Archdale School

Core Vocabulary

Core Vocabulary Boards                         

What are they? 

Core words are the 50-400 words that make up the majority of everything we say. The Core Vocabulary Boards use these core words to allow non-speaking people or people with communication difficulties to communicate and to express a wider variety of ideas and needs. There are five stages of Core Vocabulary Boards that match the level of understanding and the needs of each child.

Demonstration: 

Please do.

Hold the page where  the child can see it.

-Point to the symbols as you are talking to the child, modelling how to use the page to communicate

-Try to stick to conversation about what you are doing/what is happening rather than asking questions or asking the child to make choices

-Give the child time to respond, making sure the sheet is within reach so they can point to the symbols

-Respect the fact that, for many reasons, the child may be unwilling or unable to respond to you every time

-Keep modelling the way to use the symbols

-Encourage non-verbal or verbal communication

Please don’t.

-Put pressure on me by asking me to respond or make lots of choices

-Take my hand and point for me

 Download here Core Vocabulary Boards Stage 1-3: 

Core vocabulary board stage 1

Core vocabulary board 2

Core vocabulary board stage 3

Download Core Vocabulary Boards that link to activities: 

Pretend Snow Core Vocabulary Stage 1-3.pptx

Playdough Core Vocabulary Stage 1-3.pptx

More information: 

For more information please contact Marianna Limnaiou the Communication Lead Teacher of the school: limnaiou@norfolkpark.sheffield.sch.uk