Structured work systems, also called independent work systems, are perfect for students in a self-contained classroom. These systems are visual systems that are strategically set up so students can work independently.
Some type of structured work system is a MUST HAVE in my ASD classroom.
Task Box Center
This is the structured work center I use everyday in my classroom this school year. This works well for my students who are TK-1st grades.
Students each have a schedule (color coded to their color) with icons. The icons tell the students which task boxes they will be doing for the day and in which order. Students take off the icon, match it to the correct box, and work on the box at the table. When they have completed their task box, they place it in the all done box then check their schedule for their next box. Once the students have finished all of their boxes, they get a reward.
I love how versatile this center can be. Some students have more icons than others and that is because they are able to tolerate more work or they work faster than others.
You can read more about this type of structured work system in this blog post. You can download the task box center labels here.
Three Drawer Work Bin
This structured work system utilizes a three drawer bin with 1, 2, and 3 labels. Students remove the number label, open the drawer, and do the work that is inside of the drawer. In my classroom, drawer number one is file folder activities, drawer number two is writing or tracing, and drawer number three is a task box. Once students complete the three tasks, they receive their reward.
I love this type of structured work system for my ASD classroom! You can read more about my setup for this system and get the free labels here.
Binders
Binder work is a great structured work system for students who may have grown out of the task box or three drawer work systems. Or, maybe you’d just like to incorporate more independent work in your classroom – totally okay and a great way to do so!
One structured work system resource that utilizes a binder is this Hello Binder. I love this resource because you can differentiate for different levels. Some students may need matching options while others can write in their answers. With the Hello Binder, there are so many possibilities that your students can have independent success with!
This post tells you more about the Hello Binder. You can download the Hello Binder and start customizing for your students here.
Why Structured Work Systems?
Structured work systems, when executed correctly, free up your staff members. They also allow students to show off their mastered skills – as structured work systems should always be materials that the students know. Additionally, these systems allow our students, who can become quite prompt/adult dependent to work independently for some time throughout the day – which is a necessary skill for our students to have. Finally, structured work systems allow for continued practice of mastered skills to ensure the student retains the information they have learned previously. So amazing!
Do you have any types of structured work systems in your classroom or do you have questions about structured work systems? Please let me know in the comments!
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