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So, we know that independent work systems or structured work systems (SWS) are good for our students to learn independence.  And we know that they are helpful for managing the classroom and instruction of all the students as well.  

Have you ever thought about how independent work systems are useful at home?  Once a student learns how to use the system effectively and independently, there are so many things we can do with it to expand that independence.  Today I’m going to focus on how we can use structured work systems at home.

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Benefits of Independent Work Systems at Home

1. WORK SYSTEMS FOR ROUTINES

When students are able to complete a work system independently in the classroom, families can start using them for common routines at home. So for instance, families can set a system up with a schedule with a bin of a toothbrush and toothpaste, a bin with wash cloth for washing his face, and pajamas to get ready for bed.  If the individual can do all of these tasks independently, he can complete the routine using the system just as he would at school.

2. Work Systems for Leisure Activities

Many of our students struggle with keeping themselves engaged in leisure activities independently.  This means that the time that parents most need their children to engage independently, like while they are getting dinner ready, their children have few activities to engage with independently.  You can use a SWS by setting up baskets and a schedule for 2 or 3 leisure activities the student has mastered.  

For instance, the system could include an interactive book to read, a coloring page, and a puzzle to complete.  All the tasks would have clear beginnings and ends to keep the child engaged until the task is completed.

3. WORK SYSTEMS FOR HOMEWORK

And finally, one of the easiest transitions for work systems to be used at home are for homework.  Some of our students use independent work systems in the general education classroom.  And so, they bring homework home to do.  And sometimes our students in special ed. have homework as well. 

But, for most of our students, organizing themselves to complete their homework can be a tough executive functioning skill for them.  Work systems to the rescue.

A system can be set up as a notebook with the work in a pocket of each folder, like the example below.  A reinforcer could be at the end of the schedule or behind the last task.  Then the students can practice school skills at home but do it independently with the system.