The Core Word Modeling Plan That Will Save You Hours Each Week

What Are Core Words and Why Are They Important in Speech Therapy?

Core words are the small set of words that make up the majority of what we say in everyday conversations. These include words like “go,” “want,” “more,” “stop,” “it,” “help,” “you,” and “not.” They are highly versatile because they can be used in multiple settings and combined in countless ways to create real, meaningful messages. In contrast, fringe words (like “cookie,” “swing,” or “dog”) are specific and situational.

• Core words: Flexible, used across contexts (“go,” “want,” “need,” “big,” “help”)
• Fringe words: Specific to a topic or activity (“pizza,” “slide,” “cat”)

Focusing on core words supports the development of authentic, generative language rather than just rote repetition of requests or labels. This not only boosts independence but also grows social connections, academic participation, and narrative skills for children with autism and other communication differences.

Why Core Word Modeling Saves Time for Busy SLPs and Parents

One of the greatest challenges for SLPs and caregivers is the never-ending preparation of individualized lessons, materials, and activities. A well-designed Core Word Modeling Plan gives you a clear blueprint to follow each week, so you are not reinventing the wheel with every session. Instead of prepping unique visuals or novel vocabulary for every activity, you can confidently focus on a targeted set of core words, maximizing carryover and minimizing planning fatigue.

• Consistency: Children experience repeated and meaningful exposure to each core word across environments.
• Generalization: Fewer words are learned deeply, but can be used in many places, with many people, about countless topics.
• Efficiency: Therapists can batch-create materials, rotate activities, and offer families easy-to-follow home practice guidance.
• Progress Tracking: Data are easier to collect and compare when focusing on a consistent set of target words.

Ultimately, this approach lightens your workload and gives families predictable, meaningful opportunities to practice communication every day.

How to Build Your Core Word Modeling Plan: Step-by-Step

Ready to revamp your therapy schedule and support meaningful language growth? The following step-by-step plan will help you systematically target core words and integrate them into every part of the child’s day:

1. Choose Your Core Words:
   • Start with high-value words such as “go,” “want,” “help,” and “stop.”
   • Consider the child’s interests, routines, and communication needs; consult word lists used by leading AAC systems.
   • Limit to two-four words per week for focused practice.
2. Gather and Prepare Visuals:
   • Print or display the core words on all communication systems, boards, and devices in use.
   • Laminate or share vocabulary cards for families and teachers for easy access.
3. Model, Model, Model:
   • Adults should use aided language input, saying the words aloud while simultaneously pointing to them on the AAC device or board.
   • Model core words naturally throughout the day: during lessons, playtime, mealtime, and transitions.
   • Avoid making modeling into a “quiz”; focus on showing how words are used, not testing the child.
4. Embed in Routines:
   • Identify daily routines where chosen core words come up frequently (e.g., “help” during snack, “go” before going outside).
   • Create scripts or prompts for these moments.
5. Involve the Team:
   • Train teammates, teachers, and family members to model core words, not just SLPs.
   • Share “core word of the week” handouts, activity ideas, and successes to keep everyone engaged.
6. Track and Celebrate Progress:
   • Monitor how often and in what ways the child attempts or uses the core words.
   • Celebrate all approximations and attempts, every effort counts.

Core Word Modeling in Action: Real-World Examples

Let us look at how the core word modeling plan unfolds in common daily routines and classroom scenarios:

• Playtime: Model “go,” “stop,” and “more” during racing games, puzzles, and pretend play. Example: “Ready, set, go!” while pressing the “go” symbol together.
• Mealtime: Use phrases like “more,” “want,” or “help” as part of eating routines. Example: “Want more?” while pointing to the child’s board or device.
• Reading: Pause to model core words from the story, e.g., “The boy is big.” “Dog go fast.”
• Social time: Model greetings, refusals, and comments: “Hi,” “No,” “Like,” “Help me.”
• Class transitions: Use core words in school routines, such as “Stop” when the lights go out, or “Go” when lining up.

These repeated, embedded interactions help children build language throughout their authentic routines, not just during isolated drill work.

Maximizing Carryover: Home and School Collaboration Strategies

SLPs achieve the best results through collaboration. Core word modeling works best when embedded across settings, so home and school should work as a true team. Share simple guides and short videos showcasing the chosen words and how to model them in the child’s favorite activities. Keep communication flowing with weekly check-ins and celebrate “AAC wins” together.

