Tier 2 Vocabulary Lists for Grades K-12 - Teach Words that Grow Students

Choosing which academic words to teach can be difficult! Researchers agree that vocabulary instruction should include TIER 2 words to get the most impact on speaking and writing across all settings (and across the curriculum).

After much research, I've compiled lists of words most widely accepted as crucial Tier 2 words and arranged them according to grade levels from K through 12th grade. You can easily print this resource and use it for all subjects. I hope you find these useful!

ABOUT THIS RESOURCE

Tier 1 Vocabulary

Tier 1 vocabulary includes foundational language and common, basic words. Tier 1 words are mostly concrete and rarely have multiple meanings. Most children learn these words easily. Tier 3 are low-frequency words that are very specific to a subject. These include all that content-specific vocabulary (for science, math, ELA, history, etc.). While teaching Tier 3 words are worthwhile in a class such as biology or civics, it's the TIER 2 words that are most useful to students. Tier 2 words are academic words that students will see throughout their schooling all across content areas. Teach those to get the most bang for your buck!

Tier 2 Vocabulary

Tier 2 words are:

• Words students will encounter in all subjects, on tests, and in rich conversations.
• Words that important for comprehension
• Words that may have multiple meanings
• Words that help students sound like mature language users when writing and speaking
• Words that appear across content areas

To learn HOW and WHY we should teach these - as well as methods of research-proven, effective methods for teaching vocabulary, check out my blog series all about vocabulary! Keep checking back for more posts in the series.

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⭐ Thanks for considering this resource for your instruction!

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