Thank you for supporting Centering on Children, Inc. the adults with autism that we employ in our ShoeboxTasks® Vocational Workshop, and the educational goals of your special needs student. Enjoy browsing our SHOP of Tasks and related materials. Please note: all manipulatives are easy to handle and large enough to prevent swallowing.
International customers, please note: customers in Canada may place orders directly through our online shop and pay with a credit card or PayPal.
All other countries have varied shipping restrictions, therefore we ask that you complete our Estimate Request Form here, and we will contact you with an exact shipping amount and a link to pay via PayPal (you do not need your own PayPal account to complete payment). If you have questions or concerns, we're happy also to hear from you: information@shoeboxtasks.com.
Private pay customers in the continental United States, as well as International buyers in Canada may purchase through our shopping cart with a credit card or PayPal.
US schools/organizations wishing to submit a Purchase Order, please go to our Ordering tab to submit your order request.
SHOP - Full Kit Sets
Our BASIC CURRICULUM is sold as a complete set of Tasks 1-16. It also includes the Handbook ShoeboxTasks® - Activities Designed with Success in Mind.
The Basic Curriculum supports a progression of skills development and helps build the foundational skills necessary for use of ShoeboxTasks® 17-37 (Advanced Curriculum). All 200+ pieces are made of durable plastic or wood with a non-toxic, washable finish. Recycled materials are used whenever possible.
SIMPLE PUT-IN TASKS: Tasks 1, 3 and 4 encourage taking (1) manipulative at a time and moving it into a nearby container. Task 2 is for the student who is able to reach into a container containing many blocks successfully. Tasks 2, 3 and 4 have lid options requiring greater focus for success. Lids for Tasks 2 and 4 with the “X” slot require greater pressure and persistence to push the object through and into the container. Each Task is complete when the all manipulatives have been moved.
TASKS REQUIRING GREATER FINGER DEXTERITY AND HAND COORDINATION: Tasks 5 and 6 continue moving objects into openings where they disappear; however, how the student gets the object is different. Task 5 requires a squeezing and pulling motion while Task 6 involves pulling the beads off a moving pipe cleaner. The "finished" openings in the lid are smaller, requiring greater focus and hand control.
ONE-TO-ONE CORRESPONDENCE: Tasks 7 and 8 involve moving loose objects from a container on the left side of the lid and placing them in smaller openings to the right. Some students will do this in a very methodical way, which is okay. These Tasks require greater focus to see which of the smaller openings are still empty.
PULL APART & PUT-IN TASKS: Tasks 9, 10 and 11 require (2) steps to complete. First separating (2) objects and then placing them in designated openings in the lid. Tasks 9 and 10 have (1) opening. Task 11 is a “self-correcting activity”--the card only fits in the slot and the clothespin only fits in the round opening. Also called a “forced sort,” Task 11 is the precursor to sorting (2) objects.
STACKING TASKS: Tasks 12, 13 and 14 involve stacking objects. Task 12 requires applying hand pressure to lock the megabloks together (the teacher sets up the “starter blocks”). Greater use of a hand clasp is needed when stacking the cups in Task 13. Task 14 requires the greatest focus and hand control when placing the beads on the dowel.
SORTING TASKS: Tasks 15 and 16 develop sorting skills in very different ways. Task 16 sorts (2) objects with the potential to sort up to (4) objects. If the student can easily sort (2) objects, add a third and then a fourth, letting success dictate these changes. Task 15 may be used to sort and stack pegs of up to (3) different colors. Doing a two-color sort and stack may be appropriate for some students while others may be successful just stacking a variety of pegs.
The Assess for Success Kit draws on the visual strengths and the need for routine of the autistic child. Included in the Kit are (6) ShoeboxTasks® designed as one-unit activities with clear visual cues to promote completion and independence. As all ShoeboxTasks use a left-to-right workflow, this grouping was selected to be used at a work table, with a teacher or therapist to encourage organization and routine. Tasks are presented with minimal guidance to foster independence, and a favorite, what’s next? activity can help keep a child motivated. The favorite Task included is Red Buttons in Water which has proven to be particularly engaging for reluctant learners. During these one-on-one assessments, observe the child’s interest; manipulation skills; attention span, all with the intention of expanding independent learning into future activities. A collaborative relationship between parents and teachers is a way to incorporate the child’s interests in an effective, individualized learning progression.
Our ADVANCED CURRICULUM is sold as a complete set of Tasks 17-37. It supports a continued progression of skills development and helps build on the foundational skills from the use of ShoeboxTasks® 1-16. The Advanced Curriculum is comprised of the Fine Motor Skills, Motivational, Pre-Academic and Pre-Vocational Kits. All pieces are made of durable plastic or wood with a non-toxic, washable finish. Recycled materials are used whenever possible.
