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AAC: Core Word of the Week

AAC Core Word of the Week Download from Speech Room News

My caseload is likely similar to yours. Lots of variety of in types of communication delays but just a few children using AAC devices. Those AAC users only make up a few kids on my caseload but they take a TON of time to plan for. This year I decided to try out the Word of the Week idea for implementing Core Vocabulary into the preschool day.

My goals:

1. Keep myself accountable for teaching new core words each week.

2. Help teachers, paraprofessionals, and related service staff learn to use the child’s AAC device functionally.

3. Keep better records of the growth of the device for different pragmatic functions.

4. Show parents how to use toys, books, and daily routines with the core word of the week.

Core Word of the Week

Throughout the year, I used one core word as the focus for the week. I stuffed teachers, paras, OT, PT, and APE mailboxes full of handouts each week. I covered the classroom in pictures, data charts, and activity sheets. I am giving my activities a facelift for this summer and thought I’d share them with you in case you can use them! In the photo above you can see what I put on the wall by the classroom door each week. Data sheet for all to keep data on up top, followed by some recommended activities, and on the bottom a picture of the AAC screen where I circled the button. That helped staff while they learned new words.

AAC symbols around the room

 

AAC symbols around the room

I put icons for the W.O.W (word of the week) around the room. This helped remind the kids AND adults to use the WOW!

image3AAC symbols around the room

 

AAC symbols around the room

I thew them everywhere! On trampolines, by doors, on the radio, and on white boards.

AAC Core Word of the Week Download from Speech Room News

 

This summer on of my major projects is revising these activities. I’m sharing them in sets of 4. So you should be able to use the set for one month.

AAC Core Word of the Week Set 1

The packet is meant to provide a month of instruction (four core words are targeted) for a classroom. It has tools to collect data, give teachers and staff ideas, and notes for parents too. The packet can be adapted for a clinic setting or another service delivery model, but it works perfectly for a classroom setup.

A quick video tour of what is included for each core word of the week is included in the video! Check it out.

The set uses Smarty Symbols in the products because each AAC program uses copyrighted symbols. You can use this packet with any AAC device.

The packet includes: 

Parent Intro Letter

Staff Intro Letter

Parent Model/Elicitation Explanation Sheet

The following materials are provided for each core word: 

Weekly External Door Sign

Weekly Staff/Parent Letter

Room Signs

Data Sheet

Activity Sheet

Activity Sheets on rings

Interactive Vocabulary Book

App Recommendation/Ideas

My W.O.W. Book cover

W.O.W. weekly sheet

Coloring Sheet

The packet also includes a set of editable pages where you can add your own symbols/text so that you can use the same symbols used in your student’s device. The editable documents include: parent intro letter, staff intro letter, data sheet, classroom sign, staff update sheet, room signs sheet, and W.O.W. book collage sheet.

The idea is that you have everything you need to help the staff you work with use the core word of the week! You can check out my product in my TpT Shop! Set One includes the words Go, Help, Different, and In. 

Have you used a Word of the Week program before?

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