K-3 Vocabulary Development
Presented by: The Literacy Team
Overview:
What are Tier I, Tier II,
and Tier III Words?
Different Types of Words:
Tier
I Words: Everyday, basic words your
child already knows and uses (i.e. big).
Tier II Words: “Fancy” words that are
more sophisticated. These words can
often be more of a challenge for your child
(i.e. enormous).
Tier III Words: Content-specific words
(temperature).
Strategy 1: Read Alouds
. For each book, highlighting tape is utilized
to focus on selected vocabulary words.
These words are then discussed and
explained in detail.
Partner Reading
These students are re-reading the read
aloud books with a partner practicing
new vocabulary words.
Strategy #2 Vocabulary Cards


Tier II Words: Students write the tier II (“fancy”) word on
one side of the index card and it’s “everyday” meaning on the
back of the index card. (i.e. “big” on one side, “enormous” on
the other side) Pictures can be used for further support.
Tier III Words: Students write vocabulary words on index
cards. On additional index cards, the students draw pictures to
illustrate the meaning of the words (i.e. on one index card the
word “thermometer" is written.) On a second index card the
picture of a thermometer is drawn. These cards can be used for
a matching game.
Vocabulary Cards

These are the index cards the
students created for their
new vocabulary words.
Strategy #3: Sentence Writing
Students write sentences using their newly acquired
words to demonstrate understanding of their
meaning
.
Sentence Writing in Action
The student is writing
sentences using the new
vocabulary words
Strategy # 4: Instructional Charts


This is an example of one
of the teacher-created
instructional charts.
The students are
practicing reading the
“fancy” words with their
“everyday” meanings.
Strategy #5: Sentence Frame Activity
A sentence is typed and displayed using the
Smartboard. In each of the sentences, one of the
"fancy" words will be missing. The target words
will be placed into a word box. Students will come
up to the Smartboard, and drag the appropriate
vocabulary word into the blank spaces.
Smart Board Sentence Frame Activity


The children are reading
the sentences that are
missing the target
vocabulary words.
The students have a chance
to come up to click the
correct word that fills in
the blank.
What Can You Do At Home?
1.
Read with your child every night!
2. Make vocabulary cards for daily
practice (flashcards, memory game,
etc.).
3. Practice using new words in
sentences (orally, written or both).
4. Have Fun! 
Useful Websites
Bookflix.com
LiteracyCenter.net
Password:
esl-kids.com
Username:ps242q
bookflix
esldesk.com
 Learninggamesforkids.
com
Any Questions?