Tech Tools for Task Analysis
How do we teach our children independence [1]? How do we define “independence”? Independence is usually defined differently by each parent based on their child’s abilities and stage of development. You probably would not expect a pre-school aged child to cook themselves breakfast, however it is possible that you might expect your older teenager or young adult to be able to make a simple meal.
So, with all of the expectations [2] that we have for our children, what can we do to prevent us from getting into the dreaded nagging mode… asking over and over for something to be done or having to remind our children of every little step of every routine? A lot of a child’s success can depend on their learning style [3] since children have different ways that they learn best. Some are visual- they need to see information in print or picture form to remember it. Others are more auditory- they memorize information that they hear (think of that kid that knows the word to every song after only hearing it a couple of times). Many children use both visual and auditory input to learn new information.
Using task-analysis (breaking down the task into small, manageable steps) can be a great way to support your child towards independence. You have likely used this strategy without realizing it. Each time we break down a task into steps we are performing a task-analysis. Putting these steps into a format that the child can view and complete at their own pace (either on paper or electronically using an app) can help build independence when learning new skills as well as to practice daily routines. This strategy can be used with all kinds of routines from hygiene [4] activities such as brushing teeth to school activities and job skills [5]. It is even used to remind children of the daily schedule– a visual schedule is actually a task analysis of what the day will look like. We, at BridgingApps [6], decided to take a look at some apps for task analysis, breaking down which ones might work best at various stages of development. Let’s transform that nagging into support by checking out some fun ways to engage your child towards being as independent as they can be.
Preschool/Early Elementary
Types of activities:
- Getting ready for school (brushing teeth, getting dressed, eating breakfast)
- Putting away school items after school (giving parent papers/ notes from teacher, emptying and putting away lunch box and ice packs, putting backpack and school shoes where they belong)
- Getting ready for after school activities (therapy appointments, sports, music or art classes)
- Making a simple after school snack
[7]Visual Working For
By AME Mobile Inc.
Price: $2.99
Read Full BridgingApps Review [9]
ChoiceWorks
By Bee Visual, LLC
[10]Choiceworks is an app for helping children complete daily routines and tasks, understanding and controlling feelings and to improve their patience. Designed for caregivers to provide clear and consistent support to foster a child’s independence, positive behavior, and emotional regulation at home and in the community.
Price: $19.99
Available for iOS [11]
Read Full BridgingApps Review [12]
[13]Brili Routines – Visual Timer
By Brili GmbH
Price: FREE
Available for: iOS [14]
Read Full BridgingApps Review [16]
Upper Elementary/Junior High Students
Types of activities:
- Getting ready for school (showering, eating breakfast [17], making sure you have homework)
- Putting away school items after school (giving parent papers/ notes from teacher, emptying and putting away lunch box and ice packs, putting backpack and school shoes where they belong)
- Completing homework and putting it in backpack
- Completing simple chores [18] around the house
[19]Visual Schedule Planner
By Good Karma Applications, Inc.
Price: $14.99
Available for: iOS [20]
Read Full BridgingApps Review [21]
[22]
Choiceworks Calendar
By Bee Visual, LLC
Price: $9.99
Available for: iOS [23]
Read Full BridgingApps Review [24]
High School/Adults
Types of activities:
- Getting ready for school or work (showering, eating breakfast)
- Completing homework and putting it in backpack
- Cooking a simple meal
- Riding public transportation
- Learning a new job skill or responsibility
[25]Task AnalysisLIFE
By Roy Pargas
Price: FREE
Available for: iOS [26]
Read Full BridgingApps Review [27]
[28]Sequencing Tasks: Life Skills
By Judy Lynn Software, Inc.
Price: FREE
Available for: iOS [29]
Read Full BridgingApps Review [30]
[31]MagnusCards
By Magnusmode LTD
Price FREE
Available for: iOS [32]
Read Full BridgingApps Review [34]
Cristen Reat is co-founder of BridgingApps and a mother who found success when using a mobile device with her children who have special needs. Amy Barry is the Content Manager and Editor at BridgingApps and mother of five children. Amy Fuchs is the Program Coordinator at BridgingApps and a former special education teacher.
Helpful Articles
- Back to School App Favorites [35]
- Back-To-School Tech Tips [36]
- 7 Apps for Students with Special Needs Back to School Success! [37]
- App Tools for Back to School Success [38]
- Back to School App Favorites [35]
- IEP Tools at Your Fingertips [39]
- School Tools for Success [40]
- Handy School Tools Parents Will Love [41]
- Tech Tools for family holiday cooking [42]
- Keep It Simple Apps For Organization [43]
Click here [44] for more apps
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- Back to school tip for non-verbal children: [54]
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- Real Moms Share: Why Lola Won’t Be Going to School This Year [57]
- Not Everybody Gets To Go Back To School…Ben’s Story [58]
This post originally appeared on our September/October 2019 Magazine [59]