Do you feel like you're constantly repeating the same directions to your child or student over and over and over?

"Did you remember to flush the toilet?"

"Did you rinse your toothbrush?"

"Did you put your homework folder in the basket?"

It's exhausting, isn't it?!

What if I told you that you could do a little extra work now and then save yourself from having to repeat those instructions constantly? Interested? Of course you are!

I'm talking about using a task analysis. Cooper, Heron, & Heward (2007) define a task anaysis as "breaking a complex skill into smaller, teachable units, the product of which is a series of sequentially ordered steps or tasks." This evidence-based tool can be used for countless activities and skills- from shoe tying to grocery shopping. They can include visuals, only words, or checklists.

When it comes to implementation of the task analysis, you have some options. You can teach the steps in order one at a time, all at once, or you can teach them backwards. For example, if you are working on washing hands, you may assist the child in completing all of the steps and then have them complete the last step of throwing the paper towel away independently. Once they master that step, you would have them independently complete the last two steps, etc. As always, be sure to use positive reinforcement to ensure that those favored behaviors will increase in the future!

Head over to my TPT shop to pick up my FREE toileting task analysis and stay tuned for more coming soon!