Robust Tier 2 Vocabulary Cards: Level 1
Congratulations on your purchase of the Really Good
Stuff® Robust Tier 2 Vocabulary Cards:
Level 1—a powerful tool for critical vocabulary
instruction.
Meeting Common Core State Standards
The Really Good Stuff® Robust Tier 2 Vocabulary
Cards aligns with the following English Language
Arts Standards:
Vocabulary Acquisition and Use
L.2.4, L.3.4 Determine or clarify the meaning of
unknown and multiple-meaning words and phrases
based on grade-level reading and content, choosing
flexibly from an array of strategies.
a. Use sentence-level context as a clue to the
meaning of a word or phrase.
L.2.5, L3.5 Demonstrate understanding of figurative
language, word relationships, and nuances in word
meanings.
L.2.5 a. Identify real-life connections between
words and their use (e.g., describe foods that are
spicy or juicy).
L.3.5. b. Identify real-life connections between
words and their use (e.g., describe people who are
friendly or helpful).
L.3.6 Acquire and use accurately grade-appropriate
conversational, general academic, and domain
specific words and phrases, including those that
signal spatial and temporal relationships.
Managing the Robust Tier 2 Vocabulary Cards:
Level 1
• Cut apart the sample Sentence Strips (see
reproducible) and place them in alphabetical order.
• Place the cards in alphabetical order, and store
them with the Really Good Stuff® Teaching
Guide and Sentence Strips in a bag.
• Visit our Web site at www.reallygoodstuff.com to
download Really Good Stuff® Teaching Guides.
Introducing the Robust Tier 2 Vocabulary Cards:
Level 1
Instruction geared toward Tier 2 words can be the
most productive because these words are frequently
encountered across a variety of domains and are
critical to text comprehension. This vocabulary
set gives students real-world context through
photography, along with student-friendly definitions
and lists of related words.
This Really Good Stuff® product includes:
• 35 Robust Tier 2 Vocabulary Cards
• This Really Good Stuff® Teaching Guide
To read and understand complex text, students
must be able to comprehend critical vocabulary. This
set of Robust Tier 2 Vocabulary Cards features Tier
2 words, or general academic words that children
will encounter across subject areas in their reading.
Chosen because of their utility and complexity,
these words are just a sampling of those needed for
grades 2-3 and should be added and expanded upon.
The strategies introduced here can be used for any
explicit vocabulary instruction.
The back of the cards is divided into three sections
that should be used to deepen the understanding of
the target words:
1. A sample sentence related to the photo.
2. A personal connection question.
3.A Question – Reason – Example (QRE) section
in which students must use critical thinking
skills to demonstrate understanding of the
target word.
All teaching guides can be found online.
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Difference®
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®
Robust Tier 2 Vocabulary Cards: Level 1
If you choose to post the photo side of the
Vocabulary Card on a wall, or find it cumbersome
to look on the back during instruction, you can
find all card-back information in the Robust Tier 2
Vocabulary Reproducible.
How to Use the Robust Tier 2 Vocabulary Cards:
Level 1
Introduce and teach Tier 2 vocabulary in a
consistent, explicit way. Follow the steps below
introducing one word per week.
Day 1
1.Introduce the target word: Hold up the photo
side of the Vocabulary Card and pronounce the
target word.
2.Read the sample sentence on the back, and
ask students what they think the word means.
(If you opt to have students complete the
sentence starter rather than use the sample
sentence, continue to Step 3 and then have
students complete the sentences. See page 3
for a complete list of the Sentence Starters.)
3.Give a brief explanation or definition of the word.
4.Talk about words that are related to the
target word, and review the provided list on
the front of the card. Call attention to words
with a different part of speech, and talk about
how that affects meaning.
5.Place the Vocabulary Card and its
corresponding sample Sentence Strip in a
pocket chart.
6.Have students record the word in a journal,
along with their own definitions, related words,
sentences, and illustrations.
Day 2
7.Review the word, definition, and sentence from
Day 1.
8.Ask the Personal Connection question on the
back of the card. Give students time to answer
aloud or have them partner up and take turns
asking and answering the questions.
9.Check for understanding: Read the Question,
Reason, and Example section (QRE) aloud to
further explore the meaning of the target word.
Have students generate additional examples
and non-examples.
Days 3-5
10.Post the target Vocabulary Card on a word
wall to give students a constant visual,
and use it to engage them in the following
activities:
• Have students generate synonyms of the
target word and post them next to the
target word.
• Invite students to find and post additional
images of the target word.
• Task students to find the target word
used in context (in a magazine, book, or
newspaper) and to bring it in to share with
classmates.
• Challenge students to use the target word in
their own writing and speech.
Related Really Good Stuff® Products
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Academic Vocabulary Journals (#305268)
Academic Vocabulary: Grade 3 Language Arts
Cards (#305201)
Academic Vocabulary Language Arts Question
Cards (#305520)
Vocabulary Flip Chart (#305635)
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Robust Tier 2 Vocabulary Cards: Level 1
Sentence Starters
Use these sentence starters to get students thinking about the target word and how it relates to the photo. Start
the activity by having students complete the sentences in pairs or on their own. Have them read their sentences
aloud, make illustrations, and post them on the wall alongside the target word.
