All About Core Vocabulary
What are Core Words?
- The words that we use 85% of the time (eg. want, more, go, in, there, it )
- Common words that can be used across all language functions and contexts (e.g. “more” can be used to request (food, toys, help etc.), comment, compare etc.).
Why do we Need Core Words?
- Core words allow us to use a robust vocabulary system. Although this may look intimidating – having a robust vocabulary system shows our belief in the communication potential of our non-verbal communicating partners!
- When we provide vocabulary to students that they do not know yet, it helps them to LEARN it, OWN it and USE it spontaneously!
Core Words Help us to:
- Gain a true understanding of word meanings, concepts and symbols
- Provide the ability to use words learned across a variety of settings and functions
- Become active and independent communicators
- Using a Core set up allows the user to learn a Motor Plan for each word/symbol. This eases the navigation demand and allows for communication to become faster.
How do we Use Core Words?
- ALWAYS presume competence — ALL learners can learn and improve their communication and language
- Provide teaching and not just testing
- Allow the learner to become an ACTIVE participant
Key Principles to Facilitating Core in the Classroom
- ACCESS – allow the AAC user to have ACCESS to their communication device at all times
- REPETITION with VARIETY – allow the AAC user to practice new vocabulary in a variety of settings and ways
- TIME – it takes time to learn new vocabulary. Be patient!
Resources
Core Words Poster – Core Words to Model in Every Day Activities
Teaching Core Vocabulary Through Movement Activities
Connect with Core Program (Units 1 – 4) for High and Low-Tech AAC Users
Please see below for remote copies of the Connect with Core Program, Units 1 – 4.
Proloquo2Go (P2G)
Unit 1
Unit 2
Unit 3
Unit 4
LAMP
Unit 1
Unit 2
Unit 3
Unit 4
Big-Mack and Step-by-Step
Unit 1
Unit 2
Unit 3
Unit 4
Emerging Language
Unit 1
Unit 2
Unit 3
Unit 4
Additional AAC Resources
Assistiveware Core Word Classroom (create a free account to have access to a variety of free AAC resources)
AssistiveWare – Always Make AAC Boards Available
AssistiveWare- High Tech or Light Tech? AAC for Any Situation