What Is Core Vocabulary?

It’s one of those questions people never want to ask… What is core vocabulary? But the thing is – you’re not alone! A lot of people don’t know what core vocabulary is and there’s no shame in that. We are all here to learn! In this blog post today I’m going to be talking about what core vocabulary is, why we teach it.. and how as well.

Core vocabulary is one of those phrases that gets used a lot in special education, speech therapy, and AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication), but it can sometimes sound a lot more complicated than what it really is.

The good news? It isn’t complicated at all!!

Once you understand what core vocabulary is and why it’s so important, you’ll start noticing that there are opportunities to teach it everywhere throughout your day.. every single day. At home, and at school.

So… What is core vocabulary?

Core vocabulary is a small group of words that make up the majority of what we say every single day.

Think about your own conversations. You probably say words like:

go
stop
more
help
want
in
out
up
on
off
look
get
like
yes
no

far more often than words like elephant, pineapple or helicopter.

In fact, research has shown that around 80% of the words we use every day come from a relatively small group of core words. These words are actually very powerful because they can be used in hundreds of different situations.

For example, the word go can be used to say:

Go home.
Go outside.
Go fast.
Ready… set… go!
I want to go.
The car can go.
Can we go to the park?
I need to go the toilet.

One little word can help someone to communicate so many different ideas.. And that’s exactly why we focus on teaching them.

Core vocabulary isn’t about memorizing word lists

One of the biggest misconceptions that I see is that people assume teaching core vocabulary means sitting children down with flashcards until they can point to the right symbol. But that’s not really the goal.

The real goal is communication. We want our students to learn how to use these words for a real purpose.

Maybe they want another turn on the swing or they want the bubbles to go up! Maybe they need help opening a snack or maybe they want more Lego out so they can build something bigger.

All of those are meaningful moments. When our students use or are exposed to core vocabulary in those moments.. That’s when learning sticks.

Why do we teach core vocabulary?

Simple really… Because communication changes lives!! Many of our students can find it really difficult to express their wants, needs, thoughts, feelings and opinions.

When we teach core vocabulary, we’re giving them words that they can use across almost every part of their day in all different situations and environments.

Instead of teaching one word that only fits one activity or one situation… We’re teaching flexible words that work in the classroom, at home, on the playground, during snack, in the community and everywhere in between.

That’s a much more functional way of building communication for our students.

Whether a student is asking for more, telling us to stop, requesting help, or asking to go outside, these are words they can use over and over again in meaningful situations. They are words that they can use in different environments.. different parts of their day.. in different situations and with different people.

Core words grow with our students

One of my favorite things about core vocabulary is that the words don’t become “too easy.”

Let’s look at the word more to start.

Our student might begin by requesting more bubbles. But, later on they might say:

More juice.
More time.
More books.
I want more.
Can I have more?
I want more juice.
I need more medicine.

As language develops, that same word continues to be useful and continues to expand. That’s why investing time in teaching core vocabulary has such long-term value for our students.

Core vocabulary isn’t just for AAC users

This is something that’s really important to remember. Yes, core vocabulary is a huge part of AAC systems but it’s also valuable for so many learners. Think of our autistic students.. students with developmental delays.. with speech and language difficulties.. even emerging communicators. Think of young preschoolers who are learning their first words. Even they can benefit from repeated exposure to core vocabulary.

I am a strong believer that communication is communication.. in whatever way that a child uses to communicate.

How do we teach core vocabulary?

The best part about teaching core vocabulary is that you don’t need fancy lessons or hours of planning. I honestly believe that the most effective teaching happens naturally throughout the day.

I want you to model the words… use them yourself. Point to them on an AAC system. Make sure that you are repeating them often and you are creating opportunities for students to use them.

You can build them into games, craft activities, books, sensory play opportunities, movement activities.. Even your morning meetings and classroom routines.

The more meaningful experiences that your student has with a word.. Then the more likely they are to begin using it independently.

Keep it fun!

One thing I always remind teachers is that core vocabulary shouldn’t feel repetitive or boring.

Yes, we’re focusing on the same word over and over.. But that doesn’t mean we have to use the same activity over and over.

Switch it up.. Read books, play games, sing songs, go on scavenger hunts, build with blocks, make crafts, do sensory play, use adapted books, create movement breaks.

The possibilities really are endless. I believe that the more varied your activities are.. Then the more opportunities your students will have to see that word used in different ways.

After all, communication doesn’t just happen sitting at the table with flashcards. It happens everywhere… Every day.. All around us.

Looking for ready-to-use core vocabulary activities?

If you’re anything like me, you’ll know that there are never enough hours in the day to create resources from scratch! That’s exactly why I created my Core Vocabulary Activities Bundle.

Instead of trying to think of new ways to teach every single core word, you’ll have a huge collection of engaging, hands-on activities ready to print and use.

Each core word includes a variety of resources such as adapted books, emergent readers, crafts, worksheets, play dough mats, handwriting activities, writing prompts, matching activities and so much more.

These activities are great for meaningful practice throughout the school day. The activities can easily be sent home for extra practice as well. If you’re introducing a new word.. Or reinforcing one that you’ve already taught.. these activities will keep your students engaged and having fun while learning. With these activities, your students will have plenty of opportunities to use their communication skills.

You can take a look at the core vocabulary activities bundle here.

Core vocabulary isn’t just about teaching isolated words.

We teach core vocabulary so that we can give our students the building blocks for communication.

These small, everyday words will help our students be able to ask for help, make choices, share ideas, join conversations and become more independent communicators.

Over the coming weeks, I’ll also be sharing lots more blog posts all about teaching individual core words, along with activity ideas, crafts, games, books and practical classroom tips, so be sure to check back for even more ideas that you can use with your students!

If you found this blog post helpful, please consider sharing it with your friends and colleagues on social media, it helps more teachers find support, and it means the world to me and my little family too.

And if you haven’t already, be sure to check out my Free Resource Library for tons of classroom tools, visuals, and printables to make your teaching life easier (and a whole lot more fun!).

P.S. Have you signed up for my VIP membership yet? If not, head on over and sign up now. You’ll get access to hundreds and hundreds of resources, templates, crafts and more being uploaded every month!

Nikki