Tag Archives: core vocabulary

Modeling Language Using Augmentative/Alternative Communication While Playing With Toys (like Race Cars!)

Posted on by
Playing with toys, like race cars, can be a great opportunity to model language using augmentative/alternative communication (AAC). When playing together, communication partners (you!) can help a student learn vocabulary by using the AAC yourself to comment on the action, ask open-ended questions about what’s happening with the toy, and respond to whatever the student expresses using the AAC.

Playing with toys can be a fun way to model language using AAC.

The following is an example created by Speech-Language Pathologist, Jessica Cerovich, who models language using an AAC application while playing with race cars.

  • Comment on actions using words and phrases such as “Go” and “It is fun.”
  • Ask an open ended question like “Where does it go?”
  • Respond when the child communicates anything.

 

Which words do we focus on when teaching language using augmentative/alternative communication?

Posted on by

The most frequently used words are known as Core Vocabulary words. Approximately 80% of the words spoken are from a small set of 350 words which are mostly pronouns, verbs, prepositions, conjunctions, adjectives, and adverbs. They are usually not nouns.

Focus instruction on teaching core vocabulary words by modeling their use.

It may take some time for a child to learn how to use these words. The child will likely need to experience these words being modeled many, many times before using it on the AAC independently. This video provides an explanation with examples: