Task Boxes vs Centers

Task Boxes vs Centers : What’s the Difference (and Which Should You Use?)

Okay, let’s have a chat. You’ve got your classroom set up, the year is rolling along (or maybe just getting started), and you’re staring at your planner thinking “I need independent activities that actually work… and that don’t drive me bananas.”

Cue the showdown: Task Boxes vs Centers.

If you’ve ever found yourself wondering which one is right for your special ed classroom (or if you should use both), grab a cup of coffee – or a lemonade if we’re being seasonally appropriate – and let’s break this down in my favorite way: casual, fun, and with zero fluff.

This blog post may contain affiliate links. This means that if you purchase an item through my affiliate link, I may receive a % of commission at no extra cost to you. This helps support me, my family and my blog to bring you great content for free!

First up… What Are Task Boxes?

Task boxes are my not-so-secret classroom secret sauce. Think of them like bite-sized, structured learning activities stored in small containers (hello, photo storage boxes!). Each one focuses on a specific skill – from matching shapes to counting to color sorting to literacy work – and they’re designed to be done independently or with minimal support.

They’re visual
They’re hands-on
They’re predictable (yes please!)
And most importantly, they work beautifully for autistic students, early learners, and anyone who thrives on routine and structure.

If you’ve ever had a student say “I did it!” with a huge grin after completing one, you know exactly why they’re magical.

PSST: Want a giant library of ready-to-use task boxes? You need to check out my Task Box Library Membership. It’s basically your dream binder of done-for-you activities… with over 650 task boxes at your fingertips.

So… What Are Centers?

Centers are learning stations, usually based around a theme or subject area. You might have a math center, a literacy center, a sensory center – you get the idea. Students rotate through them in small groups or individually.

Centers tend to involve more variety and usually require a bit more prep, set-up, and… dare I say it… chaos management.

They’re fantastic for mixed-group instruction, peer interaction, and flexible learning – but they can also go off the rails faster than a toddler with a glitter shaker if not planned just right.

Let’s Compare: Task Boxes vs Centers

Feature	Task Boxes	Centers
Prep Level	Low	Medium–High
Structure	Highly structured	Flexible
Group Size	1 (maybe 2)	Small groups
Independence	✅ Built for it	❌ Often needs support
IEP-Friendly	💯 Yes	Sometimes
Predictability	Consistent	Varies
Best For	Independent work, stations, morning tubs, early finishers	Group work, peer interaction, skill review

When I Use Task Boxes

Task boxes are my go-to for:

Morning work (I love calm, quiet starts)
Independent work systems
Early finishers (no more “I’m done! Now what?”)
Rotations while I run a direct instruction group
Supporting IEP goals in a hands-on way
Keeping paras equipped with meaningful 1:1 tasks
That glorious “I need 10 minutes to do something else” moment 😅

They’re especially ideal for students who need visual instructions, repetition, or step-by-step practice to truly master a skill. And yes, I store them in photo boxes with little labels and it makes my Type A teacher heart sing.

Want a free peek at what I mean? Grab my Polar Bear Task Boxes Freebie and see for yourself why these are pure gold.

When I Use Centers

Don’t get me wrong – I love centers too! I just use them differently.

I’ll plan center time when I want:

Students to work in pairs or small groups
A bit more variety or creative learning
To mix in games, sensory bins, or dramatic play
Themed learning days (like holidays or topic-based units)

But I’ll be honest: centers take more prep and classroom management skills. You’ve got to train students, organize the flow, and be okay with a little chaos. So I tend to use them in moderation and balance them with structured tasks.

Can You Use Both?

Heck yes! Most weeks, I blend task boxes and centers depending on our schedule and students’ needs.

Example:

Morning routine? Task boxes. Quiet, predictable, and easy to start independently.
Mid-morning rotations? A mix of task boxes and themed centers.
Afternoons? Task boxes for early finishers or focused 1:1 work.

Using both allows you to support all learners, keep things fresh, and avoid teacher burnout from trying to plan elaborate centers for every day of the week.

What If I Don’t Have Time to Make Task Boxes?

I hear you. You’re already juggling lesson planning, IEPs, and trying to remember your lunch in the staffroom fridge.

That’s why I created the Task Box Library Membership. It’s an online membership packed with hundreds of print-and-go task boxes for every subject, season, and skill area – and growing constantly!

Monthly additions
Seasonal themes
Life skills, fine motor, math, literacy, you name it
Easy-to-prep formats (because I’ve got your back)

Or, if you’re more of a “grab what I need today” kind of shopper, check out my Task Box section on TpT where you can find hundreds of individual resources ready for download.

Final Thoughts: Which Should You Choose?

If you’re teaching in special ed, autism, or PreK–1st classrooms, my honest advice?

Start with task boxes.
They’ll give you structure, simplicity, and so much flexibility. Once your students are familiar with independent work routines, then sprinkle in centers when you feel ready.

There’s no “one right way” – just what works for you and your amazing crew of learners.

If you want help getting started, grab the free polar bear task boxes, check out the Task Box Library, or stock up from my TpT shop.

And if you’re already a task box fan? Drop me a comment or DM with your fave ways to use them – I LOVE seeing them in action!

My Go-To Photo Storage Boxes

I store all of my task boxes in these amazing photo storage boxes. You can get them at Michael’s (often on sale!) or if you love the convenience of Amazon, I’ve linked them below for you too!

*These links are affiliate links. This means that if you purchase an item through my affiliate link, I may receive a % of commission at no extra cost to you! This helps support me, my family and my blog to bring you great content for free!

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