So I have this secret fear. I am totally and unnecessarily freaked out about going to… Home Depot. I know, it’s completely bizarre and I’m even a little embarrassed to be admitting this here. I don’t know why. I feel totally out of my comfort zone – I feel like I should be driving a pick up truck and picking out lumber. I can never find what I’m looking for and always end up lost in the aisles of plumbing equipment. It’s irrational, I know. I’m working on it.
So why I’m admitting this to you all – I had to overcome my home depot fears to make these awesome work tasks. I put on my big girl pants and asked people questions and looked like an idiot and you know what? It really wasn’t that bad. And look at the great out come. You can make SO MANY work tasks using hardware and cheap too!
These tasks work on sorting, fine motor skills, sequencing, and assembly. I love tasks like this for upper grades and high school because they don’t look baby-ish. This type of work is similar to what many adult workshops do. Even though it may seem early to start thinking about this – we need to! It can take out students longer to learn these skills so may as well get started. The more skills they have – they more opportunities they will have towards functional independence.
Disclaimer: Some of these tasks are long and boring. I’m okay with that. Many jobs have aspects that are monotonous. I want to get my students (even the higher functioning ones) used to working for longer periods of time and on a more rote task. As an adult, they will be asked to roll 300 sets of silverware not 3 – so we need to start building towards that!
Putting together nuts, washers, and bolts (big size)
Putting together nuts, washers, and bolts (small size)
Sorting nails and other small hardware. I just bought one of these sets, hot glued one of each into each section, and put the rest of the pieces in a tupperware. Ready to go! (this would be for higher functioning students since some nails could be sharp and potentially not safe for some students)
Same thing! Sorting hardware using the container as the sorter. Glue one of each into each section.
This task is HARD! Put the bolt through the hole (only certain ones fit in each) and twist the nut on the other side. Awesome way to target complicated fine motor coordination!
Another hard task! I bought a ton of different sized bolts, washers, and hooks. I got this sorting tray from another task but you could use small tupperwares or ice cube trays and glue one of each into each section!
Don’t forget to stock up at my Fall Sale this weekend only! It’s over at midnight tonight. Everything in my store is on sale! 
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9 Responses
What a great, inexpensive idea!
I always feel like I have a huge “I need help, I don’t come here often” sign on my head when I walk in there. 🙂 Great activities! I’m an SLP grad student, and the ASD population is, by far, the most challenging…and my favorite. I just stumbled onto your blog and am your newest follower!
Thanks for sharing!
Let’s Talk Speech Therapy
Rachel
Great tasks! I have some similar ones in my classroom, and my older students definitely enjoy working with “real tools” 🙂
Did you buy the wooden stand with holes for your nuts and bolts task, or make it? I would love to have something like that!
Kara
Spedventures
Hi Kara! I think I got it from Nasco but I couldn’t find it on their site. I’ll look around and see if I find something similar and let you know!
Thanks Rachel! Glad to hear I’m not the only one who feels lost!
Um…you are kind of amazing yourself!!!! 🙂
Thanks Reagan 🙂 I was just telling someone about your visual lesson plans – ugh super impressed!
Sasha,
You are amazing woman!!!!! I have been teaching special education for 29 years in Southern California and have never seen such a talented teacher for students with ASD! Thank you for sharing your expertise!
Catherine! Your kind words made my day! Thank you so much, that is seriously SO nice to hear. Thanks for reading 🙂