828 Search Results for core vocabulary
September 25, 2020
by Carole Zangari -
Though we are wrapping up the month of September, the core words selected for this month are high-frequency words that will live on throughout the year. Our new Year of Core Words School Edition is in development and the team is working hard to get these helpful posts to you prior to the start of each month so that you can plan and prepare your lessons and materials. Please bear with us for the first few posts as we get up to speed. As with the previous post, these will each highlight a selected set of words along with a suggested order in which to teach them. We know that you’ll appreciate the Activity Packets with information sheets on highlighting these words in a variety of activities, and the accompanying data collection forms. A key intervention strategy is also discussed in each of these posts, with September focusing on the... [Read More...]
September 23, 2020
by Carole Zangari -
Many of you have written to share how much you appreciate the resources we’ve shared as part of the Year of Core Vocabulary Words series. If you are new to that series, you might be interested in today’s featured video. We were thrilled to discover this overview created by SLP Brenda Del Monte from the Special Education Technology Center. Brenda shares her thoughts on using this approach in educational settings. Thank you, Brenda! Enjoy! Direct Link to Video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lWZCmT_r42k&ab_channel=SETCSpecialEducationTechnologyCenter
September 16, 2020
by Carole Zangari -
It’s difficult to find enough instructional time during the school day to address all of the goals and priorities that we have for AAC learners. In today’s featured video, Dr. Lori Geist shares ideas for how we can integrate the teaching and practice of core vocabulary with emergent literacy activities and routines. You can obtain the handouts for this session here. Many thanks to Dr. Geist and to the amazing team at CoughDrop for creating and sharing this wonderful presentation that was part of the AAC in the Cloud 2020 Conference. Direct Link to Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1VCXGsPKaM&feature=youtu.be&ab_channel=CoughDrop
August 31, 2020
by Carole Zangari -
August may be on the way out but the words for this month are useful all throughout the year. The new Year of Core Words School Edition is in development and the plan is to get these monthly to you prior to the start of each month so that you can plan and prepare. Please bear with us for the first few posts as we get up to speed. Each of the monthly posts will highlight a selected set of words and a suggested order in which to teach them. You’ll also find resources, such as Activity Sheets for each word and data collection forms, and information on a key intervention strategy. The series authors, Michaela Sullivan, Beth Lytle, and Alisa Lego, created an introduction that you may want to review before digging into this month’s target words. You can see that here. Enjoy Month 1 of the School Year... [Read More...]
August 29, 2020
by Carole Zangari -
Much has changed since we first wrote about the Year of Core Vocabulary Words and began publishing monthly word lists, symbol cards, activity ideas, and book suggestions. It is gratifying to see the concept and these resources being used by teachers, clinicians, and parents. Today, we introduce an expansion of that concept with a specific focus on school-based AAC support. Say hello to the School Year of Core Words series. Conceptualized and created by AAC SLP Michaela Sullivan, and two pre-professional SLP students, Beth Lytle and Alisa Lego, the series begins with this introduction to the Level 1 and Level 2 words, and some information about what to expect as the series progresses. It will be followed by monthly posts with ideas, resources, and materials. The series follows a US academic calendar, running from August through June. You can learn more about the School Year of Core Word series creators,... [Read More...]
August 24, 2020
by Carole Zangari -
As we prepare to say goodbye to August and flip the page on the calendar, we turn our attention to a fresh set of core words. Are you supporting AAC learners who have SGDs or communication boards/books with high-frequency words? If so, join us as we work to model, practice, and teach these words throughout the day. It can feel overwhelming, so we tend to focus on a subset of words each month. The Year of Core Vocabulary Words approach isn’t a developmental list of words to be introduced in a specific order, but rather a way of gradually exposing learners to more and more words over time. We do that by modeling them on their device or communication aid when we talk and plan specific instructional activities to teach word meanings, play games to help them better recognize and understand the symbols for those words, and, elicit them frequently... [Read More...]
July 27, 2020
by Carole Zangari -
Well this is certainly shaping up to be a strange summer. Here in Florida, lots of professionals and families are starting to think about heading back to school whether it is virtual learning or going back into the classroom. Teachers, therapists, and aides play a pivotal role in helping AAC learners develop skills with core vocabulary so that they have a body of words that can be used across activities, environments, and communication partners. There are lots of ‘right’ ways to support these students. Among them is an instructional approach in which a new set of core words is introduced every few weeks in order to build their experiences with AAC. Our Year of Core Words materials has two versions, Set 1 (12 words/month) and Set 2 (16 words/month; Different than the previous year’s core words). If you’ve been following along, or are just getting started, these resources may be of interest. Set 1... [Read More...]
June 24, 2020
by Carole Zangari -
What is the role of core vocabulary and aided language input for communicators who are not yet using symbols to express themselves? SLP Kathryn Dorney, from the Center for Disability and Literacy Studies at the University of North Carolina, provides a perspective in this archived presentation. It is part of the webinar series offered by USSAAC with the support of ISAAC. You can view the handout for this session here. Many thanks to Kathryn, USSAAC, & ISAAC for making this presentation available. Direct Link to Video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=24&v=hhIEoPpoR-k&feature=emb_logo
March 12, 2020
by Carole Zangari -
There’s no doubt that core vocabulary plays an important role for the majority of people with AAC needs. When using and teaching them, however, there are some common pitfalls. Here are some thoughts on avoiding them. Don’t equate high-frequency words with ‘first words.’ There is some overlap in core vocabulary and an initial lexicon but they are different things. Both are important. Don’t assume that just because someone has a significant intellectual disability that core vocabulary is irrelevant or too difficult. Many, many people with complex communication needs who have significant cognitive impairments have been successful in learning to use these words. Don’t limit the AAC learner to only core words. If we exclude words that are of great interest or highly motivating, we take the fun out of communication. Don’t get stuck with just the root word. Instead, use various forms of the word (e.g., go, goes, going; big,... [Read More...]
January 6, 2020
by Carole Zangari -
Thanks to Rachael Langley, who tirelessly creates these wonderful resources, we have a new calendar of suggested activities to practice January Year of Core Vocabulary Words. Hang it on the fridge, tack it to the bulletin board, send it home in a backpack…let’s talk! Click here or on the image below to download a copy.