This month we are talking about foundational skills and this topic would’t be complete without talking about Put-In Tasks. A Put-In Task is a work task where (you guessed it!) the student is putting something in. There is no sorting, no matching, no assembling, no sequencing. It’s one basic fine motor movement. Pick up items and put them somewhere. This basic fine motor task is essential to teach our younger and foundational level learners how to work independently, how to increase work endurance, and attending. These tasks are very concert – there is a clear start and ending point. You can increase the length and difficulty by using smaller and more items. You can work on generalization by making a lot of different versions of these tasks.
Pro Tip!
You can make so many variations of these tasks using recycled items. Do a “work task” drive in your school and send out an email or post a sign in the office asking for extra containers. The best ones are coffee creamer, spices, toddler snack (puffs), clorox wipes, baby wipes, etc.
I did a call out for some put-in tasks and got the best responses! Check out all of the amazing ideas that were sent in:
Amazing ideas, right!? These are cheap to make and extremely effective and useful! Also check out Gabrielle’s post on Teaching Special Thinkers. She has a ton of great ideas too!
Latest posts by Sasha Long, M.A., BCBA (see all)
- Planning for the Fall: Part 4 and 5 – Visually Structured Tasks and Routines - January 30, 2026
- Using TAH Curriculum for Homeschooling from a Homeschooling Parent - September 10, 2022
- Using The Autism Helper Curriculum for Homeschool - August 8, 2022
12 Responses
These are great ideas! Thanks for sharing. What would the next step be after a student has mastered this?
Can’t thank you enough for these ideas.
Sorting, assembly tasks, one to one correspondence fine motor tasks! 🙂
Thank you for the ideas. I have started using your task boxes and file folders and adapted books for independent work. I have 1 student that requires so much 1:1 guidance to remain in an area doing anything. I’ve been struggling for independent work for him, and these are a great way to start him out. He has the fine motor skills to do these and I can build up his independence stamina.
So happy to hear that Jen! Thanks for reading 🙂
I love the ideas
Thank you for reading 🙂
Love these ideas! Where did you get those colored wooden pegs? The ones that look like cut up rhythm sticks. Thank you!
That was a premade task from Shoebox Tasks!
I would target another one step direction; take off, put on, give me, etc. you could also do prepositions or positional words.
I use one bin to target all these tasks. add Velcro to the outside of a plastic bin. Use visual supports as needed!
Say! I’ve made several of your ideas! Thank you! I’ve used a solder tool from my hubby’s garage but it’s messy to cut holes. What did you use to punch so cleanly through plastics? I’ve used dollar store plastics mostly! Thanks!
I usually use a small exacto knife!