One of the most common questions we hear from new AAC families is: "I downloaded the app. Now what do I put on the boards?"
Starting from a blank grid is intimidating. You know your child needs words, but choosing which words, organizing them into categories, and building a layout that makes sense takes time and expertise that most families don't have on day one.
That's why we built vocabulary packs.
What Are Vocabulary Packs?
Vocabulary packs are pre-built communication boards designed around specific routines and activities. Each pack comes with a curated set of words, organized in a layout that's ready to use immediately.
You can import a pack in a few taps. The words, symbols, and board structure are all set up for you. From there, you can use it as-is or customize it to fit your child's specific needs.
The 8 Packs
SabiKo includes 8 vocabulary packs covering the routines and situations where AAC practice happens most naturally. Each pack uses a 3x4 grid layout with 10 to 12 words.
Mealtime
Words for eating, drinking, and table items. Includes: hungry, eat, drink, more, all done, spoon, fork, plate, cup, yummy, yucky.
This is the pack we recommend starting with. Meals happen multiple times a day, your child is motivated by food, and the structure is naturally repetitive.
Bathroom Routine
Words for toileting, hand washing, and bathing. Includes: potty, wash hands, brush teeth, flush, soap, towel, bath, shower, diaper, toothbrush.
A focused set for one of the best AAC modeling routines. The repetitive nature of bathroom routines makes them ideal for building vocabulary.
Playground
Words for outdoor play and sharing. Includes: swing, slide, climb, jump, run, sand pit, turn, push, pull, share, catch, throw.
Getting Dressed
Words for clothing and dressing routines. Includes: shirt, pants, shoes, socks, jacket, hat, zip, button, on, off, help, pick.
Morning and bedtime dressing routines are great opportunities for modeling because they happen every day and involve the same sequence of steps.
Bedtime
Words for bedtime routine and comfort. Includes: tired, sleep, bed, blanket, pillow, hug, goodnight, dream, light, off, night.
This pack uses custom SabiKo illustrations designed specifically for bedtime vocabulary, giving the words a warm, cozy feel that matches the routine.
Classroom
Words for school activities and supplies. Includes: sit down, stand up, listen, read, write, draw, color, cut, glue, paper, pencil, teacher.
Designed for classroom use and collaboration with teachers. Share this pack's layout with your child's school team so everyone uses the same vocabulary.
Feelings Check-in
Words for expressing emotions and mood. Includes: happy, sad, angry, scared, worried, excited, tired, calm, frustrated, proud, shy, confused.
Helping children identify and communicate their emotions is one of the most impactful uses of AAC. This pack gives them 12 feeling words to start with.
Doctor Visit
Words for medical visits and feeling unwell. Includes: hurt, where, medicine, thermometer, stethoscope, wait, better, sick, tummy, head, doctor.
Medical appointments can be stressful for any child, especially one who can't tell the doctor what hurts. This pack gives them the vocabulary to participate in their own care.
How to Import a Pack
- Open your communication board (the home screen your child uses)
- Tap the pencil icon and enter your PIN to switch into edit mode
- Tap any empty tile on the board
- In the add content panel, select Vocabulary Packs
- Pick a specific word from a pack, or import the entire folder onto the board
The whole process takes about 30 seconds per pack. You can import words one at a time if you want to build the board gradually, or pull in a full pack all at once to get started quickly.
Everything you import is fully editable. You can move tiles around, remove words you don't need, change grid sizes, and add your own symbols on top. Think of packs as a starting point, not a final product.
How Vocabulary Packs Are Built
We didn't just guess at which words to include. Each pack was designed using research on core vocabulary and input from speech-language pathologists.
The process:
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Core word foundation. Every pack starts with a base of high-frequency core words (more, want, stop, go, help, yes, no) that research shows account for the majority of everyday communication.
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Context-specific fringe words. We added nouns and verbs specific to each routine, prioritized by how often they come up in that context.
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SLP review. Each pack was reviewed by practicing SLPs who work with AAC users daily. They flagged missing words, suggested layout improvements, and tested the packs with real families.
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Layout optimization. Words are arranged with the most frequently used items in the easiest-to-reach positions. Core words stay consistent across packs so your child develops reliable motor plans.
Tips for Using Vocabulary Packs
Start with one pack. Don't import all eight at once. Pick the routine where your child is most engaged (usually meals) and use that pack for a week or two before adding another.
Model before you expect. A new pack is a new set of words your child hasn't seen before. Spend the first week modeling the key words yourself during the routine. Don't hand the device to your child and wait.
Customize after you've used it. Live with a pack for a few days before changing it. You'll quickly notice which words you use constantly and which ones you never touch. Edit based on real usage, not guesses.
Add your child's favorites. Every child has specific interests that no general pack will cover. If your child is obsessed with dinosaurs, add "dinosaur" to the Playground pack. If they love yogurt, add it to the Mealtime pack.
Share with other caregivers. If your child's grandparent, babysitter, or teacher will be using the device, show them the pack layout. Consistency across communication partners is one of the strongest predictors of AAC progress.
Available in 5 Languages
All 8 vocabulary packs are available in English, Spanish, French, German, and Portuguese (Brazilian). The translations aren't word-for-word substitutions. Each language version was adapted to reflect natural vocabulary for that language, including culturally relevant terms and common phrases.
Part of SabiKo Pro
Vocabulary packs are a SabiKo Pro feature, available with a subscription ($29.99/year) or a one-time purchase ($79.99 lifetime). All 8 packs with 91 words across 5 languages are included.
As we add new packs and refine existing ones based on feedback from families and SLPs, Pro users get every update automatically.
Get Started
Download SabiKo and upgrade to Pro to access all 8 vocabulary packs. Your child's communication boards don't have to start from scratch.
Download SabiKo and get pre-built vocabulary boards for every routine in seconds.