Work Systems

Work Systems

• Great way to initiate success and independence in a student's educational program.   

• Use the work system consistently to develop a routine. 

• “Work first, then break”.  Then after a short timed break (3-5 minutes) return to “work first, then break”.  Do this for work period.  Reinforce this cycle with a visual.   

• Work tasks should be very brief and easy to complete. 

• Place clear-ended work tasks in the “Do” bin.  No more than 3 tasks. After completing each task, put the task in the “Done” bin.

Goals of Using a Work System are: 

• To develop and increase ability to initiate and work independently; and to reduce dependency on prompting from others.  

• To increase confidence and self-esteem through repetitive success in completing work tasks, and through working independently alongside peers.  

• To complete a sequence or series of tasks independently

• To reinforce learning of concepts and skills (e.g. academic, activities of daily living or vocational).   

Criteria for work systems are: 

• Short in duration: start with 3-5 minutes to complete the task and gradually increase the time as the student is successful.   

• At the student’s cognitive/ability level: the student must be familiar with the activity and must have the skills to complete it independently and easily.  

• Self-explanatory in how to do it and when it is finished:  The task should be visually structured with a clear ending.  Anxiety and confusion can be reduced (or eliminated) when a student can see the beginning and end of activities.   

• Contained in its very own basket/bag/box/folder:  Ensure there are no other materials that may confuse the task.  

See these websites for more ideas 

http://www.tasksgalore.com/ 

https://www.shoeboxtasks.com/ 

https://www.pinterest.ca/pssmith03/task-bins/

Examples of simple Work Systems in action!