844 Search Results for core vocabulary
June 3, 2015
by Carole Zangari -
The Dynamic Learning Maps Professional Development Team, headed by Dr. Karen Erickson, put together a wonderful video to introduce professionals and families to the concept of core vocabulary. This is a great resource to use to introduce team members to key concepts in core vocabulary and the instructional strategies that support students in learning to use it. Take a look. Direct Link to video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ryda0ViRekU&feature=youtu.be
May 28, 2015
by Carole Zangari -
It’s prAACtically June and that means we are preparing for a new set of core words to focus on. Join us in highlighting a set of core words for the month and helping our AAC learners become more fluent in using them on a day-to-day basis. Whether you are following along with the 2013 Year of Core (12 words/month) or the 2014 A(nother) Year of Core: (16 words/month; Different than the previous year’s core words), or just getting started, the resources linked in this post may be helpful. Our June words are listed below. 2013 List: after, am/be/is, because, can, cold, fast, fun, have, hungry, let, need, talk 2014 List: about, back, buy, grandmother, hand, inside, lose, move, okay, people, quiet, short, show, two, water, yellow Resources Templates for you to plug in your own symbols: 2013 words, 2014 words Minspeak/Unity version: 2013 words PCS versions: 2013 words, 2014 words Symbol... [Read More...]
May 4, 2015
by Carole Zangari -
It is hard to believe that April is behind us and that we are now focusing on new set of core words for May. Whether you are following along with the 2013 Year of Core (12 words/month) or the 2014 A(nother) Year of Core (16 words/month; Different than the previous year’s core words), or just getting started, here are some helpful resources. Our words for this month are as follows. 2013 List: all, down, good, little, my, question, sad, she, turn, up, who, why 2014 List: bathroom, car, child, confused, green, hard, how much, man, mean, never, part, remember, sister, so, today, us A great many thanks to our colleagues Russell Cross, Gail Van Tatenhove, Allison Wade, Heidi LoStracco, and all the others who have contributed to this effort. Templates for you to plug in your own symbols: 2013 words, 2014 words Minspeak/Unity version: 2013 words PCS versions: 2013 words, 2014... [Read More...]
March 31, 2015
by Carole Zangari -
We are leaving March behind and getting ready to focus on a new set of core vocabulary words for April. Whether you are following along with the 2013 Year of Core (12 words/month) or the 2014 A(nother) Year of Core: (16 words/month; Different than the previous year’s core words), or just getting started, here are some helpful resources. Our words for this month are listed below. 2013 List: big, busy, do, drink, feel, he, in, make, out, some, tell, who 2014 List: blue, brother, close, family, head, last, long, no, old, right, scared, soft, thing, top, wash, whole You can download the blank template to add in your own symbols for each of the words or check out the ones made for a variety of AAC symbols. Templates for you to plug in your own symbols: 2013 words, 2014 words Minspeak/Unity version: 2013 PCS versions: 2013; 2014 Symbol Stix version: 2013... [Read More...]
March 16, 2015
by Carole Zangari -
We’ve been talking about implementing A Year of Core Words and A(nother) Year of Core Words for our March words. If you are new to the idea, it involves highlighting a different set of set of 12-16 core words each month to help our AAC learners get progressively more familiar with their vocabulary options. Today, we’re linking to some posts with ideas for what to do with the core words for each month. Laying the Foundation Give learners access to core vocabulary in their communication books, SGDs, and/or AAC apps. Prepare the core vocabulary materials for the month. If you haven’t started, don’t sweat it. Just download, print, and give it a go. “A year from now, you will wish you had started today” (K. Lamb). We are ALL a work in progress. Use the core words in an AAC system when you speak. Whether we call it aided language... [Read More...]
March 3, 2015
by Carole Zangari -
Our list of resources is growing! Let’s add a few more resources courtesy of SLPs Alison Wade and Heidi LoStracco. We’ve uploaded some additional printables for the Year of Core words (2013 list with 12 words per month)represented in PCS, Symbol Stix, and Smarty Symbols. Thanks, Alison, Heidi, and all who contributed to this effort! Templates for you to plug in your own symbols: 2013 words, 2014 words Minspeak/Unity version: 2013 PCS versions: 2013; 2014 Speak for Yourself version: 2013, 2014 Symbol Stix version: 2013 Use these materials to remind yourself which words to highlight this month, with using aided language input and focused language stimulation. What else? Print them and hang them on a bulletin board or refrigerator. Laminate, cut them apart, and put them on a binder ring that you keep handy so that you can show just one symbol at a time. Use them to create... [Read More...]
February 26, 2015
by Carole Zangari -
March is around the corner, so if you are following along our 2013 Year of Core (12 words/month) or the 2014 A(nother) Year of Core (16 words/month; Different than the previous year’s core words), it is time to get ready to focus on a new set of words. “Wait! My clients/students didn’t master the January or February words. Should I really go on?” Yes, you probably should! Every situation is different, of course, but for the vast majority it makes sense to move on. Sticking with the same set of words is likely to bore you and frustrate the kids. With a core word approach, it’s about progress, not perfection. We aren’t giving up on the prior words. In fact, we will continue to model them (with aided language input) and create opportunities for our learners to use them, providing supports, as needed). At the same time, we’re expanding our focus to... [Read More...]
November 20, 2014
by Carole Zangari -
While I’m soaking up AAC knowledge at the ASHA Convention, here’s a post from the past. :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: Among the many changes that the AAC field has experienced in the last decade is the notion that core vocabulary is (or should be) an integral part of any AAC system. We grew to understand the limitations of AAC supports that consist primarily of nouns and descriptors, realizing that those kinds of communication displays restricted our clients to requesting and labeling. Our field realized the inadequacy of providing only prestored messages (e.g., limited the client’s ability to communicate anything novel, not flexible enough to meet most communication needs, etc.). In essence, we realized that without core vocabulary, we were imposing a ceiling on language development. We’re thrilled to see so many communication boards, books, SGDs, and AAC apps reflect this knowledge. Having tools with the appropriate vocabulary is a big step in the... [Read More...]
October 26, 2014
by Carole Zangari -
Have you heard enough about core vocabulary yet? Most SLPs are on board with the concept, but still appreciate information about how to implement it in their intervention. In this video, master clinician Gail Van Tatenhove shares some prAACtical ideas for using core words in activity-based instruction.
March 23, 2014
by Carole Zangari -
“I eat biscuits when I talk about things.” “How about yesterday?” “What do you like making?” “Kay said, Put away toys.” “What did you say?” “After meeting we did go eat mini burger.” “What did you eat for dinner?” “I will eat one biscuit now.” Isn’t it a treat to see kids really using core language? There is so much to love about this video of Kingsley, a youngster with autism, and his dad. From the child-directed interaction, to the contingent responding, to the language elicitation strategies (e.g., “You start”), to reminders about punctuation, to the sheer love of interaction, and more. This is one to savor. Direct link to video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6jHWeD9ivc0