Create Academic Success With a Tier Two Vocabulary List!

Are you looking for a way to enhance your student’s academic success across all learning areas? If so, we can help! As teachers, we’ve all seen students struggle with assessments simply because they don’t understand the vocabulary used in the questions. This year, we’re excited to help you tackle that challenge by introducing you and your students to Tier Two vocabulary words and definitions with a brand-new Tier Two Vocabulary List for Year 3!

What Are Tier 2 Vocabulary Words?

Tier 2 vocabulary words are high-utility words that appear across a range of subjects and texts, making them essential for student learning. Unlike Tier 1 words (basic, everyday language) or Tier 3 words (subject-specific terms), Tier 2 vocabulary words are universal, frequently appearing in written texts but not commonly used in spoken language. Explicit instruction of these words helps students comprehend complex texts, improve their writing, and engage in more meaningful and thoughtful classroom discussions.

This printable Tier 2 Vocabulary Words List and Definitions resource is designed for Year 3 and includes:

• 108 carefully selected Tier 2 words aligned with year-level learning and assessments
• Kid-friendly definitions to help students grasp each word’s meaning

Fun and Easy Ways to Teach Tier II Vocabulary 

There are plenty of ways to implement Tier II vocabulary instruction in the classroom! Here are a few of our favourites:

• Word of the Day – Introduce one Tier II word each day, discuss its meaning, and challenge students to use it in conversation and writing.
• Word Art – Let students illustrate each Tier II word’s meaning creatively—comic strips, word webs, or posters.
• Interactive Word Journals – Have students record each Tier II vocabulary word’s definition, use it in a sentence, and draw a picture representation.
• Sticky Note Word Walk – Post Tier II words around the room and have students walk around, read each word, and write down its meaning or use it in a sentence.

Download Your Tier 2 Vocabulary List PDF

This vocabulary-building resource is available in two formats:

• Tier 2 Vocabulary List PDF
• Tier 2 Vocabulary List Slides (Editable Version)

To download:

1️⃣ Choose your preferred format (PDF or Google Slides).

2️⃣ Click the download button.

3️⃣ Print copies for teacher reference, student reference, or interactive notebooks.

This resource was created by Kendall Britnell, a teacher and Teach Starter Collaborator.

Practising Tier 2 Vocab Can Be Fun!

Make vocabulary learning more engaging by pairing these Tier 2 vocab words and definitions with these Tier 2 vocabulary games and exercises.

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