Use our Tier 2 Vocabulary List and Definitions to increase 3rd-grade vocabulary and reading skills.
Create Academic Success With a Tier 2 Vocabulary List!
Are you looking for a way to increase your student’s academic success across all content 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 question sets! This year, we’re excited to help you fix that problem by introducing you and your students to Tier two vocabulary words and definitions with a brand new Tier 2 Vocabulary List for Third Grade!
What Are Tier 2 Words?
Tier 2 Words are high-utility words that appear across various subjects and texts, making them essential for student learning. Unlike Tier 1 (basic, everyday language) or Tier 3 (subject-specific terms), Tier 2 words are universal, appearing frequently in written texts but not commonly in spoken language. Explicit instruction of these words helps students understand complex texts, improve their writing, and engage in more meaningful and thoughtful classroom discussions.
This printable Tier 2 Vocabulary List and Definitions resource is designed for third grade and includes:
- 108 carefully selected Tier 2 words aligned with grade-level learning and assessments
- Kid-friendly definitions to help students grasp the meaning
Fun and Easy Ways to Teach Tier 2 Vocabulary Words
There are loads of ways to implement Tier 2 Vocabulary instruction in the classroom! Here are a few of our favorites!
- Word of the Day – Introduce one Tier 2 word each day, discuss its meaning, and challenge students to use it in conversation and writing.
- Word Art – Let students illustrate each Tier 2 Vocabulary Word’s meaning in a creative way—comic strips, word webs, or posters.
- Interactive Word Journals – Have students record each tier 2 word’s definition, use it in a sentence, and draw a picture representation.
- Sticky Note Word Walk – Post tier two words around the room and have students walk around, read each word, and write down its meaning or a sentence using it.
Download Your Tier II Vocabulary List PDF
This vocabulary-building resource is available in two formats.
- Tier II Vocabulary List PDF
- Tier II Vocabulary List Slides (Editable Version)
To download:
- Choose your preferred format (PDF or Google Slides).
- Click the download button.
- Print copies for teacher reference, student reference, or interactive notebooks.
This resource was created by Kendall Britnell, a teacher in Colorado and Teach Starter Collaborator.
Practicing Tier 2 Words Can Be Fun!
Reinforce and make vocabulary learning more fun by pairing these Tier 2 Words and Definitions with these engaging Tier 2 Vocabulary Games and exercises.
teaching resource
Word Power - Vocabulary Comic Strip Graphic Organizer
Expand your students’ vocabulary skills with a printable Vocabulary Comic Strip Graphic Organizer.
teaching resource
Word of the Week (or Day) – Graphic Organizer
Boost your students' vocabulary with this engaging Word of the Week/Word of the Day graphic organizer!
teaching resource
Core Vocabulary Board - Bulletin Board Set
Ignite student interest with fun vocabulary building activities that make learning new words interactive through our core vocabulary board set for a word of the day or week routine!
0 Comments
Write a review to help other teachers and parents like yourself. If you'd like to request a change to this resource, or report an error, select the corresponding tab above.