Lesson 9: Core & Music
Core vocabulary can be naturally and powerfully incorporated into music activities by intentionally selecting and modeling high-frequency words within songs, movement, and instrument play. Words such as go, stop, more, again, like, you, I, and turn can be embedded as students sing, clap, dance, or play instruments, creating repeated and meaningful communication opportunities.
Team members can pause songs to model and wait for students to communicate “more” or “again,” use “go” and “stop” to control tempo and movement, and model “I like” or “you play” during turn-taking. Because music is motivating, rhythmic, and predictable, it supports engagement and makes core vocabulary accessible across ability levels, allowing students to practice functional communication in a joyful, inclusive context.
Watch it in action:
This video demonstrates how core vocabulary can easily be paired with music. This is an effective method that students will enjoy.
“Eat it” by “Weird Al” Yankovic
