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Simply Special Ed

Resource Downloads & Teaching Advice

Task Boxes Uncategorized

How to Set Up a Task Box Center

Task box center header image, showing a table in front of a bookshelf with plastic task boxes
Learn how to set up a task box center!

A task box center is an independent work system where students use a visual schedule to find and complete activities independently. By using task boxes in the classroom, students are able to practice skills while also developing their independence and self-management!

A blue bookshelf that has rows of clear plastic bins. Each bin has a real picture label on it.
My task boxes are labeled with real picture images and stored on a book shelf.

My Task Box Center Makeover

I wanted change things up because my old independent work system was not very efficient. I stored the activities on a cart, and each day I would place the assigned work into bins for the students. That took up a lot of time! Also, it did not help my students learn self-management. So, I knew I had to find a better way to implement task boxes in my classroom. By reading through posts like this one about Structured Work Systems, I was able to come up with a plan to implement my own task box center!

Image of a round table in front of a corner that has a bookshelf with task boxes on one side, and a window with a schedule handing on the other side.
My task box center with table, bookshelf, and schedules.

With a little rearranging, I was able to make a spot in my room to set up my new center. To start, I placed a bookshelf to store the task boxes, and then I added a work table. I can utilize the metal window panes to hang the students’ work schedules.

Real Picture Task Box Schedules

White cards with real photographs on them, including fruits, vegetables, and household items
Real picture task box labels

As an intermediate grades teacher, I love these Real Picture Cards! (For primary students, these cards would also be a great fit!) My students love the different pictures because they are recognizable. They also great for developing vocabulary because students can label and describe what they see!

I printed the cards in color, then laminated them with 5 millimeter laminate so they would be nice and sturdy. I made two sets – one for the boxes and one for the students’ work schedules.

Putting it All Together

After making the picture cards, I began to assemble the boxes. I first placed a Velcro dot (affiliate link) on the front of each box, then one on the back of each card. Remember: soft on the surface, hard on the card! Afterwards, I filled the boxes with tasks for my students to complete.

A clear plastic task box with colorful index cards that have sight words written on them, and wooden letter tiles. The card and tiles in focus spell the word "could."
An example task box: sight word cards with wooden letter tiles for spelling

What activities can go inside of task boxes? Anything! When I assign students their schedule, I like to give them a mix of fine motor, reading, math, and work tasks. Some examples of materials to use in task boxes are lacing cards, puzzles, matching activities, spelling and sight word reading tasks, and 1:1 correspondence tasks. There are a TON of great task box ideas on the blog!

Small white cards with black digits and their corresponding words, shown on a wooden table.
Matching activities, like this digit-word match, are great for task boxes!

How to Use the Task Box Center

Image of three clear plastic task boxes on a table. The boxes are labeled with pictures of blackberries, a green apple, and an orange circle. On the table in front is a schedule with matching pictures.
Task box schedules let students know what activities to complete.

First, the students find their schedule on the wall. The pictures tell them which boxes to choose from the shelf. Then, the student will bring the boxes to the table to complete their tasks. After that, they will return the boxes to the shelf. When they are done, they may take a break! A data sheet like this one can help you keep track of how students fare with completing the routine.

Setting up a task box center can seem like a daunting task for teachers. However, with just a  little prep, you can create a center that will foster student independence and support learning goals!

Picture of task box shelf
Blog signature - Sabrina

Related Posts:

  • <strong>How to run a Transitional Kindergarten Task Box Center</strong>
    How to run a Transitional Kindergarten Task Box Center
  • What is a Reward Center?
    What is a Reward Center?
  • 4 Ideas for a Calm Down Center
    4 Ideas for a Calm Down Center
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Comments

  1. Jen P. says

    July 26, 2023 at 6:27 am

    This is awesome! Thanks for sharing.

Hi amazing teachers!
I'm Alyssa Shanahan -- a former Elementary Special Ed & Life Skills teacher. My classroom focus was always to keep things simple, increase communication, and build independence. Simply Special Ed's goal is to help teachers and students reach their full potential in and out of the classroom!

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