Choosing the Right Independent Work System for Your Classroom

In Episode 38 of Teach Task Box Inspire, Lisa discusses the importance of independent work systems (IWS) in special education classrooms. Sharing her journey transitioning from a self-contained classroom to a 5th-grade consultant teacher role, Lisa emphasizes the necessity of fostering independence in students with special needs.

This episode explores six types of Independent Work Systems: tiered shelf, 3-drawer bin, tabletop bin, folder, binder, and hybrid systems, providing detailed descriptions, benefits, and implementation tips for each. Lisa also announces a free one-hour training session and visual guide to help educators choose the best IWS for their classrooms.

Episode 38 is the perfect episode to get some ideas for the upcoming school year, whether you are a brand-new teacher or a ten-year veteran, everyone can take something away from this one!

Episode Highlights:

• Personal Transition: Lisa shares her experience moving from a self-contained setting to a 5th-grade consultant teacher role, highlighting the new challenges and opportunities.
• Importance of IWS: Emphasizing the need for independence, Lisa explains how independent work systems can transform special education classrooms and help students become more self-reliant.
• Types of IWS: Lisa discusses six types of independent work systems—tiered shelf, 3-drawer bin, tabletop bin, folder, binder, and hybrid systems—detailing their setup, benefits, and tips for implementation.
• Free Training Session: Lisa announces a free one-hour training session on IWS and provides a link in the show notes for registration, along with a visual guide to assist educators.

Resources Mentioned:

• IEP at a glance document (FREE)
• Teacher Binder
• Data Collection Sheets
• Student Accommodations Sheet (FREE)
• Para-brochure or paraprofessional manual
• Free training: 3 Simple and Powerful Ways to Cultivate Independence in Your Special Education Classroom

Connect with Me:

• Instagram: @chalkboard_superhero
• Join my Facebook group, Special Education Superheroes
• Join my email list
• Shop my TPT store
• Join the Teach, Taskbox, Inspire Membership

More About Teach, Task Box, Inspire: The Podcast:

Teach, Task Box, Inspire: The Podcast is your go-to educational podcast dedicated to making your job as a special education teacher easier and more enjoyable. Your host, Lisa Hollady, is a veteran special education teacher with a passion for helping teachers like you make a real difference in the lives of your students.

In your demanding roles, you’re constantly juggling various responsibilities, from differentiated instruction and Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) to data collection, and, of course, teaching. That’s where task boxes come in.

Task boxes aren’t just teaching tools. They’re the key to unlocking student independence, student engagement, and personalized learning. Through this podcast, you’ll uncover the incredible task box benefits for your special needs students and practical implementation tips that you can take to your classroom.

Tune in each Monday for a new episode that will equip you with essential strategies and motivation to approach your week with confidence and enthusiasm. Topics will include task box activities, social and emotional development, adaptive teaching, inclusive teaching, supporting diverse learners, classroom management, scheduling, visual aids, and more.

If you’re looking for more special education resources and support with increasing student independence, check out Lisa's FREE training.