Adding Steps to Microsoft To-Do

Microsoft To-Do is a tool available to any staff in LCPS that invites users to create To Do Lists. Tasks in Microsoft To Do can be broken down into smaller, more actionable pieces called Steps. Users can create iterative steps for each task helping them know specific actions to take to complete a task. The Add steps, importance, notes, tags, and categories to your tasks website provides support for how to get started.

This image shows a digital task list for the project "Turn in the Solar System Diorama." The list includes the main task at the top with a star icon to the right, likely for marking importance. Below are ten subtasks, each with a circle to mark completion and an "x" to the right, likely for marking tasks as done.The subtasks are: Research: Read project instructions: Review the requirements and rubric. Research planets: Find key facts about size, color, and order. Sketch the layout: Plan the design and placement of planets. List materials: Write down needed supplies like foam balls and paint. Gather materials: Collect or purchase everything on the list. Paint planets: Match colors to each planet. Assemble diorama: Arrange and glue planets in the box. Add details: Label planets and add creative touches like stars or moons. Review project: Check against the rubric for accuracy and completeness. Submit: Turn in the finished diorama on time. At the bottom is a plus sign (+) with the label "Next step," suggesting the ability to add more subtasks.

Sample Task with Steps in Microsoft To Do

Adding Tags to a Task in Microsoft To Do

Microsoft To-Do is a tool available to any staff in LCPS that invites users to create To Do Lists. Tasks can be organized across different lists by adding hashtags (like #science or #theater) to the task name. Tags can be added when creating or editing a task. A user can review all the tasks, notes, and steps that share a tag by selecting that tag or searching for it in the search bar. The Add steps, importance, notes, tags, and categories to your tasks website provides support and an example for how to create tags.

This image shows a digital task management system with a list of tasks organized by different categories.At the top, there are tabs for "My Day," "List," "Sort," "Group," and "Suggestions." The current view is "My Day" and displays the date as Thursday, January 24th. There's an option to "Add a task" on the left. The main section shows a list of tasks with columns for "Title," "Due Date," and "Importance." Each task has a circle next to it, likely for marking it as complete. Importance is represented by star icons, with more stars indicating higher importance. The listed tasks include: Email Ms. Jones about extra credit opportunities. (High importance, tagged #SchoolTasks #Communication) Update group presentation slides. (Medium importance) Finish algebra homework. (Medium importance, tagged #Math #Homework) Submit college application. (Medium importance, tagged #College #Deadline) Practice guitar. (Medium importance, tagged #Music #Extracurricular) Charge laptop. (Medium importance, tagged #Tech #Prep) Pack gym bag. (Medium importance, tagged #PE #Sports) Draft essay for English. (Medium importance, tagged #English #Writing) On the right side of the image, there's a panel with options to add details to a task, such as: Add step Added to My Day Remind me Add due date Repeat Pick a category Add file Add note This interface allows users to create, organize, and manage their tasks efficiently.

Organize Tasks By Adding Hashtags

Adding a Note to a Task in Microsoft To Do

Microsoft To-Do is a tool available to any staff in LCPS that invites users to create To Do Lists. If a user has any extra information they’d like to add to a specific task, they can add a note to the bottom. Select the task to open detail view and tap or click within the note to select it. Once selected, a user can enter any extra information to help accomplish the task. The Add steps, importance, notes, tags, and categories to your tasks website provides support for how to add notes to a task.

A screenshot of a task in a task management application. The task is titled "Write English paragraph: Finish the rough draft of my personal narrative." A star icon is next to the task title. Below the task title are several icons with accompanying text labels:+ Add step: A plus sign icon. Added to My Day: A sun icon. Remind me: A bell icon. Add due date: A calendar icon. Repeat: A curved arrow icon. Pick a category: A folder icon. Add file: A paperclip icon. Below the icons, there is additional text: Teacher said I could use LucidChart, Canva, Google Docs, Word, or anything else I want to create the draft. Remember to listen to the rough draft using Read&Write for Google Chrome. The text "Updated a few seconds ago" is displayed at the bottom.

