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Frayer Model

Grades: All
Estimated Duration: 11-20 minutes

Table of Contents

Analyzing, Applying, Remembering, Understanding
Check for understanding, Comprehension, Knowledge acquisition, Prior knowledge check, Review, Synthesis, Visual aid, Writing process
Any
Any
Optional

Description

The Frayer Model is a vocabulary development strategy that provides a four-part structure for students to examine target vocabulary and concepts. The four elements of the Frayer Model typically include the definition, examples, non-examples, and characteristics of the target vocabulary term. These elements are organized in a graphic organizer where one vocabulary term is written in a middle circle surrounded by four squares. Each square is labeled for one of the four elements. There may be some variations that include synonyms and antonyms instead of examples and non-examples, and attributes or illustrations instead of characteristics. Students study one word at a time and complete the graphic organizer using background knowledge, assigned texts, and their prior knowledge and experiences. The Frayer Model is a visual representation of students’ understanding and application of a term, as well as the connections that they make to support their understanding. Teachers should model how to use the Frayer Model so that students understand the quality of the expected answers.

When To Use It

As a learning strategy, use the Frayer Model when you want students to:

  • develop a deeper understanding of content vocabulary and concepts
  • use prior knowledge and experiences to make connections to and among terms
  • develop reading comprehension skills through vocabulary development
  • work cooperatively to learn new vocabulary and concepts
  • understand the relationship between terms
  • apply understanding of vocabulary and concepts by comparing characteristics and generating examples and non-examples
  • review vocabulary and key concepts

As an instructional strategy, use the Frayer Model when you want to:

  • introduce concepts or new vocabulary at the beginning of a unit
  • engage students in word study
  • use visuals to support vocabulary development and understanding of concepts
  • enhance the information on a word wall for students to reference
  • pair or group students for cooperative learning
  • provide a note-taking strategy for students to use during reading
  • assess student understanding of vocabulary and concepts
  • teach students how to use resources to find relevant information

How To Use It

Advance Prep

  1. Identify the vocabulary or concepts for students to study.
  2. Identify resources such as a dictionary or content text that students may use to help them complete the Frayer Model.
  3. Prepare to explain and model how to use the Frayer Model when introducing the activity. Use a familiar word to demonstrate how to complete each of the four sections. Show and highlight the level of quality expected for their answers.
  4. If students are working in pairs or small groups, determine how you will group students and assign vocabulary or concepts. The Frayer Model works well as a cooperative learning activity where students work on specific words that are then shared with their groups and the whole class to study and reference. The Frayer Model can also be used during whole-group or one-on-one instruction.
  5. Make copies of the graphic organizer if students are completing it on paper, or prepare a digital version for students to access.

Implementation

  1. Introduce the Frayer Model and model how to complete it using a familiar word:
    1. Write the word in the middle circle.
    2. Write the definition in your own words.
    3. List characteristics.
    4. Write or illustrate examples and then non-examples.
      1. Explain how understanding the definition, characteristics, examples, and non-examples of a term can help them to remember the word and develop a deeper understanding of its meaning
      2. You may choose to model the strategy using a think-aloud and then have the whole class contribute to a shared model of a familiar word.
      3. While students may use a resource to learn the definition, encourage them to write the definition using their own words.
      4. When students have a firm understanding of what to do, distribute copies of the graphic organizer or provide access to a digital version.
  2. Divide students into pairs or groups and assign words. (Students may also work individually.) Explain that students will become experts on their words and then share their models with the whole class so that everyone can learn and review the terms.
  3. As students complete the activity, circulate to support as needed.
  4. Convene the whole group for students to share their Frayer Models. During the presentations, consider asking students to explain the rationale for the examples and non-examples they chose.

Make copies or post the Frayer Models so that all students may reference them during the unit of study.

Pros

  • Provides a structure for word study and vocabulary development
  • Allows students to make personal connections to vocabulary and concepts
  • Promotes critical thinking and application of knowledge
  • Engages students in cooperative learning
  • Applies to all stages of learning
  • Can be modified to meet various learning needs, contexts, content areas, and objectives

Cons

  • Requires explicit instruction and modeling before students become independent with the strategy
  • Works best for students in upper elementary grades and above

Culturally Responsive Application

The Frayer Model is a culturally responsive instructional strategy because it allows students to make personal connections to vocabulary development and concept understanding. Students can leverage prior knowledge and experiences to make sense of new terms and to demonstrate their understanding. They are encouraged to use their own words to describe concepts and generate examples and non-examples based on their understanding. A collection of Frayer Model graphic organizers can be the foundation for a personalized vocabulary journal that students can reference and build upon throughout a unit of study. Teachers can differentiate this strategy for a variety of learning needs by using illustrations and alternative categories. Additionally, when used as a cooperative learning activity, the Frayer Model promotes an inclusive class community.

Emerging English Language Support

Develop understanding of key concepts and vocabulary, draw on prior knowledge to make connections among concepts, create a “vocabulary wall” for quick reference of word meanings.

Students with Disabilities Support

Learners read the assigned content and carefully define the target concepts. Have learners complete the four-square graphic organizer for each word/concept.

Subjects

1.1 Literature, 1.2 Informational texts,1.4 Writing, 1.5 Speaking and listening, 1.6 Language, 1.7 Reading in science & technical subjects, 1.8 Reading in history & social studies, 1.9 Writing in history/social studies, science, and technical subjects, 2.1 K-8 mathematics, 2.2 High school number & quantity, 2.3 High school algebra, 2.4 High school functions, 2.5 High school geometry, 2.6 High school statistics & probability, 3.1 Earth and space science, 3.2 Life science, 3.3 Physical science, 3.4 Engineering, technology, and application of science, 4.1 Civics, 4.2 Economics, 4.3 Geography, 4.4 History, 5.1 Computing systems, 5.2 Networks & the internet, 5.3 Data & analysis, 5.4 Algorithms & programming, 5.5 Impacts of computing

Why It Works

Frayer model help students share and debate the validity of each other’s examples and non-examples in discussions with peers. (REF64)

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