WHAT IS A CORE VOCABULARY?
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A small number of words that make up approximately 70-90% of what
we say on a daily basis.
These words are relevant across contexts and can be used in different
ways to mean different things.
Core vocabulary words can be taught and reinforced in a range of
activities and allow for easy 2-3 word combinations.
They can be used by caregivers, but more importantly, can be used
functionally by the individual with communication difficulties.
WHAT ARE THE AIMS OF USING A CORE VOCABULARY?
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To support an individual’s understanding of language and to develop
an individual’s expressive language (spoken, signed, symbol use etc.)
To increase the range of spontaneous communication involving others
(e.g. requesting social actions, routines, commenting on actions and
sharing experiences with others.)
With just a few words, an early communicator can take control of their
environment, have their needs met and interact socially.
TIPS WHEN USING A CORE VOCABULARY
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Identify and create opportunities for the identified words to be used
functionally within meaningful and motivating activities. This may
require some sabotage e.g. putting a preferred item out of reach or
not typing in a favourite website into the computer, to encourage the
individual to request ‘help’.
Be creative. Create opportunities for the same word to be reinforced in
different ways so as to support flexibility in understanding and using the
word e.g. using ‘finished’ for finishing an activity, a behaviour, a food
item.
Repeat activities.
Use a ‘total communication approach’ i.e. the spoken word, the symbol
and/ or the Makaton sign.
Use pauses to encourage the individual to use the word.
HIGH PARK CORE VOCABULARY
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
24.
25.
26.
27.
28.
29.
30.
31.
Set
Word
1
Help
Wait
More
Stop
Choose
Look
Listen
Squeeze
Finished
2
3
Give
Go
Eat
Drink
Now
Next
Home
Toilet
Want
Like
Don’t like
Go away
Come
Play
Make
Outside
My turn
Feel
Happy
Sad
Angry
Good
The 31 words have been
divided into 3 sets.
Ideally, an individual will
work through the sets from
1-3, however, if there are
particularly useful or
motivating words in later
sets the use is flexible and
needs led.
Makaton signs for the core
vocabulary may also be used
alongside the symbol and
the spoken word, thus
keeping in line with High
Park’s Total Communication
Approach.