TEACCH Zoo – File Folder Tasks for Special Education

TEACCH Zoo – File Folder Tasks for Special Education

This resource includes 28 structured file folder tasks based on the TEACCH approach.
It is designed for students who benefit from clear structure, visual support, and predictable routines.

The material uses a zoo theme with animals to support learning in a calm and structured way.
All tasks are low-verbal and focus on independent work.
Students work with matching, sorting, and assigning tasks using Velcro cards.

A special feature of this resource is that all 28 tasks use the same set of cards.
This reduces preparation time and helps keep materials organized.

Who this resource is for

• Students in special education

• Students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD)

• Nonverbal or minimally verbal learners

• Preschool and early elementary students

• Students working in structured work systems

What is included

• 28 structured file folder tasks (A4 format)

• One reusable set of Velcro cards

• Folder cover pages for organization

• Card storage templates

• Optional distractor cards for differentiation

• A teacher guide with setup instructions and usage ideas

Skills addressed

The tasks are grouped into 7 learning areas:

1. Work routine
   Step-by-step task completion and independent work

2. Visual perception
   Matching identical images, mirror images, shadows, drawings, and details

3. Image recognition
   Matching real photos and illustrations
   Understanding simple picture meaning

4. Language skills
   Initial sounds
   Syllables
   Word to picture matching
   Simple sentence understanding

5. Auditory perception
   Listening to words or sentences and matching images
   Optional use with recordable talking pens or AAC tools

6. Pre-math skills
   Quantities up to 3
   Patterns
   Size comparison
   Spatial direction

7. Categorization
   Sorting zoo animals by habitat, movement, food, or preferences

How to use

Print and laminate the task pages and cards.
Add Velcro dots.
Place the pages in a folder or binder.

The tasks can be used in:

• Independent work stations

• One-to-one instruction

• Structured classroom routines

• Therapy or support sessions

Learning goals

• Support independent work

• Strengthen visual perception

• Practice early language and pre-academic skills

• Provide clear structure and predictability

This resource is intended as a practical tool for structured learning environments.