August 2, 2021. What is core vocabulary in the special education classroom? I'm excited to introduce this week's guest blogger, Abby, from Mrs. Moe's Modifications, to talk all about what is core vocabulary in the special education classroom. What is core vocabulary? Core vocabulary are words that make up over 80% of the words we use. By teaching these specific words, students can use the vocabulary in many settings. Core vocabulary is less limiting than choosing a specific topic or vocabulary to cover. What about the other 20%? These are called fringe words. These are typically nouns and are specific to an activity, place, or event. Where to start with core vocabulary? Start with a focus word or word of the week, one that you have ideas on how to demonstrate and have the students practice. Then model, model, model. This is the most important element when teaching core. Students need to see this being done. What does this actually mean? Say your core word of the week is down. If a student is learning just to say that word in isolation, you can model down steps to go down the steps or I down for I'm feeling down. It's OK if the grammar portion is not correct. It is the meaning you are after. It is key to model a level ahead of where your student learner is. For the above example, if your student is on the single word level, you will model two or three words. It will take time for you to become efficient at this as well. As a special education teacher, it's important to collaborate with your speech therapist. They are experts in the area of communication, so being on the same page is key. If you are working on the same targets, the rate of growth increases significantly. Core vocabulary does not need to be high tech. You can start with a single paper sheet. Print out what is on the student's device, then simply circle the target word. This is low tech and easy access for students. Tip, if using a paper board, laminate it, then use a dry erase marker to circle the word of the week. This draws the learner's eyes right to it and makes them more likely to have success. Teaching core vocabulary in the classroom. There are several strategies to teaching core words, but in my classroom we have found using a word of the week is most effective. As a team, we decide on one word to focus on for that week and we use it everywhere. This means every lesson with every teacher, professional, and therapist. They are using the word of the week. Imagine having everyone on the board, the number of models the students will see significantly increases, and hopefully the students will mimic. This can seem overwhelming at first, but I have created many materials to make your life easier. These books are all customizable, two specific images, have ideas for you to use in the classroom, and other visuals for you to use around the room. I use reading groups several days a week to focus on the core word. I use adapted books to engage learners and to practice the core word. Using these adapted books, you can personalize them for each child's device. They are editable and the specific visual can be dragged in. Tips for teaching core vocabulary. Give your pair of professionals several ideas on how to use the word so they have them before working with a student. They will not have to think of ways to use the word on the spot. Use visuals everywhere. If the word of the week is open, put the visual on their AAC device, on the toy bin, the bathroom door, the classroom door, etc. Integrate it into their environment. Plan strategic ways to teach the word of the week. This can be done in reading groups and speech therapy and during social skills times. Be thoughtful and strategic about it.