Universal Core Vocabulary
Many learners who are minimally verbal would benefit from access to Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) as a Tier 1 foundational support for:
- Language and communication
- Academic teaching and learning
- Social interaction and opportunities
Universal Core vocabulary offers a way for providers to support communication both individually as well as from a classroom-wide approach.
Anticipated OutcomeBy the end of this module, you'll have an increased understanding of Universal Core vocabulary along with the knowledge and skills to start communicating with your learners today!
What is Universal Core vocabulary?
Universal Core vocabulary is composed of a small number of powerful words that can be used frequently across all subjects, topics, and environments. Research shows that approximately 85% of what speaking individuals say everyday could be expressed with approximately 250-350 words (which includes core words). Universal Core vocabulary is a group of 36 core words that have been prioritized based on their usefulness in the academic and classroom contexts. They allow users to complete a variety of communication functions such as making requests, refusals, gaining attention, making comments, and much, much more!
Watch Sara Pericolosi, Assistive Technology (AT)/AAC Specialist for Alt+Shift, describe the difference between Universal Core and fringe vocabulary. Then download and print a Universal Core vocabulary board to start practicing!
How is Universal Core vocabulary different than fringe vocabulary?
Universal Core vocabulary are words that are abstract which allows them to be used in a variety of settings, regardless of topic, context, or activity. This flexibility allows for Universal Core vocabulary to be modeled and utilized throughout the day. In comparison, fringe vocabulary are concrete words that are activity specific which makes them limiting in regards to their communicative power.
|Fringe Vocabulary||Core Vocabulary|
|Large number of words||Small number of words|
|Low frequency of use||High frequency of use|
|Applicable in limited settings, topics, activities and/or contexts||Applicable in a variety of settings, topics, activities and/or contexts|
|ball, habitat, sum||not, he, all|
How do I teach Universal Core vocabulary?
It’s essential that those working with learners who are minimally verbal model use of Universal Core vocabulary throughout the day. In an effort to support learners, providers should:
- Model (i.e. point to one or more symbols while speaking) regularly and consistently across a variety of environments. To allow students to make meaningful connections between spoken words and symbols you might say, "I want all of it" as you point to the symbols on the board.
- Make comments rather than asking questions. When we primarily ask questions, it reduces the opportunities to model a diverse use of symbols and intents.
- Encourage and invite learners to communicate using Universal Core. Use long pauses with expectant facial expressions. Using AAC can take time, so be patient!
- Do not require learners to use Universal Core or take a student’s hand and use hand-over-hand to have them point to symbols. This type of behavior decreases a student's role as an active communicator and it also negatively impacts their authentic communication.
- Acknowledge and attribute meaning to all forms of communication (i.e. gestures, eye gaze, pointing to symbols, vocalizations, etc.).
- Expand the AAC user's message. For example, if a student points to "more", you can expand and model "want more."
Why utilize Universal Core vocabulary?
Communication is the foundation for learning and connecting with one another. Universal Core vocabulary allows learners to connect with others and share what they know.
Research has shown that learners begin to use the symbols that they are taught. Universal Core vocabulary consists of 36 words that are able to be generalized across all settings and activities. For this reason, we can provide hundreds of meaningful models to learners throughout a single day. Universal Core vocabulary is easy to acquire and start using today, regardless of your background or training.
Watch Dr. Karen Erickson, Director at the Center of Literacy and Disabilities Studies at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill talk about why you should get started with Universal Core vocabulary today! Dr. Erickson speaks about Universal Core vocabulary within the context of supporting literacy skills. If you'd like to learn more, visit our full professional learning opportunities on conventional literacy and emergent literacy instruction for students with complex communication needs.
Who would benefit from Universal Core vocabulary?
Universal Core vocabulary is beneficial for learners with minimal expressive communication or those without symbolic communication, including those with cognitive impairments. This includes learners that rely on early forms of communication such as vocalizations, gestures, facial expressions, as well as students who are beginning to use signs, symbols, or words but cannot yet combine words together.
How can learners access Universal Core vocabulary?
Learners can access and utilize Universal Core vocabulary within apps or speech generating devices. At Project Core's Communication Systems page you can download files to create individual as well as classroom sized print-based formats including PCS, SymbolStix, Widget Symbols, & 3-D symbols
Who can support student learning of Universal Core vocabulary?
If you interact with learners who are minimally verbal or who have complex communication needs, you can impact their learning and use of Universal Core vocabulary. Universal Core vocabulary can be supported by educational staff including teachers, paraprofessionals, ancillary staff, administration, custodians, bus drivers, and many more!
Assisting family members to model and encourage the use of Universal Core vocabulary outside of the school house is also important. When so many people are modeling and using these 36 powerful words across the day, we can see gains in student’s expressive language skills relatively quickly.
Are you ready to start communicating with your learners today using Universal Core vocabulary? Get started by:
- Printing off a Universal Core vocabulary board
- If possible, laminating or placing the board inside of a page protector
- Looking at your daily routine and thinking about what words and phrases you can model in a variety of activities
- Start modeling communication for your learners and staff
Where Can I Find More Information About Universal Core Vocabulary?
Project-Core offers supporting research, access to a variety of Universal Core vocabulary boards, and professional training modules. Content is geared toward:
- The implementation of core vocabulary
- Aided language input
- Emergent literacy strategies