Context
A long to-do list can be overwhelming. Where do you even begin? This lesson introduces students to the Kanban method, a simple yet powerful visual system used by companies like Toyota and Trello to manage projects and workflow. By using an app they already have—Reminders—students will learn to see their work, not as an endless list, but as a manageable flow.
This is a hands-on lesson in project management and focus. Students will transform the Reminders app by creating three simple lists: "To Do," "Doing," and "Done." This structure encourages them to focus on only a few tasks at a time, reducing overwhelm and building momentum. The satisfaction of moving a task from "Doing" to "Done" provides a tangible sense of accomplishment that motivates them to keep going.
Preparation and Flow
For this lesson, students will need an iPad with the Reminders app.
The Problem of the Endless List (5 mins)
Start with a discussion: "Have you ever made a to-do list so long that you felt tired just looking at it? How do you decide what to work on first?"
Introduce Kanban as a visual system that helps you focus on what's happening now.
Understanding Kanban Flow (10 mins)
Project your screen and explain the three essential columns:
To Do: This is your backlog. Every single task for a project starts here.
Doing: This is your active work. The crucial rule is to limit this column to only 1-3 tasks at a time. This is the key to focus.
Done: This is your accomplishment list. Moving items here provides motivation.
Show a simple visual example of a board with cards moving across the columns.
Building Your Board in Reminders (15 mins)
Guide students through setting up their board in the Reminders app:
Create Lists: Show them how to create three new, separate lists titled "To Do," "Doing," and "Done."
Group Lists (Optional but recommended): Show them how to create a "Group" to hold their three lists together, creating a dedicated project board.
The Project Planning Challenge (15 mins)
Assign a simple, multi-step project, such as "Plan a Class Celebration" or "Create a Study Guide for an Upcoming Test."
The workflow:
Students must break the project down into 5-7 smaller tasks.
They add all these tasks as items in their "To Do" list.
They then move a maximum of two tasks from "To Do" to "Doing."
After they "complete" a task in their mind, they drag it from "Doing" to the "Done" list.
Reflect on the Flow (5 mins)
Lead a discussion: "How did it feel to move a task to the 'Done' column?" "Did limiting your 'Doing' list make it easier to focus?"
By mastering this technique, students will gain a lifelong skill for breaking down large projects, managing their time, and making consistent, visible progress on their goals.
Possible Extension
The "Waiting" Column: Introduce the idea of a fourth column called "Waiting" or "Blocked" for tasks that are paused because they depend on something or someone else.
From the LearnGrowCreate Team
Main author: Sharon
Attach up to 5 files which will be available for other members to download.