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What is Core Vocabulary?

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A system of communication for students who...

  • have special needs with delayed communication skills.
  • are nonverbal or have limited expressive language.
  • need a low tech solution to facilitate language development.

An Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) method that...

  • uses a low tech communication board.
  • uses pictures and/or words to represent basic nouns, verbs and adjectives.
  • is lightweight, portable, and inexpensive to use.
  • requires very little expertise on the part of the communication partner.
  • uses a small set of basic words that are applicable in multiple environments..

If you want more information regarding Core Vocabulary and how to use it, watch my video by clicking below.

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How is Core Vocabulary different from other low tech communication boards?

  • Core vocabulary boards focus on a small set of basic words that are used in multiple situations and environments rather than a broad range of words that are used in specific situations.
  • For example, the word "GO" can be used at home, at school, on the playground, etc. However, the word "SCISSORS" is considered a fringe word because it is only used when something needs to be cut.
  • Core vocabulary boards contain the most common words in a young child's vocabulary. As a result, these words are among the most useful for a child with limited language.
  • Other types of communication boards focus on nouns, where as core vocabulary communication boards focus on pronouns, verbs and descriptive words, with nouns being included with the "fringe" vocabulary and not on the main part of the board.
  • Fringe vocabulary is used as a supplement to specific topics rather as the main focus of language learning.

Example of a Core Vocabulary board with fringe vocabulary on top.

Icons The Picture Communication Symbols ©1981–2018 by Tobii Dynavox LLC. All Rights Reserved Worldwide. Used with permission. 
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I created Animated Core Vocabulary Stories because...

  • I wanted to teach my preschoolers the meaning of core words.
  • I wanted students to develop motor memory to quickly locate the target word.
  • I wanted an activity I could use during Push-in or Individual Speech Therapy.
  • I wanted enjoyable activities that my students would want to repeat.
  • I wanted interactive activities that would provide active engagement.

Check out these activities:

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**Alt text:** Cover image for Animated Core Vocabulary Stories with the target word SAME displayed at the bottom. The image shows two young girls wearing matching pink dresses seated side by side on a tablet screen, with a callout that says “With Core Boards” and colorful AAC core boards layered on the side to support teaching the concept of same through visual comparison.
Teach the word SAME with animated core vocabulary boards.
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BOOM Cover DIFFERENT Core Board Practice
Use BOOM CARDS to teach the core vocabulary word DIFFERENT
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**Alt text:** Cover image for a “I Me My Mine” animated core vocabulary resource showing a smiling child on a tablet screen with bright AAC core boards layered on the side. The title text reads “Animated Core Vocabulary Stories With Core Boards Target Word: I Me My Mine” to highlight visual supports for teaching first-person pronoun concepts.
Teach the pronouns I, ME, MY, and MINE with animated core vocabulary boards.
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Want to try one out before you buy? Click below!

Free animated and interactive story for the target words: I, me, my, and mine.
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Trusted by SLPs

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AAC Core Vocabulary Activity: I, ME, MY, MINE - Vocabulary Building

"Helpful to understand how to start incorporating an AAC curriculum
Bright and engaging pictures drew my student into the lesson. Reinforcement of core vocabulary encouraging more independent use of AAC device."

- Kimberly O.
AAC Core Vocabulary Activities: BOOM - Receptive Identification of DIFFERENT

"Helpful material, thanks!"

- Nicole M.

"Extremely satisfied. Thank you very much."

K. K.

"This was so fun for our early AAC users!!! A great motivating teletherapy activity - parents enjoyed it too!!!"

J. B.
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