Lesson 8: Adapting Books with Core Words

Adapting Books with Core Words

Books are a powerful, natural way to teach and reinforce core vocabulary because they surround students with meaningful, repeatable language in a context that feels engaging rather than instructional. When adults model core words, like go, look, want, help, more, on an AAC system while reading, students see how these high‑frequency words apply across characters, actions, and events. Repeated readings make the language predictable, giving learners multiple chances to hear, see, and try the same words in slightly different ways. Books also invite interaction: students can request a page turn, comment on pictures, direct actions, or share preferences using the same core words they’re learning. Over time, this consistent modeling during shared reading helps students build flexible, functional communication skills that carry over into play, routines, and academic activities. 

a book with the core word down and an arrow on the page of a book.

Possible Activities: 

  • Find a book that matches the word of the week 
  • Highlight the word of the week on pages of the book 
  • Read the book often (e.g., every day for a week) OR 
  • Emphasize the core word of the week when reading 
  • Find additional books that emphasizes the word of the week 
  • Match the word of the week from the book to the word on the core board ( classroom board of the student’s core board)  
  • Make sentences with the word of the week related to the story read 

Reading with Core and Fringe:

Additional supports to consider relate to how a student will access reading.  An adapted version of the text can be used during lesson activities to reinforce the specific vocabulary concepts related to the main idea of the chapter.  

Make sure the adapted text carries the focused ideas of the original text.  For example: if you are summarizing text based on setting, ensure the adapted text has all the key elements to identify each setting within the major events of that chapter. 

Adapted books can be found at Monarch Reader and can be created easily with images and your own words. 

Literacy with Core and Fringe 

Watch these short videos about literacy with Core and Fringe