Core vocabulary refers to the words we use all the time, in different situations, to talk about lots of different things (e.g. “I”, “go”, “want”, “this”, “is”, “of”). These useful words make up 80% of the phrases and sentences we speak.

The rest of what we say is made up of fringe vocabulary. These are the more specific words we use when we talk about certain things, like “horse”, “cloud”, “tomato” or “computer”.

The consistent core vocabulary in Super Core gives you a powerful way to communicate. You can select single words, build phrases and sentences, use smart grammar and next word suggestions – all without leaving the home screen.

Super Core uses dynamic columns to combine core words with activity-specific fringe vocabulary that focuses on real-life situations, everyday routines and play.

These two columns jump to a selection of useful grids, each filled with vocabulary for talking about daily activities, feelings, places, positions, time, school and more.

There are over 1,000 fringe words to discover in the topic grids. Each topic is organised semantically (by meaning) to help learners quickly find the words they need.

For example, you’ll find vehicles that fly grouped together in one column of the vehicles grid, and those that go on water in another.

When you add Super Core for the first time, you will be given the choice to select Child or Teen and Adult Super Core. This allows you to choose the most appropriate vocabulary for the user.

It also means that as a user gets older there is the option to expand their vocabulary when they are ready.

The Core and Extended Core remain the same between both. The key differences are within the Dynamic columns and the Topics grids.

Child

• Frequency-based core vocabulary
• Focus on fun and familiar play activities e.g. bubbles and cars
• Pre-stored messages for quick communication
• Language for daily routines, e.g. washing and dressing
• Child-friendly vocabulary for a range of topics

Teen and adult

• Frequency-based core vocabulary
• Focus on activities of daily living and leisure, e.g. hanging out
• Editable phrase lists for increased independence
• Additional language for adult topics, e.g. social care
• Explicit language for adult use, e.g. swearing

Language

Super Core is full of features to support language development, learning and literacy.

It focuses on the most functional, high frequency words that we use all the time – with single words, letters and phrases to support spontaneous, flexible and fast communication.

There are powerful tools for speed and grammar, enabling you to quickly build phrases, communicate meaning and explore grammatical structures.

Careful symbol selection combines the visually clearest and most easily explained symbols with those that are commonly used in special schools and those that are most relatable to a child’s everyday experiences.

Learning

Super Core focuses on learning language through functional and motivating activities, with words repeated across grids to support learning in a range of contexts and scenarios. Where possible, if a word appears in multiple grids, it will appear in the same place.

The core vocabulary uses the Fitzgerald key layout and colour coding, to organise the different parts of speech and help users find the words they need to build their sentences. Words are also grouped together semantically, to help children find the words they need by meaning. You can read more about this in our Getting Started guide.

Literacy

Super Core includes a phonetic keyboard for learners at any level of literacy development to explore letters and sounds. You can also access a range of other keyboards, including keyboards with prediction cells that you can introduce when appropriate.

Symbols are used selectively to encourage whole word learning for words that are harder to represent (e.g. the, a, of, but, could).

Reading is emphasised throughout Super Core, in daily, play and leisure activities, and education grids. You’ll also find story book vocabulary and phrases alongside core words, supporting learners to join in with story book reading.

Support materials and help

Find everything you need to support Super Core including manuals, communication boards, articles and more at the Smartbox Hub.

Super Core on the Smartbox Hub