Introduction
Here at ThinkPsych, we know that teachers and parents are always looking for free printable resources to use in ABA therapy with their kids. This resource is a printable language tracker to be used with early learners in ABA. It includes a list of fifty first words that are perfect targets to start an ABA verbal language program. They are divided into five categories:
- 15 Food Items
- 15 Household Items
- 10 Animals
- 5 Toys
- 5 Clothing Items
Each item then has a column for receptive identification (listener responding), expressive identification (tacting), and feature/function/class identification.

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter to download
our free 50 First Words Language Tracker.
How To Use
The Language Tracker is divided into 50 rows of nouns and five columns. To use this tool, simply mark down the date that the child masters the target skill. Here is an explanation of each column:
- Receptive ID – Student can identify picture by pointing within an array of 3 or more cards.
- Expressive ID – Student can identify picture verbally or by using an alternative means of communication (e.g., PECS, iPad, etc.)
- Feature/Function/Class – Student can identify picture by associated features, functions, or classes.
Example of Completed Data Sheet

If you need pictures to help teach your student these early words, we published a set of 150 flash cards that go along with this 50 First Words Language Tracker. There are three examples of each noun to promote generalization. Click to read more about our First Nouns Language Learning Picture Flash Cards.