What is core vocabulary?

What is core vocabulary?

Core words make up most of the speech we all use. These words tend to be small words which are not specific to a topic or activity. Core vocabulary accounts for approximately 80 percent of words actually spoken by everyone, every day. Core words consist of all word types. Some examples include:

• verbs (action words)
• determiners (this, that)
• adjectives (big, little, red, round)
• pronouns (I, you we, they)
• prepositions (in, on, under, over, through)

Core vocabulary boards

There are 5 core vocabulary boards in total. The boards start from stage 1 through to stage 5. At each stage, more core words are added to the board so they get more complex.

The words we have already learnt and used stay in their original place on the board. This makes it easier for everyone to use.

You can download the core vocabulary boards below:

• Core vocabulary stage 1 board
• Core vocabulary stage 2 board
• Core vocabulary stage 3 board
• Core vocabulary stage 4 board
• Core vocabulary stage 5 board

By giving children and young people a communication board with these core words, we are providing them with a powerful tool to communicate whatever they want to say.

• They can create their own unique sentences
• They can express a wider variety of ideas

How can we help? 

• Say the word aloud as you point to the symbol
• Act upon it

For example, “up”

• Say “up”
• Point to “up”
• Stand ‘up’, throw a ball ‘up’ and look and point ‘up’
• Don’t ask the child or young person to join in. They will point in their own time.
• Pause. But if they don’t respond continue to model.
• Try not to ask questions and ‘test’ the child or young person. Instead, comment on what they are doing or looking at.
• Use fun and motivating activities to get the child or young person interested
• Make it inclusive. Make the board accessible at all times throughout the day
• Everyone talking with the child or young person needs to use the boards