If you’re a parent or caregiver of a child who is nonverbal or has speech delays, you may wonder, “How can I help my child communicate their needs and wants?“ or “What tools are available to support my child’s language development?”
Enter core boards – simple yet powerful communication tools designed to give individuals with limited verbal skills a voice. Core boards empower users to participate in meaningful interactions and take charge of their communication by providing a structured set of frequently used words and symbols.
But what exactly is a core board, and how can it benefit your child? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the world of core boards, their structure, benefits, and how to incorporate them effectively into your child’s communication journey.
What is a Core Board?
A core board is a grid of pictures and words organized by part of speech and consisting of words that are part of daily vocabulary. It is a low-tech Augmented and Alternative Communication (AAC) that can be used alone or with other AAC tools.
Core boards are a specific type of Manual Communication Board (MCB) that focuses on a small set of essential words, often called “core vocabulary.”
These core words are the most frequently used and can be combined to create many messages. Core boards can also include fringe vocabulary (additional symbols that can be attached) to expand communication as the child progresses.
How Do Core Boards Work?
Core boards help users communicate when they struggle with expressive and receptive language skills. A key aspect is the emphasis on modeling by communication partners. Adults actively model using the core board by pointing to symbols and speaking the corresponding words. Modeling helps users understand the connection between symbols and meanings and learn to use the board to express themselves.
For example, during play, an adult might point to the “want” symbol while saying, “I want the ball,” and then hand the ball to the child. This exchange demonstrates how to use the core board to make a request. Over time, as the child becomes more familiar with the symbols, they can use the core board independently to communicate their wants and needs.
Modeling is done at a level slightly above the child’s current skills. For instance, if a child is using single words like “ball” or “want,” the adult might model two-word phrases such as “want ball” or “my ball.” This scaffolding approach helps the child gradually expand their language skills by providing a model that is just beyond their current level of proficiency.
If a child is using two-word phrases, the adult might model three-word phrases, and so on. By consistently providing slightly more advanced models, the child can improve their understanding of complex language structures, which they can incorporate into their communication over time.
Core boards also enable aided language stimulation, which involves pointing to symbols while speaking the corresponding words, providing the child with a visual representation of the language used. For example, the adult might point to the “want” symbol while saying, “I want the ball.” This exercise helps the child associate the symbol with the spoken word.
Benefits of Core Boards
Core boards empower people of all ages, especially those who are non-verbal or have speech delays, to take charge of their communication. They can become a launchpad for expressing basic needs, wants, and ideas.
Here are the benefits of using core boards:
- Empowerment: Give non-verbal individuals a voice and more control over communication.
- Independence: Promote self-expression for basic needs, wants, and ideas.
- Affordability & Accessibility: Low-tech and easy to create or purchase.
- Portability: Use the board anywhere, fostering communication in various settings.
- Simple to Use: Easy-to-understand symbols make communication clear for the user and the partner.
- Building Block for Language: Visual cues can support language development over time.
- Foundation for AAC: Core vocabulary can be used with high-tech AAC systems later.
- Customizable: Can be tailored to individual interests and needs.
- Growth Potential: Add new symbols as communication skills develop.
By combining core words, users can build more complex messages, increasing their ability to participate in conversations and social interactions. The visual nature of the boards can also be a stepping stone for developing language skills over time.
Disadvantages of Core Boards?
While core boards offer a fantastic way to boost communication, there are some limitations to consider:
- Limited Vocabulary: With an average of 30-77 symbols, core boards can only express some things. Complex ideas or specific details might be difficult to convey.
- Time-Consuming Use: Finding the most ideal symbol, especially abstract concepts, can take time and slow communication.
- Reliance on Partner: Understanding the chosen symbols requires a supportive partner who can interpret the message.
- Limited Independence: For complex messages, users might still need assistance to combine symbols effectively.
- Not for Everyone: Some individuals benefit more from high-tech AAC options that offer synthesized speech or a more expansive vocabulary.
How to Make a Core Board
Creating a core board tailored to your child’s needs can be a rewarding and impactful project. Here’s a simple guide to help you get started:
1. Choose a Color-Coded System: Core boards often use color coding to help categorize and organize words. A popular method is the Modified Fitzgerald Key:
- Yellow: Pronouns
- Orange: Nouns
- Green: Verbs
- Blue: Adjectives
- Pink: Prepositions and social words
- Purple: Questions
- Red: Negation and important words
- White: Conjunctions
- Grey: Determiners
2. Select Core Vocabulary: Write (by hand or digitally) frequently used core words, such as “I,” “want,” and “more.” Focus on frequently used, versatile words that are meaningful and relevant to your child’s daily life. This foundational vocabulary will support a wide range of communication needs.
3. Design and Customize: Create a grid (by hand or digitally). A common grid is 11 x 7 symbols on 11 x 8.5-inch paper. Following your chosen color-coding system, organize the selected words on the grid. Customization is key—add fringe vocabulary (additional, less frequently used words) as needed.
Download Your Free Core Board: To make getting started easier, we’ve created a FREE 77-symbol core board that you can download and print. This starter board is designed to be user-friendly and effective for various communication needs.
Subscribe to our free newsletter to get your free printable core board.
Following these steps, you can create a core board that helps your child communicate more effectively and confidently. Start with a few essential words and gradually expand as your child’s skills develop. For personalized advice, consider consulting with a speech-language pathologist (SLP).
How to Introduce a Core Board
Consulting with a speech-language pathologist (SLP) is essential for personalized guidance tailored to your child’s unique communication needs. An SLP can help you:
- Customize the Core Board: They can recommend specific words and symbols that align with your child’s interests and daily activities.
- Provide Expert Modeling Techniques: Learn effective strategies for using and teaching the core board, ensuring your child maximizes its benefits.
- Monitor Progress and Adjust: An SLP can track your child’s progress and adjust the board and strategies as your child develops.
- Offer Professional Support: Access professional insights and resources to enhance your child’s communication journey.
Working with an SLP ensures your child receives the most effective and supportive communication tools tailored to their needs. However, if you are waiting for access to an SLP and want to get started right away, here’s a simple DIY guide to get you started:
Start Modeling
Begin using the core board in your daily interactions with your child. Modeling involves pointing to symbols on the board while speaking the corresponding words. For example, if you offer your child a snack, you might point to the “want” symbol and say, “Do you want a snack?” This practice helps your child understand the connection between the symbols and spoken language.
Consistently modeling how to use the core board in various situations will encourage your child to mimic this behavior and use it themselves. Gradually introduce more words and phrases, and always provide positive reinforcement to build your child’s confidence in using the board.
Make the Board Visible and Accessible
As the saying goes, “Out of sight, out of mind.” So, to keep a core board in your child’s field of view. It’s essential to keep it visible and easily accessible. You can place core boards in several locations, such as on the fridge, playroom, or in a binder or folder. They come in different sizes and can be accessed and used in many places.
Gradually Introduce Words
When starting, keep it simple. Begin by modeling a few words at a time. Even only modeling one word at a time is a stepping stone for children with speech delays. Some parents have reported that finding a motivating activity has helped their child learn to use the core board.
As your child naturally uses the words you modeled, repeat the process and introduce more words. Circling targeting words can make it easier for users to find.
Incorporating core boards into your child’s daily routine can significantly enhance their communication ability. These boards are simple yet powerful tools that provide a foundation for language development and social interaction.
Ready to empower your child to communicate more effectively? Download your free core board now!
