Okay, what even ARE errorless tasks? These types of work tasks have no wrong answer, meaning they are truly errorless. Students put items into a bin, move pictures onto a scene, or use cues and prompts to seamlessly complete the task. I love using errorless tasks with students, whether they are in a life skills class or a resource group. While it is pretty typical to think that errorless tasks are for student with intellectual disabilities exclusively, I am here to bust that myth! Here are 5 uses for errorless tasks in ANY classroom.
1.) They teach learning to learn and task initiation behaviors.
I tend to use errorless tasks in the form of file folders, although there are SO many formats for errorless learning activities. Using these helps students learn the basic concepts of learning. Errorless tasks are perfect for introducing a structured work area, a TEACCH system, or task boxes. Since they are simple and don’t require a big cognitive demand, they can also be really helpful for getting a baseline on task initiation. What I love about these tasks is how incredibly flexible they are. Have a student who loves pizza? Make an errorless task with pizza pictures! Loves Paw Patrol? Perfect – print out some clip art and get creating. These simple accommodations and incorporation of special interests can be a game changer.
2.) They can be a great way to teach how to complete a new type of task.
Maybe you’re introducing put-in tasks or file folders. Make them errorless to start! Teaching a new type of work task can be super overwhelming for many students. Making it a more gradual and simple transition by starting with errorless tasks can release some of the stress.
3.) They are perfect for independent work.
Every teacher wishes they had another set of hands. Not only is independent work an essential life skill, but it’s a real necessity in under staffed classrooms. You may have students in your classroom who aren’t quite ready for independent work yet. Adding errorless tasks into the rotation can make independent work a bit more accessible for some students.
4.) Errorless tasks are helpful for regulating.
If a child is dysregulated, it’s virtually impossible for them to continue completing work. Allowing them to calm their brains and bodies in a calm corner is an ideal way to help them regain control to be ready to work again. Before they just head directly back in to academics, try and errorless task. This helps students begin to follow directives, get a quick win, and feel successful before jumping back into classroom expectations.
5.) They make great transition tasks.
Much like a regulating tasks, these tasks are great for transitioning. I don’t even have to ask, I already know you’ve had at least a handful of students over the years who have struggled with transitions. It can be incredibly challenging for some students, and of course, they’re impossible to avoid. Giving students an errorless task that includes a preferred topic can be SUPER motivating and gives them a quick win before moving to the next task.
Have you tried errorless learning tasks yet? I have a bundle of errorless file folders that only include real photos. This makes these file folders perfect across the age span. Now that I’ve got your wheels turning about the possibilities with errorless tasks, I hope you’re going to jump on the bandwagon!