• Send home a “core word of the week” newsletter or a quick tip sheet.
• Recommend specific times to model (bedtime stories, bath time, car rides).
• Offer family-friendly ideas (treasure hunts, cooking, shopping) that use the week’s words.

The more often a child “hears” and “sees” core word use, the more quickly understanding and independent use will grow.

Troubleshooting: Overcoming Common Roadblocks in Core Word Modeling

Every SLP and parent encounters obstacles on this journey. Whether it is lack of time, wavering interest, or technology hiccups, every challenge has a practical solution:

• Lack of engagement: Personalize device vocabulary with favorite characters, foods, or inside jokes. Rotate activities and let the child choose topics to maintain buy-in.
• Team inconsistency: Hold quick team huddles or video calls to sync on the week’s focus words and progress brainstorms.
• Physical access issues: Adapt with larger buttons, switches, or location changes for access. Use paper-based backups during tech downtime.
• Social resistance: Celebrate every attempt and invite peers to model and participate. Share stories of success to boost confidence.
• Burnout: Reduce overload by batching prep for multiple weeks and reusing materials. Remember, progress is not about perfection.

Tech Tools and Templates to Accelerate Your Core Word Plan

Modern technology and templates can make a Core Word Modeling Plan even more efficient. Most mainstream AAC apps and devices (like LAMP Words for Life, Proloquo2Go, or TouchChat) provide robust core word boards and allow you to create favorites, folders, and scenes with just a few taps. You can save, print, or share activity plans with families in seconds.

• Download ready-made core word boards online
• Use digital trackers to monitor daily word use
• Leverage scheduling apps to prompt modeling daily
• Adapt low-tech options (laminated boards, keyrings) for portability
• Batch-create slideshows or short videos that can be replayed across routines

Combine these with a solid modeling plan and you have a recipe for consistency and carryover all year long.

Privacy, Compliance, and Family Communication: What Every SLP and Parent Needs to Know

When supporting children with communication needs, privacy is essential. Whether you are sharing images, session videos, home practice clips, or progress reports, always prioritize the child’s privacy first. Adhere to privacy laws including HIPAA (in clinical settings), FERPA (in school contexts), and the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) for any digital communication or content sharing with families.

• Obtain explicit parental consent before sharing session recordings, photos, or personal progress online.
• Blurring faces or using initials can add protection for shared visuals.
• Never share specifics about diagnoses, IEP goals, or device settings publicly unless all legal consents are obtained.
• Make sure digital resources and tracking tools are secure and password protected.

Being diligent about these protocols not only protects the child, but also strengthens trust with families and schools. Always consult local privacy regulations when expanding your teletherapy, online communication, or cloud-based planning tools.

Evidence-Based Benefits: How Core Word Modeling Supports Language Growth

Systematic core word modeling is linked to significant improvements in language, social skills, and independence for children using AAC. Here are just some of the benefits:

• Children develop true generative language, learning to comment, question, protest, and describe, not just request.
• Smooths transitions across settings (home, school, community), reducing reliance on adults as translators.
• Empowers peers, siblings, and teachers to become skilled communication partners.
• Encourages self-advocacy, humor, and independent storytelling.
• Supports growth in literacy, writing, and academic participation.

The most powerful interventions are those that blend consistency, personalization, and plenty of authentic modeling. Your time is valuable so direct it where it counts most, into the heart of the child’s growing communication skills.

Frequently Asked Questions About Core Word Modeling Plans

• How do I choose which core words to focus on?
  Begin with the most functional words for the child’s daily routines (e.g., “go,” “stop,” “help”). Collaborate with the family and educational team for input, and consider established lists from leading AAC systems.
• Can older children and teens benefit from core word modeling?
  Absolutely. Core words serve all ages. Update and personalize vocabulary as children grow, including slang, school topics, and statements of self-advocacy.
• What if my team is inconsistent with modeling?
  Communication is a team effort. Host brief weekly syncs, share video examples, and keep everyone motivated with positive feedback.
• Does core word modeling work for children who are minimally verbal or nonverbal?
  Yes. Even one or two-word models provide a foundation for communication. Celebrate all attempts, including gestures, pointing, or approximations.
• Are there free resources available for building a core word modeling plan?
  Many AAC app providers, special education organizations, and SLP blogs offer free or low-cost core word boards, visuals, and planning templates. Always check for tools compliant with privacy policies before sharing or downloading resources.