Tier 2 Vocabulary in Speech Therapy

A Clinical Framework, Research Rationale, and Therapy Tools for SLPs

Vocabulary is the foundation of language. Because therapy time is limited—often 30–45 minutes per week—it’s essential that vocabulary instruction is intentional, efficient, and impactful.

For that reason, many speech-language pathologists focus on Tier 2 vocabulary. These words offer the greatest return on investment for therapy time and support generalization across settings, subjects, and daily life.

This page outlines:

• A clear review of the three tiers of vocabulary
• Research-based principles for Tier 2 vocabulary instruction
• How to structure Tier 2 vocabulary therapy efficiently
• Therapy resources designed for real sessions (including teletherapy)

Understanding the Three Tiers of Vocabulary

Tier 1 Vocabulary

Tier 1 vocabulary includes basic, everyday words that most children acquire naturally through exposure and interaction.

Examples include: baby, ball, sleep, blue, clock

These words typically do not require direct instruction for most children.

According to Super Duper, the English language has 7,000 tier 1 word families.

Tier 2 Vocabulary

Tier 2 vocabulary consists of high-frequency, flexible words that appear across:

• Academic subjects
• Daily routines
• Spoken and written language

Examples include: follow, measure, example, compare, explain

These words are powerful because they:

• Support comprehension across contexts
• Appear repeatedly throughout the day
• Strengthen expressive language and academic success

Tier 2 vocabulary is often considered the “sweet spot” for speech therapy because it provides broad, functional impact with limited therapy time.

According to Super Duper, the English language has 8,000 tier 1 word families.

Tier 3 Vocabulary

Tier 3 vocabulary includes domain-specific or technical terms tied to a particular subject, field, or activity.

Examples include: apraxia, echolalia (speech-language pathology), or isomer, alloy (chemistry).

These words are typically taught within specific academic or professional contexts rather than targeted broadly in speech therapy.

According to Super Duper, the English language has 400,000 word families.

Why Tier 2 Vocabulary Is a Priority in Speech Therapy

To make sure I was up-to-date on my vocabulary instruction, I headed over to the Informed SLP.  I enjoyed the review of this article: "Building Semantic Networks: The Impact of a Vocabulary Intervention on Preschoolers’ Depth of Word Knowledge" has taught me a lot of vocabulary instruction. 

The article basically discusses key components of vocabulary therapy.

My main takeaways were:

• Exposures across different contexts is key for generalization.
• Explicitly teach the meaning (not just incidental teaching through stories or "teachable moments") is necessary.
• Relating words together creates word depth.

Relating words together consists of:

• categories - what group does it belong to?
• opposites - what means the opposite?
• synonyms - what means the same thing?
• association - what goes together?
• taxonomy - how to organize/classify a word

Structuring Tier 2 Vocabulary Therapy Sessions

Effective Tier 2 vocabulary intervention does not need to be time-consuming.

Short, Repeated Practice

Brief, focused activities:

• Reduce cognitive load
• Fit easily into sessions
• Support consistent review

Multiple Entry Points

Introducing the same word through:

• Definitions
• Opposites
• Synonyms
• Sentence use

helps reinforce meaning and supports flexible language use.

Reading for Reinforcement

After explicit instruction, shared reading provides a natural opportunity to:

• Identify target words in context
• Reinforce meaning
• Support generalization

This step is especially effective for building multiple exposures.

Tier 2 Vocabulary Therapy Materials (No-Print, Teletherapy-Friendly)

Inside the Speech Therapy Talk Membership, Tier 2 vocabulary resources are designed to reflect these principles.

Each Tier 2 vocabulary set includes multiple card decks targeting:

• Definitions
• Synonyms
• Antonyms
• Sentence formulation

Why This Structure Works

• Visual support:
  Real-life images support comprehension, recall, and carryover.
• Multiple exposures:
  The same words are revisited across formats and sessions.
• Flexible use:
  Materials work for in-person therapy, teletherapy, quick reviews, or game-based practice.
• Short bursts:
  Ideal for students who benefit from brief, structured activities.

Accessing the Materials

Current Members

Tier 2 vocabulary decks are available inside the Speech Therapy Talk Membership.

Access Tier 2 Vocabulary Materials

Not a Member Yet?

Membership includes:

• Tier 2 vocabulary resources
• Articulation and language materials
• Teletherapy and no-print tools
• Home practice calendars
• Parent handouts (English & Spanish)

Explore the Speech Therapy Talk Membership

Want a Free Language Material?

If you’d like to try a sample before joining, you can sign up to receive a free language resource each month.

This is a simple way to explore the style, structure, and quality of materials included in the membership.