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Simply Special Ed

Resource Downloads & Teaching Advice

Academics Classroom Setup Fine Motor Freebies Life Skills Task Boxes Uncategorized Visuals

How to Use the 3 Drawer Work System

How to Use the 3 Drawer Work System. Photo of the work system

Let’s talk about how to use the 3 drawer work system!

I am so excited to talk about this topic as it is one of my favorite centers to incorporate into my special education classroom! This center is good for all tyes of classrooms and can be differentiated for various levels of learners. We use this as an independent center in my classroom, but you can use it in any way that suits your students’ needs best.

I want to start by disclosing that I teach K-2nd grades in an autism program. (you can see my virtual classroom here). This system works wonderfully for my in person students.

Start With Visuals

Example of 3 Drawer Work System Visuals
I choose to color code my work system like a traffic light. This is just my personal preference.

The first step to using the 3 drawer work system in your classroom is to get your visuals ready. You can start by downloading the Simply Special Ed 3 Drawer Workbox System completely free!

This is the exact 3 drawer work system that I use in my classroom. As a result of this system, my students are able to have so many independent successes! To begin, print and laminate enough system visuals to go on each student’s work bin. Next, use tape to secure the visuals to the work bins and velcro to attach the removable pieces.

Materials to Use

File folders and task box materials for 3 drawer work system
Here is how I store all of my 3 drawer work system materials. I use two file cabinets and two bookshelves. My bookshelves are covered by cloth to deter students from accessing.

First, you will need to stock up on activities. Take the time to print, laminate, velcro, tape, glue, etc. enough materials to get you started.

My favorite materials to use for the 3 drawer work system are file folder activities, writing/tracing activities and task box activities. You can use a variety of different activities for your population of students!

Next, you will need 3 drawer bins. In my classroom, I have one bin for each student. (here’s a set of 2 from amazon (affiliate link))

Finally, you need a box for students to place materials in when they are finished. We call this the “all done box” and my class uses a laundry basket for this. The “all done box” should go to the right of the center or in an easily accessible area.

Drawer 1: File Folder Activities

Drawer 1: File Folders
We always put file folder activities in drawer one.

In the first drawer of the 3 drawer work system, we give students file folder activities. File folder activities are a great way for students to practice independence. (You can find File Folders from SSE here)

You should pair students’ 3 drawer work systems with academics they have already mastered but, if your students are not able to match, sort, etc., you can use errorless learning file folder activities for drawer number one. Errorless learning is a great way to foster independent as well as incorporate fun, visual activities into the center.

Learn more about Errorless learning in this blog post.

Importantly, if you are just beginning to implement the 3 drawer work system in your classroom, consider using errorless learning to teach the initial independent skills and later build up to academics.

Example of errorless learning file folder.  Treasure chest with jewels and coins to stick on.
Here is an example of an errorless learning file folder activity. Students velcro coins and jewels onto the treasure chest. This one is from Teaching Special Thinkers.

Drawer 2: Writing/Tracing Activities

Drawer 2:  Writing or Tracing examples
We always put writing/tracing/or coloring activities in drawer two.

A second practical way for students to practice independence with the 3 drawer work system is with writing activities. My students typically are working on tracing their name, alphabet, shapes, or lines.

If you have students who are not independent with any writing or tracing activities consider using coloring sheets or another appropriate fine motor activity that can be done independently.

Additionally, to save on paper materials, we laminate papers and give dry erase crayons to the students. If you have never heard of dry erase crayons, check them out! Dry erase crayons give better tactile feedback when writing and students can’t draw on themselves with them (if you know, you know)!

Simply Special Ed’s tracing binder and tracing books are great resources ideas for this drawer.

Drawer 3: Task Boxes

Drawer three: Task Box
Here is an example of an academic task box. We always put task boxes or fine motor tasks in drawer three. Task boxes in picture are from Especially education.

The final activity we use to promote independence with the 3 drawer work system in my classroom is task boxes. Task boxes are a great way to work on fine motor in a fun and engaging way! (read about setting up task boxes in this blog post)

If your students are ready for them, you can use purchased task boxes that fit into a photo storage container. (affiliate link)

For access to free matching and sorting task boxes, join the Simply Free Library here (over 70 free downloads perfect for task boxes).

If your students need more errorless learning tasks, you can easily make your own task boxes with materials you already have:

Errorless put in task for drawer 3
This is an errorless put in task made with a coffee creamer bottle and mini craft sticks from the dollar store.
Errorless put in task for drawer 3
This is an errorless put in task that uses an old Valentine’s Day candy box. I hot glued a baby food container to the side and printed & laminated images of candy. I then cut a hole in the box using an Xacto knife set (affiliate link).

These are some examples of errorless task boxes I like to make. I tend to hold on to old plastic containers such as: coffee creamer bottles, shoe boxes, sour cream tubs, baby food containers etc. I then buy popsicle sticks, pom pom balls, paper clips, etc and make them in to put in tasks. The possibilities are endless, and fun!

apples put in task box
Alyssa shares lots of simple task box ideas in this blog post.

If you need some inspiration for making your own task boxes, click here.

Reinforcement is a Must!

Reinforcement Choice Board with Visuals
Here is an example of a choice board with removable icons. This is from The Autism Helper.

The next step to implementing a successful 3 drawer work system in the classroom is to make sure reinforcement is available to students.

My students are more likely to work at their 3 drawer work system when they know they are working towards a desired item or activity. In my classroom, we present the students with a choice board when doing their work, the students choose what they want to work for and then place the icon on their 3 drawer work system visual after the “1 2 3 =” sign. Once the students finish all three of their work task drawers, they receive their reinforcement of choice.

Let’s Do This!

I can’t wait to hear all about how you are using or setting up the 3 drawer work system in your classroom!

Download your free visuals by signing up here.

If you need help setting up the 3 drawer work system in your classroom, please feel free to leave a comment on this post or reach out to me in our Facebook Community Group!

3 Drawer Work System Pin

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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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