If you’re a Special Education teacher, parent, or homeschooling family, you already know that communication is everything. For many of our students, core words and AAC (augmentative and alternative communication) are the keys to being understood and connecting with others.

The best part? Teaching core words doesn’t have to feel like “work.” When we tie them into high-interest subjects—dinosaurs, animals, holidays, cooking, or favorite characters—students are excited, motivated, and ready to use their words.

What Are Core Words?

Core words are the small set of words we use all day, every day—like go, stop, want, more, help, look, I, you. These words can be used across activities and routines, which makes them perfect for building real-life communication skills.

Core boards give students a visual tool to find and use these words. When paired with an AAC device or used on their own, they help students participate in lessons, share ideas, and express wants and needs.

Why High-Interest Lessons Work

Think about it: when kids are talking about what they love, they’re more motivated to communicate. Using a student’s favorite topics creates meaningful opportunities to practice core words in natural, fun ways.

• Dinosaurs
• Cooking and snacks
• Animals and pets
• Playground games
• Art and crafts
• Holidays and seasonal activities

Here are some quick and easy ways to blend core words into everyday learning:

• Dinosaurs – Practice go, stop, run, big, little while stomping toy dinosaurs.
• Cooking – Use help, want, more, eat while making a snack together.
• Playground – Practice go, stop, up, down, more during recess or movement breaks.
• Art – Use make, want, like, look, help while painting or crafting.
• Story Time – Pause to model look, turn, go, more, stop with books or videos.

• Model often – Use the core board or AAC device while you talk, so students see how it’s done.
• Keep boards handy – Post them on the wall, clip one to a binder, or send one home.
• Start small – Focus on a handful of words and build up over time.
• Celebrate every attempt – Whether it’s pointing, choosing, or trying a new word.

Using core words and AAC with high-interest lessons is about making communication fun, meaningful, and motivating. Whether you’re in a classroom, homeschooling, or practicing at home, the goal is always the same: give students the tools they need to be heard.

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