Core Language and AAC Resources

Just like academic levels, communication methods in my classroom vary greatly. I have students who are largely verbal, others who use sign language, AAC users and some who use a mix of all of the above! Over the last few years I’ve made a big effort to increase my core language teaching and be better at modeling AAC usage within my instruction and throughout our day. This year, the SLP I’m partnered with has shared some fantastic resources. I combined these with some of my own finds to pass along to anyone who is on the journey of adding more core language into their day. Here are some of my all-time favorite core language and AAC resources to use in the classroom.

Virtual AAC Background

Most of my AAC users have TouchChat, and I have to say, I’m a huge fan. Saltillo has some amazing resources, some I wasn’t even aware of until this year. This Virtual AAC Background is one of them! Saltillo has it as a free download on their website. Follow the link, then go to Lite-Tech Communication Board Options and find the virtual background. This is a static image. When you download it, you can print it, or make it the background of a screen.

With the help of my SLP we added this as a background to my promethean board. This allows me to use the virtual background whole group or even help model during a lesson. The image has no sounds attached to it, so this isn’t a replacement for an AAC, but a great low-tech option, especially if you have a SmartBoard or Promethean Panel.

The Autism Helper Core Language Boards

Speaking of low-tech, this Core Board Set is a must-have for beginning core language learners! I LOVE that this set comes with so many different options for learners. All of these boards fit on regular-sized paper and can be printed again and again. This is key to being able to share core boards with parents, related service providers, general education teachers, and specialists! I love that you can cut them and velco them together too (see below for more info).

Here we used the small board with 12 cells while watching a favorite YouTube video. We practiced ‘more’, ‘turn’ and ‘go’. The medium set has 20 cells and the large set has 56 cells. Each size comes with 4 different options to make the boards personalized to each user.

Saltillo Poster Hack

Our Saltillo rep is outstanding, and our SLPs have a great relationship with them. They passed on two of these free posters to us! We took one, laminated it, then put small velcro pieces on it. Then we took another, laminated it, cut out the word pieces, and put velcro on the back of it. Then we matched the pieces together to make an interactive poster. Don’t have a Saltillo poster laying around? They are free to download on their website! This poster is Word Power 60, but there are other downloads as well, including different language choices.

We hang these posters up around the classroom and in instructional areas. This is a one-on-one table that we use for direct instruction. By having the poster at eye-level and within reach of students, it’s always accessible during lessons. I also love that it’s not on the table. Sometimes I feel like learning materials take over a space and the AAC or core board gets pushed to the side. With the poster hanging up like this and the table right next to it, it’s almost as though the poster has a seat at the table. It’s easy to use and won’t be forgotten or pushed aside. 

Teaching and Planning Resources

Saltillo’s ChatCorner has a ‘Let’s Teach Core’ resource with handouts for each core language word. I printed every single one and have them ready to pull out for our core language word of the week. I use this along with their Core Word of the Day Planners. I combine all of this with my Core Word of the Week resources from The Autism Helper Membership and I have everything I need to plan and implement Core Language within the classroom (PS – if you aren’t a member, get on the waitlist! The member exclusive resources and training videos are AMAZING!!).

The thing I love most about all of these resources are that none of these things are high-tech.They are all simple, affordable and free options available to teachers, SLPs and parents who are looking to broaden communication in their day to day. If you’ve been wanting to try core language or model an AAC and you didn’t know how, here’s your opportunity! If you know of other resources for core language and AAC, please share them in the comments! I’d love to see what you are using in the classroom, in your home or in therapy sessions!