In their simplest form, workboxes are designed as starting points for children who are still learning to work and who have few skills. However, workboxes can be created for a wide variety of tasks and with difficulty appropriate for a variety of developmental levels. The goal of any work activity is for the child to be as successful and as independent in the completion of the task as possible. Workboxes are typically an integral part of work systems , and as part of such a system can make work at home and school very purposeful and rewarding.
Workboxes derive their name from the fact that they are typically created from empty shoeboxes.
However, a work tast need not, necessarily, be based in a box. The philosophy behind what makes an effective workbox can be applied variety of tasks. Work tasks should constrain the activity. That is, all the necessary elements should be included in the within the task. Spreading needed materials around, even if only to the middle of a table, may present too many distractions for children who are just beginning to work.