Teaching Core Words for AAC : Say, I, Love, and You

Step 1

Introduce.🔗

Introduce the core word. Show the individual where on the device they can find it and practice navigating and using the word.

Step 2

Choose.🔗

Choose an activity that can help implement the use of the core word you are targeting.

Step 3

Review.🔗

Review the core word in a variety of contexts and track the progress of using the core word throughout the week.

Core Words🔗

Activities🔗

Week One Core Word: Say 🔗

  • “Echo Me” Speaking Game:
    The SLP says a simple phrase starting with “I say,” like “I say, clap your hands.” The child then repeats the phrase with their AAC device and performs the action. This can be extended to various actions like jumping, smiling, or turning around
  • “What Does the Animal Say?” Game:
    Show the child pictures of various animals, and ask them what sound each animal makes. Encourage them to respond with, “The [animal] says [sound].” For example, “The cow says moo.” You can make this more fun by acting out the animal’s behavior as well.

Week Two Core Word:
I🔗

  • “I Am” Portrait Activity:
    Provide the child with art supplies like paper, crayons, markers, and stickers. Encourage them to draw a self-portrait. Around or below the portrait, they can use either their AAC device or verbal speech to generate sentences starting with “I”. For instance, “I am happy,” “I like pizza,” or “I can sing.” This can be adapted to the child’s communication level.
  • “I Can” Movement Game:
    Organize a space where children can move safely. The SLP calls out different actions like jumping, clapping, or twirling. The child responds by performing the action and using their AAC device or speech to say, “I can [action].” For example, “I can jump.” To increase engagement, turn it into a Simon Says-style game where they only perform the action if the SLP starts with “I can.”

Week Three Core Word:
Love🔗

  • “Love Is” AAC Collage:
    Create a visual collage using the AAC device about things the child loves. How it Works: The child selects images, either from the internet or personal photos, of things, people, or activities they love. They then use their AAC device to label each image with a phrase like “I love [item].” The completed collage can be printed or saved digitally.
  • Love-Themed AAC Bingo:
    Create a bingo card with different expressions of love and related symbols. During the game, the child uses their AAC device to match the called-out phrases or symbols. This game can be played in a group setting with each child using their own AAC device.

Week Four Core Word:
You🔗

  • Who Do You See? Game:
    Use photos or illustrations of different people (can be people they know or generic characters). Ask questions like, “Who do you see?” and guide the child to answer with “I see you, [person’s name]” using their AAC device. This activity reinforces the concept of “you” in social contexts and promotes AAC usage for constructing sentences.
  • Bean Bag Toss:
    Craft short, engaging stories where the child is a character. Frequently use sentences like “You go to the park” or “You find a treasure.” Pause and ask the child to use their AAC device to continue the story or respond to questions using “you.” This encourages creativity, narrative skills, and the use of “you” in different contexts through AAC

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