Tier 1 Words
Tier 1 words are the most basic, commonly occurring
words in English. Many of the Tier 1 words
are easily recognized by native speakers of English but
not necessarily by second language learners. Adult
second language learners typically know the concepts of
these words, as well as the labels for them in their
native language. They may not, however, know the
English labels. To illustrate, consider the word, dog,
which is translated as perro in Spanish. A native
speaker of Spanish who knows the word perro simply
needs to learn the corresponding English label, dog.
The meaning of Tier 1 words can often be conveyed
using visuals, realia, gestures, or demonstration.
Teachers can also provide or allow students to obtain a
native language translation. A key consideration here is
that the meaning of Tier 1 words should be conveyed
quickly and clearly so that connections between
students’ native language and second language
knowledge are fostered.