creating independent work tasks right now for during my center time stations. Your video had a ton of great, easy to create activities listed! I can’t wait to start making new work boxes!
We all must know we are in the right field when we get excited for work boxes! Haha! Glad you got some ideas
Once again, you amaze me! I love some of these ideas and am going to create and implement them ASAP! I especially love the lunch tray with food choices. Cool idea.
You have inspired me to start my own blog – something I’ve been meaning to do for years. If you have some time, check it out and let me know what you think.
http://awesomenessandautism.blogspot.com/
Love it Erin!! I love your spelling tasks in your latest post – smart idea! It’s always great getting other tasks ideas so I’ll be bookmarking your posts
ps: also love the letter from an autism teacher! Ditto to all of that!
Yay, yay, yay! Now I have two awesome people I am learning from! I am in Australia and have only been in special education for the past year despite teaching for twelve. I have gotten more from your blogs in the way of practical tips, ideas and activities than I have learnt from my appointed mentor this year. Thank you so much! My students are really benefitting from this. And please keep blogging away
Awww thanks Kelly! Your sweet comments made my day
So glad you are enjoying my blogging (sometimes rambling…). Have a great week!
Kelly,
This is awesome. Thanks so much for your kind words. Welcome to the field, it’s a great one to be in!!!
WOW! I love your blog. I am slowly getting into the blogging world and just discovered yours. I hope to start my own over the summer.
Your TEACCH tasks are great and so creative. I totally agree that their system is great, but you have to do what works for you in your room. I have a small room and only have one independent work center so I have to find different ways to make it work!
I have a few questions- do students do work centers each day? Do you give them the same work tasks for the week? I like your system of using the letters/numbers and having them match to a container, however how do you remember/know what you have already given them recently? One more question- do the students take the items out of the containers and set them up themselves or does an aide or teacher do this for them?
Thanks for all of your great ideas!
Thank you so much!! My kids do centers every day but we mix them up – I use this system to make sure to switch up: http://theautismhelper.com/making-life-easier-efficient-idea-time/ – it is a life saver!!
I’m just finishing my first year of teaching. I am a K-2 Autism teacher and I wish I saw this in August instead of May! I can’t wait to use these ideas next year!!! Great Help.