Head Over Heels for AAC: How to Teach the Core Word “Can”
From Head to Toe was written by the famous Eric Carle and features his signature illustration style. It is a wonderful book for teaching body part vocabulary, actions and the core word “can”.
The word “can” is used in various ways – making a declaration (e.g., “I can’t do it!”), asking questions (e.g., “Can elephants swim?”), requesting (e.g., “Can I have that?”) and more.
Read the book while modeling “can” on your child’s AAC device. Then try these additional core vocabulary activities…
I Can Move/Gross Motor
From Head to Toe contains a variety of verbs paired with body parts (“I can turn my head”, “I can wave my arms”, etc.). Act out the story as you model core vocabulary.
Take turns coming up with your own actions (e.g., “I can jump. Can you?”).
I Can Sing
Take turns thinking of various actions (e.g., “I can kick!”). Incorporate that vocabulary into the song “If You’re Happy and You Know It” (e.g., “If you’re happy and you know it, kick your legs!”).
I Can See/Animal Hunt
Make binoculars by taping two toilet paper rolls together. Hide toy animals or pictures of animals around the room. Then use the binoculars as you hunt for the animals. Model phrases like “Can you see the dog?”.
I Can Play/Toys
Place all of the pieces from two PotatoHead toys in a basket. Ask your child to help you find specific pieces before you put them on (e.g., “Can you give me the mustache?”).
I Can Eat/Snack
Play with your food! Gather some snack foods of various shapes (e.g., long carrot sticks, round cherry tomatoes) and use them to make a face or even a whole body (e.g., .“The carrots can be the arms!”).
More Core Vocabulary Resources
Can’t get enough core vocabulary? Check out the resources in my Teachers Pay Teachers store.
