How to use tier 2 words to build your child's vocabulary

What Are Tier 2 Words?

Tier 2 vocabulary words are high-utility academic terms that appear frequently across books, classroom instructions, and standardized tests. Unlike simple everyday words ("dog," "run," "happy") or highly specialized terms ("isotope," "legislature"), Tier 2 words are often:

• Found in written texts but not frequently used in everyday speech

• Key to understanding instructions, assignments, and comprehension questions

• Transferable across subjects like reading, math, science, and social studies

These words help students express ideas precisely and interpret questions accurately. Think of Tier 2 words as the "glue language" that strengthens fluency and bridges to deeper learning.

📊 Tier 2 Vocabulary Samples & Questions (Grades 1–4)

Here’s a progression chart that shows sample Tier 2 words and how questions might look from early elementary through fourth grade:

Grade	Sample Tier 2 Words	Sample Question Format	Skill Target
1st	curious, respond, clever, brave		Basic definition recall
2nd	generous, explain, discuss, complete	What does “generous” mean in this sentence? “She gave her toys to others because she was generous.” A. selfish  B. helpful C. excited D. tired	Meaning in context
3rd	observe, detail, describe, increase	Which word means “to look closely at something”?   A. ignore  B. observe C. yell D. guess	Word meaning + reasoning
4th	conclude, predict, compare, support	Which word means “to decide something based on what you read”?  A. conclude B. entertain C. create D. remind	Abstract word reasoning

💡 Why It Matters for Literacy Growth

Mastering Tier 2 words gives students the language flexibility to read instructions carefully, interpret passages, and write with accuracy.