PrAACtically December: Resources for A Year of Core Vocabulary

November 28, 2016 by - 3 Comments

PrAACtically December: Resources for A Year of Core Vocabulary
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A few years ago, we suggested that one way to help strengthen learners’ abilities with core words is to take a different set of 12-20 core words each month and focus on them for a few weeks. How? By modeling those words, making resource materials (like word cards with the symbols), creating activities in which those words figure prominently, posting them in the classroom/therapy room, reading books that have heavy use of these words, sharing them with families, write stories using them, etc.

Core words are a great addition to the highly motivating, learner-specific words that many AAC users start with. If you are looking to expand to more robust language, this approach may be of interest. Here are the specific words we are focusing on in December.

Set 1 (2013): ask, favorite, goodbye, hear, of, please, silly, surprise, these, use, way, work

Set 2 (2014): already, clear, doctor, fix, great, grow, her, high, jump, outside, ride, room, side, straight, wake, wash

Here are some resources that may be helpful as we move on to highlight the December words.

The resources listed here available due to the collegiality of Brian Whitmer, Barbara Fernandes, Nancy Inman, Deborah Lesher, Beth Erwin, Bill and Lori Binko, Heidi LoStracco, Alison Wade, Russell Cross, Gail Van Tatenhove, Eric Sailers, Rachael Langley, and others. We are grateful for their contributions.

We can model these powerful core words in sentences, too. (Thanks, Beth Erwin!)

PrAACtically December: A Year of Core Vocabulary Words

Storybook reading is such a great way to get in some extra modeling and elicitation of core words. Many thanks to Deborah Lesher for this list of books that provide ample opportunities to target our December core words.

Finally, check out all the wonderful activity suggestions in Rachael Langley’s calendars for December.

PrAACtically December

PrAACtically December: A Year of Core Vocabulary Words

You can download printable versions of both calendars and the sentence grid here.

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This post was written by Carole Zangari

3 Comments

  • Rosa and Daniel says:

    Hi Carol, I accidently found your page while searching online for ideas on boardmaking. I was brought to tears after reading the wealth of information you provide on your site. I was deeply touched by the loving time and effort that you have spent making this available. I want to say thank you very much . Rosa and Daniel. You are a very special.

    • Avatar photo Carole Zangari says:

      Rosa and Daniel, thank you for the touching comment. It is truly a labor of love, and I feel grateful for the support of the AAC community who are so generous with their time, expertise, and willingness to share. This is a wonderful field in which to work! I invite you to join us on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram for additional AAC-related information. Let’s learn together!

  • Donavi says:

    Hi Carole, My daughter just got her very own AAC device and I truly love the resources that you provide to us. I was wondering if you have any recommendations or ideas on AAC words that works with religion or prayers.
    Thanks so much for all you do.

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