Task+Board+Cards

Task board cards can consist of any picture that is relevant to the individual. The purpose of a task board is to let children with additional needs, or for that matter, any child, the chance to visually see and choose what they will do.

A task board is usually set up as a routine or schedule to keep a child on task and prepare for what is going to happen next. Preparing a child can make the flow of the day simpler for them and allow them to stop and think about what is expected to happen next.

Task boards can be created alongside the child in collaboration with the child’s parents, family and teacher. This ensures that all pictures are available for the child to choose.

Task boards are also particularly beneficial for children or people who cannot communicate orally. They can use the task board as a means of making other people aware of their needs and wants.

A task board can be made out of velcro, felt, or basically any material that task cards can be stuck to. The cards can even be laminated and blue tacked to a wall surface. Having the task board in the same place everyday provides the child with consistency and allows smooth running of the day, as they know what to do and what to expect.

For a child who responds well to task boards it is a great idea to create for them a portable task board. This can be created in a book formation using sticky Velcro dots.

I have seen and worked with children at an Early Learning Center in Watson who use task boards. It showed me how these cards benefit children with additional needs, especially children with behavioral problems. It kept them on task, they remained focused and proved to be an easier daily schedule for them. Task board cards are available for download on the sparklebox website.

Sparkle Box. (n.d.). Retrieved July 2011, from Task Cards: http://www.sparklebox.co.uk/australia/new.html