1. Lily lost her ice cream by accident and was glad that…
2. The two boys agree to…
3. As soon as the family arrived at the island, they…
4. Although a few asteroids are shaped like spheres, most…
5. A sure way to get Miya’s attention is to…
6. When the pilot opened the valve, a huge blast of hot air and flame…
7. The dog bounded across the field and quickly…
8. Once you find the right tree and a sturdy branch, you can…
9. Alek hit the center of the target even though…
10. My dad worked all morning to clear the sidewalk after…
11. Sitting on the edge of the cliff and looking out over the valley made Omar feel…
12. When a bobcat corners a raccoon, the raccoon…
13. Young people crowded the room to…
14. When it’s foggy and damp, Lorena…
15. The workers demolished the old apartment building because…
16. As a natural enemy of the mouse, the cat stood ready to…
17. My sister needs to take out some of the excess clothes from her suitcase or…
18. Marcus did not realize how famous he had become until…
19. The giant waves from the tsunami flooded the city streets and made it impossible for people to…
20.In order to have fresh towels, my family…
21. Whenever my brother and I watch a movie that frightens us, he takes all the pillows and I…
22.The music suddenly harmed my sister’s ears, but I had only…
23. Because Ben was hasty in answering the questions, he…
24. During the hot, dry season, zebra herds travel miles to…
25. Although the island is small,…
26.Mariana felt lonely because…
27. As Nicholas waved his flags at the marching band in the parade, he thought about…
28.With such a plentiful selection of fruit and vegetables at the market, we could…
29.Through experiment, the chemist proved that…
30.Although she had eaten it the morning before, the little girl refused to…
31. Pablo showed great skill in front of the judges and was accepted into…
32.Walking on the beach, we found a pile of smooth white pebbles that looked like…
33.Every day Rick soils his clothes by…
34.That snail is so tiny that…
35.Living in a small village makes it possible to…
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Sentence Strip Reproducible
Lily lost her ice cream by accident and was glad
that it was no one’s fault.
The two boys agree to take turns riding the horse
at the farm.
As soon as the family arrived at the island, they
grabbed their bags and quickly headed for
the shore.
Although a few asteroids are shaped liked spheres,
most are irregularly shaped and have craters.
A sure way to get Miya’s attention is to read to her
in a funny voice and show her colorful illustrations.
When the pilot opened the valve, a huge blast of
hot air and flame lifted the balloon, and off we
went.
4 Helping Teachers Make A Difference®
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Sentence Strip Reproducible
The dog bounded across the field and quickly
caught up with his owner.
Once you find the right tree and a sturdy branch,
you can make a fun swing using a tire and some
rope.
Alek hit the center of the target even though
it was only his second time at the archery range.
My dad worked all morning to clear the sidewalk
after the powerful blizzard.
Sitting on the edge of the cliff and looking out over
the valley made Omar feel as if he were on top of
the world.
When a bobcat corners a raccoon, the raccoon
reacts aggressively, using its sharp claws and teeth
to defend itself.
Helping Teachers Make A Difference®
© 2013 Really Good Stuff® 1-800-366-1920 www.reallygoodstuff.com Made in China #305630
5
Sentence Strip Reproducible
Young people crowded the room to cheer on their
favorite singer in the competition.
When it’s foggy and damp, Lorena wears boots
and a long coat to cross the bridge.
The workers demolished the old apartment
building because it was no longer safe.
As a natural enemy of the mouse, the cat stood
ready to pounce at any moment.
My sister needs to take out some of the excess
clothes from her suitcase or get a bigger suitcase.
Marcus did not realize how famous he had become
until he saw the long line of kids waiting for his
autograph.
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Sentence Strip Reproducible
The giant waves from the tsunami flooded the city
streets and made it impossible for people to go to
work or school.
In order to have fresh towels, my family washes
them in warm water and hangs them on our
clothesline.
Whenever my brother and I watch a movie that
frightens us, he takes all the pillows and I hide
behind the couch.
The music suddenly harmed my sister’s ears, but I
had only turned up the volume a little bit.
Because Ben was hasty in answering the
questions, he made lots of mistakes and had to
stay after school.
During the hot, dry season, zebra herds travel
miles to find new water holes and grass.
Helping Teachers Make A Difference®
© 2013 Really Good Stuff® 1-800-366-1920 www.reallygoodstuff.com Made in China #305630
7
Sentence Strip Reproducible
Although the island is small, many different species
of birds and fish live on it and around it.
Mariana felt lonely because her closest friend was
away at camp and she missed her.
As Nicholas waved his flags at the marching band
in the parade, he thought about how one day he
would like to play the trumpet.
With such a plentiful selection of fruit and
vegetables at the market, we could buy all the food
for our party.
Through experiment, the chemist proved that his
hypothesis was correct.
Although she had eaten it the morning before, the
little girl refused to take a bite of the oatmeal.
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Sentence Strip Reproducible
Pablo showed great skill in front of the judges and
was accepted into the dance program.
Walking on the beach, we found a pile of smooth
white pebbles that looked like eggs.
Every day Rick soils his clothes by working on
engines and repairing cars.
That snail is so tiny that it must take an entire hour
for it to cross the path.
Living in a small village makes it possible to walk
everywhere and know all your neighbors.
Helping Teachers Make A Difference®
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Robust Tier 2 Vocabulary Reproducible
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Robust Tier 2 Vocabulary Reproducible
Helping Teachers Make A Difference®
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Robust Tier 2 Vocabulary Reproducible
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