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Core Vocabulary: Choosing the First 40 Words That Do the Most Work

A practical starter list, why “more” and “help” beat nouns, and how to expand without overwhelming the communication book.

Dana Whitfield, M.S., CCC-SLP · Speech-Language PathologistApril 9, 2026 7 min read
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A communication book with sixty snack pictures and no core words can request cookies beautifully and do almost nothing else. Core vocabulary — a small set of high-frequency, flexible words — carries the majority of everyday communication for every speaker, including us.

Start with function, not category

  • Regulate others: more, help, stop, go, my turn.
  • Reject and end: no, all done, break.
  • Comment and share: like, look, feel, big, again.
  • Then add the five to ten motivating nouns that matter most today.

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Educational content only. PECSConnect articles are general information for caregivers and professionals. They are not medical, diagnostic, or therapeutic advice. Always follow the plan set by your child's team.