Core Words to Assist Children in Communication

Core words are crucial for language development, particularly for children with speech and language delays. The core words, including “open,” “help,” “in,” and “go,” are the building blocks of communication. Because core words are versatile and can be used in a variety of contexts, they equip children with the capacity to communicate in different contexts.

 

By integrating core words into daily routines and promoting repetition and generalization, children can strengthen their communication skills. In this blog, we will discuss the importance of core words, how to implement them in routines, and some practical ideas to make learning fun and interactive.

Why Core Words Matter

Core words account for approximately 80% of our daily vocabulary. Contrary to specific nouns, core words can be used in several contexts, which renders them great tools for initial communication. For instance, the child can say “open” when opening a book, a toy, or a door. Such words are easy to model, versatile, and can be used in various settings.

 

Employing Core Words in Routines

Incorporating core words into daily routines facilitates children to understand and remember them better. Routines provide consistent structures, which assists children to make sense of words with action.

 

The following are some methods of integrating core words into daily routines:

 

Getting Dressed: Apply words such as “on,” “in,” “help,” “open.”

 

Analytic models: “Help me,” “Put in,” “Put there.”

 

Gestalt models: “Let’s open it,” “I need help,” “Wanna get dressed.”

 

Mealtime: Use words like “eat,” “more,” “done,” “drink.”

 

Analytic models: “More please,” “All done,” “Want that.”

 

Gestalt models: “I want more,” “Let’s eat now,” “I’m all done.”

 

Playtime: Use words like “go,” “stop,” “play,” “up.”

 

Analytic models: “Go up,” “Play there,” “Stop now.”

 

Gestalt models: “Let’s go play,” “I wanna go up,” “Stop doing that.”

 

Bedtime: Use words like “sleep,” “turn off,” “come,” “ready.”

 

Analytic models: “Turn off,” “Come here,” “All done.”

 

Gestalt models: “I’m ready for bed,” “Let’s turn off the light,” “Time to sleep now.”

 

Repetition and Generalization

Children learn best through repetition. Using core words consistently in different contexts helps them understand their meaning. Here’s how repetition and generalization work:

 

Repeat words across activities. If the focus word is “open,” use it while opening doors, books, toys, or snack containers.

 

Vary sentence structure. Say “Let’s open it” or “Help me open it.”

 

Foster child-directed interactions. Be guided by their interests and demonstrate core words to match.

 

Repeat words in a variety of contexts. Say “go” in the house, park, school, and automobile.

Ideas to Try at Home

Here are some effective ways to make core words part of everyday routines:

 

Morning Routine:

“Open” the curtains together

 

“Help me” put on the socks

 

“Put in” the toothbrush in the case

 

“Let’s go” to school

 

 

Mealtime:

“More” food or drink

 

“Help me” cut the food

 

“Put there” the plate

 

“All done” when finished

 

 

Playtime:

“Go” push the toy car

 

“Stop” running

 

“Help me” build the tower

 

“Want that” when picking a toy

 

 

Bedtime Routine:

“Turn off” the lights

 

“Come” to bed

 

“Ready” for sleep

 

“Let’s go” to bed

 

Encouraging Communication in Daily Life

Using core words in meaningful ways encourages children to communicate. Here are some ways to help:

 

Use gestures and visuals – Pointing, displaying pictures, or using AAC devices can support meaning.

 

Pause and wait – Provide time to respond rather than finishing sentences for them.

 

Expand on what they say – If a child utters “open,” say “Let’s open it together.”

 

Celebrate all communication – Recognize gestures, sounds, and words to support more attempts.

Conclusion

Core words are an effective tool in facilitating the development of communication skills in children. By integrating them into everyday routines, applying repetition, and facilitating generalization, children build confidence in communicating. Whether it’s “help me,” “go there,” or “I want that,” each small step towards the use of core words promotes language development. Attempt to use these strategies today and see your child’s communication skills bloom!

 

Want to enhance communication skills? Explore our speech therapy services. Contact Us! — Therapy Services – Speech Improvement Center

Looking for a rewarding career in speech therapy? Join our team! — Employment Opportunities – Speech Improvement Center

Find a Speech Improvement Center near you! — Locations – Speech Improvement Center

We value your experience! Share your feedback or let us know if there are more topics you’d like us to cover. — Feedback – Speech Improvement Center

Stay updated in real time—follow us on Instagram — Instagram – Speech Improvement Center