What are core words?
Core words are the short, common words people use all the time, in almost every situation. Words like I, want, go, more, not and help. Studies of everyday speech have found that a few hundred core words make up most of what people say each day.
The other words are called fringe words. These are mostly nouns that belong to one topic, like banana, swing or grandma. Fringe words matter too, but each one is useful in fewer moments.
Why start with core words?
- They work everywhere. More works for bubbles, crackers, tickles and songs. A single picture of a cracker only works at snack time.
- They do more than request. With core words, people can comment (“like it”), refuse (“not that”), ask for help, and direct what happens (“stop”, “again”).
- They combine. I + want + go builds a sentence, and the same few tiles can build hundreds of them.
20 core words to start with
You don’t need to teach these one at a time. Use them while you talk, all day, and let understanding grow naturally.
| Word | Try it when… |
|---|---|
 I | Talking about yourself: “I like this song.” |
 you | Taking turns: “You go.” |
 want | Making choices: “Do you want juice or water?” |
 need | Getting ready: “We need shoes.” |
 like | Sharing opinions: “I like that!” |
 more | Snacks, tickles, bubbles, swings: anything fun. |
 go | Starting things: “Ready, set, go!” |
 stop | Pausing music, games, or anything unwanted. Always honor it. |
 help | Jars, zips, shoes and tricky toys. |
 play | Inviting: “Let’s play.” |
 eat | Meals and snacks: “Time to eat.” |
 drink | Offering a cup: “Drink?” |
 not | Making corrections: “That’s not mine.” |
 yes | Answering questions, agreeing, celebrating. |
 no | Refusing. A clear “no” is real communication. |
 again | Repeating favorites: songs, spins, jumps. |
 done | Ending a meal, a game, or a hard task. |
 happy | Naming good moments: “You look happy!” |
 sad | Naming hard feelings, gently: “Are you sad?” |
 tired | Bedtime, long days, and after big outings. |
How to model core words in daily routines
Modeling means tapping words on the AAC system while you talk, so the person sees how their words work. Model one or two key words, not every word you say.
Snack time
“Want more?” · “Eat cracker.” · “Drink water.” · “All done.”
Play time
“Ready, set, go!” · “Stop!” · “Again?” · “You turn.” · “I like it.”
Getting dressed
“I help.” · “Need socks.” · “Not that one.” · “Go outside.”
Feelings check-in
“I happy.” · “You tired?” · “Sad. Need hug.”
Don’t worry about perfect grammar while modeling. Short, clear phrases with one or two tapped words are easier to follow, and you can add more words over time.
Why word positions matter
When core words always stay in the same place, people can find them by memory instead of searching every time, the way you type without looking at the keyboard. That’s why TalkTiles keeps core words in predictable positions and puts topic words, like food or animals, in folders around them.
Core words in TalkTiles
The TalkTiles starter board puts core words like I, you, want, need, go, help, more and stop together, next to topic folders for food, people, places, actions, routines and feelings. Words are color-coded by type, so they’re easy to spot. Try the sample board to see how core words build sentences.