Class Kanban Board — Managing Group Work

Elementary children want to own their work together. The board makes invisible work visible. An overflowing Doing column is the control — too much in progress stalls progress. Indirect aim: executive function, accountability, the society of children organizing themselves.

• Framework: Montessori
• Unit: Practical Life
• Learning area: Practical Life — Elementary
• Level: Ages 6-8

Objectives

• Visualize work across To-Do, Doing, Done columns
• Move cards as work progresses
• Commit to only one Doing card at a time
• Close the loop by reviewing Done at class meeting

Materials

• Kanban board on the wall or a low table
• Task cards in three colors for the three columns
• Pen to add new cards
• Weekly review template

Instructions

1. Set up three columns: To-Do, Doing, Done. 2. Each child adds task cards with name and deadline. 3. When starting work, move the card to Doing. 4. Only one Doing card per child. 5. On completion, move to Done. 6. At class meeting, review the Done column. 7. Retire old cards to the archive box. 8. Reset for the new week.

Educator tip

Resist managing the board. When a child's Doing pile grows, ask: 'Which one will you close first?' — the question is the whole coaching move.

Assessment

Observe card-moving discipline, Doing-column self-control, and growing ability to finish before starting new work.

More from Practical Life

• Weekly Work Journal — Self-Directed Planning
• Bread Baking — From Wheat to Loaf
• Classroom Plant System — Watering and Rotation
• Emergency Preparedness — Fire Drill Plan
• Conflict Mediation — Being the Peace Holder
• Cataloging the Class Library — Dewey Introduction
• Maintenance Log — Classroom Tools and Materials
• Basic First Aid — Cuts, Burns, and Choking