You know that I am obsessed with all things AAC and I make it my mission to allow all students to communicate during different classroom activities. This is why I have come up with a list of my favorite fall books with CORE words for AAC users.
In this post you will also learn:
- What Core words are if you do not know
- FREE activities to get started with Core words
- CORE words vs. fringe words
- tips for selecting AAC-friendly books
- the reason you should adapt picture books for AAC users
- lots of CORE words activities for AAC users (at the end!)
What are the CORE Words for AAC Users?
You might have heard about using Core Words with your AAC users but do you know what they are? Core Words for AAC are words that are in your student’s daily vocabulary that make up most of our communication.
I love this list of Core Words from Gail Van Tatenhove. She is absolutely a WEALTH of knowledge for the AAC world! This list is sorted by type of word (noun, adjective, negation, verb, etc.) and typical priority (top 20, top 50, etc.). I suggest you identify the student’s top 50 words before you get started on introducing new words. The top 50 words would be individualized based on your student’s favorite things, least favorite things, daily activities and family.
How Do You Teach CORE Words?
When introducing core words to students, try to find something they love to do and pick a word that would be meaningful to them. This blog post tells you exactly how I implement CORE words through speech therapy with AAC users.
I’d love to send you a freebie with more ideas for implementing AAC into Classrooms! Sign up with your email below to receive an instant download!
Best Tips for Selecting AAC-Friendly Books
- Pick good books! Engagement is key!
- Pick books that have repetition of an item or action so that you can tie it to a core word. For example, a car on every page so you can practice “go”.
- Pick topics that align with the classroom curriculum.
- Remember to target both Fringe and Core Words.
- Model without expectation.
Why Should You Adapt Picture Books for AAC?
Students love to do what their peers are doing. Do you know how motivating it is for students who cannot verbally communicate to be able to do what their peers are doing? It is a big game changer and this is what we want for all students. We want them to be able to access the same curriculum and activities as their peers, with modifications and accommodations as needed.
I encourage you to go grab this FREE Core Adapted Book, “Spot Goes to School” to try with your AAC users and see how it goes. I actually even have a list of picture books featuring AAC users to try with your students if you want it. You can read all about it HERE.
4 Fall Books with Core Words to Use for AAC:
Below, I’ve listed 4 of my favorite fall books that are all part of the AAC Core Vocabulary Adapted Picture Books for Fall activities.
This is perfect if you want to:
- Teach core words to AAC users.
- Use AAC fall themed lesson plans.
- Increase a student from the single word level to using 2-3 word phrases on their device.
- Model core words using Aided Language Input (an evidence-based strategy for AAC users).
- Include your AAC users in lesson plans you’re already using with the rest of your caseload.
- Give teachers, staff, and parents an easy way to start modeling AAC.
- Download a resource that allows you to edit the symbols to the exact symbols each student uses.
The links to the following books are all affiliate links. This simply means that if you purchase through the link provided, I make a small commission to help keep my blog up and running. It is at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting The Speech Room News Blog!
1. We’re Going on a Leaf Hunt by Steve Metzger
Core words to try: “go,” “stop,” “over,” “through,” and “across”
“We’re Going on a Leaf Hunt” is a fun story about three friends who go on a big adventure to find colorful leaves. It’s very similar to the classic “We’re Going on a Bear Hunt” story. In this tale, they explore different places in the fall, like mountains, forests and a river. They find all sorts of leaves and face different weather, which makes their adventure really exciting.
This book is great to use for Core Vocabulary because it focuses on Core words that are related to movement and action.
2. Duck on a Bike by David Shannon
Core words to try: “ride,” “stop,” “look,” and “try”
“Duck on a Bike” is a funny fall story about a brave duck who finds a bicycle and decides to give it a try. When he rides around the farm, the other animals react in surprising ways. This makes things interesting and shows how trying new things can lead to unexpected fun.
AAC users can actively participate in this narrative by identifying key core words that match the characters’ actions. They can utilize their AAC systems to communicate their reactions, imitating Duck’s confidence or describing the animals’ responses. This interactive engagement with core words fosters language development and creative expression.
3. Bear Gets Sick by Karma Wilson
Core words to try: “help,” “feel,” “take care,” and “friends”
“Bear Gets Sick” is a sweet story about Bear getting sick during the season of fall. His friends from the forest gather to help him feel better. The story is all about friends being kind and taking care of each other, which shows students how nice it is to help each other and be friends.
These words empower AAC users to convey their emotions, seek assistance and express their social connections. By incorporating these words into AAC communication, students can share their feelings, request help and articulate their relationships.
4. Bear Says Thanks by Karma Wilson
Core words to try: “thank,” “share,” “have,” and “give”
In “Bear Says Thanks,” the woodland creatures gather to celebrate a festive fall feast. As Bear reflects on the things he’s grateful for, the story highlights the importance of gratitude and community during the autumn season.
This book provides an excellent opportunity for AAC users to engage with themes of gratitude and sharing. They can use their AAC tools to express their own thankful thoughts, discuss the characters’ gestures of kindness and share their own experiences of giving. This way of connecting with the story helps nurture language skills and encourages more meaningful conversations.
FREE AAC Tools to Try:
These are some ideas for making symbol swaps easy for Speech Room News AAC products.
AAC Door Hangers: Free & Editable:
This is perfect to hang on your door and let your staff, students and parents know the AAC Core target word of the week as they walk into your room!
FREE Core Adapted Book, “Spot Goes to School”
More Core Vocabulary Speech Therapy Activities:
- AAC Core Vocabulary Word of the Week Mega Bundle
- Winter CORE Word Adapted Books for AAC Users
- Spring CORE Word Adapted Books for AAC Users
Do you have any fall books that you love to use with your AAC Users?
Please comment below and let me know!
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