If you’ve had a conversation with me, then you’ve probably heard me rave about Asana. I love using it to keep track of my never-ending to-do list.

Asana is tool that you can use to quickly capture tasks, reminders, and ideas. I use it to keep track of all of my work and personal tasks.

I love Asana because it’s the perfect place for me to brain dump. I’m able to use the app to record all of my ideas/to-do list items and keep them out of my head!

How SLPs Can Use Asana

Here is how I used Asana to make my SLP life a little easier…

1. IEPs and Evaluations

I set up projects for my IEPs and Evaluations. You can choose between a list format or a board format for each project.

Either way, I typically include the IEP due date in the title. I’ll add the IEP meeting date as the due date once that is scheduled.

If you create a list, I would recommend creating a template that includes of the steps you need to complete (e.g., collecting parent/teacher input, collecting a language sample, completing a classroom observation, etc.). This makes it really easy to make sure you don’t miss any important steps!

If you create a board, you’ll move the cards to different columns as you complete tasks. They’re usually a little broader than the templated tasks in the list view, but it does make it easier to see how far along you are.

A board is a great option if you have a pretty set routine and are able to complete steps in a relatively predictable way. This doesn’t seem to work as well if you depend on team members quite a bit and/or if you aren’t always able to complete steps in a specific order.

You can also combine the two options. (That’s what I do!) Join me on my Facebook page for a live video tutorial on Wednesday, March 28th!

2. Repeating Tasks

I also use Asana as a daily hub. I set up repeating tasks that for things that I have to do every day, week, or month (e.g., billing Medicaid, wiping down tables, planning therapy, processing referrals, etc.). This keeps me on track! I also love not having to worry about it anymore. I just complete the tasks whenever Asana tells me to.

3. Projects

I’m also a big goal setter. I’ll put my big goals for the year in Asana and break them down into more manageable pieces. Check out this post for some goal inspiration!

4. Learning

Additionally, I use Asana to keep track of articles that I want to read or courses that I want to take. If I ever have some downtime, I can just open up that project and quickly find something to dive into!

You could also upload your PD certificates here for easy access!

“Fun” Features

This is an app that I use all the time, so I’ve come across a few tricks to make things a little more fun.

1. Color Coding

You can color code your tasks and projects!

I use a hanging file organizer with different colored folders, which makes it really easy to find the paperwork for a particular student. It also makes me Type A heart pretty happy! Check out this blog post for a closer look.

2. Add Fun Characters

I usually go to CopyPasteCharacter.com to find fun characters to add to your projects’ names. It makes it a little easier to visually scan the projects, and it makes things look like a little bit prettier.

3. Extra Delight

Under your “Profile Settings,” you can turn on the “Extra Delight” hack. It gives you random reinforcement when you complete tasks. 🙂

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4. Track Your Progress

Asana makes it super simple to see how many tasks you’ve completed and how many you have left!

via GIPHY

What tools do you use to manage your to do lists? Let us know you favorite tips and tricks by commenting below!

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Hi there! I'm Marisha. I am a school-based SLP who is all about working smarter, not harder. I created the SLP Now Membership and love sharing tips and tricks to help you save time so you can focus on what matters most--your students AND yourself.

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  1. Love, love, love! This spring has brought an unusually huge onslaught of re-evaluations. It took awhile to get Asana set up, but now that I’ve got it set, it has given me huge peace of mind that I am not going to forget details/deadlines. I’ve set each eval up as it’s own project, but I’ve also set up projects with names like MEETING DATES, DRAFT DUE, TESTING DATE and then I assign certain tasks under each kid’s eval project to those other projects. That way, when I’m trying to prioritize what to do next, I can look at those other projects and get the “big picture” of what is coming due for all my evals. Thank you for sharing.

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