Watch your kiddo become a boss at communicating with these free Core Word of the Week video lessons from Goally's Word Lab app. Core words are the basic building blocks of language the LEGOs of lingo, if you will. They're essential for everyone, especially for kiddos who process language differently. Let's take a closer look at how to start with core language.
Did you know that core words make up a huge portion of our daily communication? In fact, they make up about 80% of what we say! These include verbs, prepositions, conjunctions, articles, adjectives, and pronouns, known as 'core' because they are used frequently and have a wide range of applications. When kids learn to talk, experts recommend focusing on these words first. Knowing just a few of these, and how to use them on an AAC device, can give nonverbal kiddos a voice. They can mix and match these words to talk about practically anything. Take for instance the phrase "I want more sleep." Most of that sentence is composed of core words ("want," "more," and "sleep"). Neat right?
In the proverbial language sandwich, core words are the peanut butter to AAC's jelly... (Anyone else hungry all of a sudden)? Really though, core words are the basis of many augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices. AAC devices can help people communicate even if they have trouble speaking! They can be physical boards or digital AAC apps, and use symbols or pictures to help people express themselves. They can be used to supplement natural speech or replace it altogether. Nonverbal kiddos can either point to them (as with a static board) or press the buttons (on a digital device) to make the AAC talk for them. The combination of the word buttons creates full sentences in certain applications, which is especially useful for children who use “talkers” to communicate.
One of the most important parts of teaching core vocabulary is modeling. This includes explicitly teaching a new word by modeling how to say and use it and, if using an AAC board or device, showing the child how and where to find it. After introducing the word, it’s essential to continue to use and emphasize it regularly throughout daily routines, and check (and even re-check) for understanding. Many SLPs recommend using the “Core Word of the Week” approach. This allows therapists, teachers, and parents to work together to keep building vocabulary by introducing new words from their core word list while maintaining progress already made
In Word Lab, a certified speech-language professional teaches the meaning, pronunciation, and where to find new words on their AAC talkers. We use evidence-based practices that are proven therapy methods for autism and other nonverbal conditions.
Real kids model core vocab in relatable, real-life scenarios. The program design makes learning and practicing new words fun and engaging outside of time spent one-on-one with an SLP, allowing kids to continue to build language-learning skills at home and helping foster both confidence and independence.
Get this, you can try our customizable AAC talker and the Word Lab software for only $9/mo. Try it risk-free because you're never tied to a contract with Goally. Want to learn more? Visit the Word Lab app page or contact us for more info!
Yes way. Goally's fun language learning app teaches your kiddo core language and AAC! We developed Word Lab with certified speech-language experts and used science-backed strategies to teach kids language and AAC. But they're not just learning words - they're having fun doing it! Kids get real examples of how vocab is used in everyday life and practice with the same style as if an SLP was by their side at home. With Word Lab, your kiddo will pick up essential language skills while building confidence and independence along the way – now that's something worth talking about! So far, our Word Lab app teaches 20 core words to nonverbal kiddos, but we are constantly adding more. We posted the first modules of each "Core Word" lesson for free! Check them out below.
