What is the difference between Core Words and core vocabulary?

Core vocabulary is the small set of flexible, frequently used words that make up much of everyday communication. You may also hear it called core vocab. Core Words is Gwen's name for the practical resources she creates to help adults model those useful words with young children. The ideas are connected, but Core Words refers to Gwen's resource collection rather than a different vocabulary system.

Who are Core Stories for?

Core Stories are designed for speech-language pathologists, educators, support staff, and families working with young children, generally ages 2–7. They can support children who are developing spoken language, using AAC, or benefiting from repeated language models. Adults can adapt the wording, wait time, and response expectations to each child.

How does the five-minute Core Story activity work?

Choose one Core Word, read its short and predictable story, model the word as it appears, and pause for a few simple questions or comments. The story is a focused literacy anchor, not the whole session. In about five minutes, you establish a shared context and give the child repeated chances to see or hear one useful word modeled.

How do Core Stories lead into play?

After the story, move into a familiar toy, routine, sensory activity, or child-led play. Keep modeling the same word naturally while you act, comment, request, protest, or take turns. Each story includes simple activity ideas so the transition feels practical rather than like a separate lesson.

What is included in the 53-story bundle?

The foundational bundle includes 53 short, repeatable Core Stories, with one or two Core Words emphasized in each story. It also includes supplemental activity ideas, an annual Core Words Calendar with a suggested weekly sequence, and the matching 53-pack of Core Word Tip Sheets for school and home carryover.

A practical guide for SLPs, educators, and families

Core Words, Core Vocabulary, and a Simple Place to Start

A five-minute Core Story gives you a shared language moment, then helps you carry one useful word straight into child-led play.

One useful word

A short story gives everyone a shared context for modeling one flexible Core Word.

About five minutes

Read, model, pause, and respond without turning the activity into a long lesson.

Model in Play

Use the same word with favorite toys, everyday routines, and child-led play.

Start with the language, not the product

Core vocabulary is the small group of high-frequency, flexible words people use throughout the day. Clinicians and educators often shorten the phrase to core vocab. Words such as go, more, help, and not can work across many people, places, and activities.

Core Words is Gwen's name for her collection of stories and supports that make this kind of modeling easier to fit into real therapy, classroom, and home routines. The resources do not replace an individualized communication system or clinical judgment; they provide a repeatable starting point for meaningful language modeling.

See inside a Core Story

See how Apples for Anna models the word THERE. Flip through the complete story, activities, and terms, then bring the word into play with your own toys and routines.

Apples for Anna · Complete 17-page digital resource

Page 1 of 17

Read this page’s text

A THERE Core Story Apples for Anna by Mrs. Gwen

Ready to use this story with your learners?

Get the free printable on TPT

The Six-Step Modeling Sequence

A Core Story is designed to be short and repeatable. Here is a simple, structured way to introduce the target word before moving into child-led play.

Choose 1–2 words

Select a target based on the child's needs or your classroom's core vocabulary calendar.

Expressive reading

Read the short story with enthusiasm, pausing naturally to draw attention to the target word.

Natural modeling & expansion

Point to the word in the story, and expand on the phrase slightly.

Gestures, signs & visuals

Use gestures, signs, visual supports, or aided language modeling when they fit the child's communication system.

Choice questions & pauses

Ask simple WH or choice questions, or use an expectant pause to give the child time to process and respond.

Carry into play

Transition smoothly into routines or toys, continuing to model the target word in a functional context.

Building a Weekly Rhythm

A predictable rhythm can make core vocabulary modeling easier to carry across settings. The Core Stories collection organizes a suggested Core Word of the Week routine for teams and families.

The Annual Calendar: Suggests a word to feature each week of the year.
The 53-Pack Bundle: Pairs the suggested sequence with a ready-to-use story for each featured week.
Team Tip Sheets: Share these with staff and families to keep everyone modeling the same word in different environments.

Get the 53-Pack BundlePlan a year of core words Download the Free CalendarIncludes a sample Core Story

One shared language focus across therapy, school, and home

Core Stories can give SLPs, educators, and families a common starting point: a clinician may model a word in therapy, a teacher can notice it in a school routine, and a family can carry it into play or home life. Adapt the words, AAC, visuals, wait time, and response expectations to each child's communication system and goals.

Explore Team Supports

Common questions

Your Core Words Questions, Answered

Ready to Bring One Little Story Into Play?

Browse individual Core Stories, the 53-story foundational bundle, team supports, and a free introduction to Core Stories.

Explore Core Words Resources Read the Sound Stories Guide