A Sample of a Note Added to a Specific Task in Microsoft To Do

Prioritizing Tasks by Adding Importance in Microsoft To-Do

Microsoft To-Do is a tool available to any staff in LCPS that invites users to create To Do Lists. Some tasks added to a list may be more important or timely than others. Users can add priority to individual tasks in a list by starring which are deemed important. Once starred, users can view all the prioritized tasks in the important smart list. Users can also sort each list by importance to have starred tasks automatically move to the top of the list. The Add steps, importance, notes, tags, and categories to your tasks website provides support for how to add importance to tasks.

This image shows a digital to-do list with columns for "Title," "Due Date," and "Importance." Each task is listed with a circle to the left, likely for marking completion. The "Importance" column uses star icons, with more stars indicating higher importance.The tasks listed are: Charge Chromebook: It's almost dead, and I'll need it in class. (High importance) Get a parent signature: For the field trip permission slip. (High importance) Clean out my backpack: Get rid of old papers and organize folders. (High importance) Write English paragraph: Finish the rough draft of my personal narrative. (Medium importance) Practice tuba: 15 minutes for band class. (Medium importance) Text Emma: Ask her about the group presentation. (Medium importance) Pack gym clothes: Bring sneakers for PE tomorrow. (Medium importance) Work on history project: Find 3 pictures for my Civil War poster. (Medium importance) Study for science quiz: Review notes on the water cycle. (Medium importance) Finish math homework: Page 42, problems 1-20. (Medium importance)

A Sample To Do List with Starred Items at the Top

Microsoft To-Do: Adding a Reminder

In Microsoft To-Do, add reminders to a task to get alerts as the due date approaches. This feature is perfect for managing everything from daily errands to long-term projects, helping users stay organized and complete tasks on time. The Add due dates and reminder in Microsoft To Do website provides step-by-step instructions for how to get started.

This image shows a digital task or to-do list item with the title "Turn in the Butterfly project." Below the title are the following options:Add step: A plus sign (+) indicating the ability to add subtasks.
Added to My Day: A sun icon indicating the task has been added to a "My Day" list or view.
Remind me: A bell icon for setting a reminder.
Add due date: A calendar icon for setting a due date.
Repeat: A circular arrow icon for setting up a recurring task.
To the right of the title is a star icon, likely for marking the task as important or a favorite.

Set reminders and due dates in Microsoft To Do

Microsoft To-Do: Create Your Own Lists

A To Do List is a strategy that can help learners organize tasks. Microsoft To Do is a tool available to anyone in LCPS that invites users to create and manage all tasks in one place. Users can work through tasks for the day in the My Day panel and create any number of additional lists to organize assignments, projects, or anything! The Welcome to Microsoft To Do website provides support to learn how to get started. The following video also provides an overview to the Microsoft To Do. Add exploring these resources to your To Do List!

Using a Digital Calendar to Maintain a To-Do List

Digital calendars can be used to create a to-do list and prompt reminders. Putting appointments and due dates on a calendar is what it was made for! Using a calendar as a to-do list and for reminders provides one convenient location for keeping track of everything that needs to be done. Use the following handy tips to get started:

  • Set up to-do items and plan out stages of projects by marking events as an  “All Day Event”. This puts it on your calendar on a date you want it “due” without a specific time slot.
  • Have a big project? Breaking it down into smaller chunks makes it more manageable. “Due dates” can be set for each smaller chunk of the project so that you work on it all along instead of cramming everything into the day before!
  • Set notifications to remind you at a certain date and time which can help you remember that the event is coming up.
  • Set up a repeating appointment or event, such as setting a consistent weekly reminder to take the trash out on a specific morning.
  • Events can be set with a visual reminder, such as an emoji specific to the event, like using a waste basket 🗑️ for the reminder to take out the trash. 
  • Whole calendars and/or specific events can be shared with others. Parents and/or educators can work with a student to help them learn what types of actions should be events, what reminders might be necessary, and when those should be scheduled on the calendar. 

Use the following guides based on the digital calendar you are using:

Getting Started With Google Calendar

Get Started with the Outlook Calendar