Frayer Model

Frayer Model Checklist

1.  Determine how the four quadrants in the Frayer Model will be defined for students. The following is a common way to use the quadrants:

   1. 1. • Upper-left: definition of the word in a complete sentence

         • Lower-left: examples and connections to the word (i.e., prior knowledge)

         • Upper-right: drawing or other visual representation of the word’s facts and characteristics

         • Lower-right: drawing or writing about what the word does not mean (i.e., non-examples)

2. The quadrants can be used in other ways depending on the purpose or academic discipline.

1. INTRODUCE:  Explain the Frayer Model: Introduce the Frayer Model as a tool for vocabulary development, emphasizing its four sections (definition, characteristics, examples, and non-examples). 

2. PRE-SELECT VOCABULARY: Choose key vocabulary words relevant to the lesson or unit. 

3. DISTRIBUTE & MODEL: Distribute copies of the Frayer Model and model process to students. 

   1. 1. Use a common word to demonstrate how to complete each section of the Frayer Model. 

      2. As you model, think aloud, explaining your reasoning and the connections between the word, its definition, characteristics, examples, and non-examples. 

4. ASSIGN VOCABULARY WORDS:  Assign each student or group of students a vocabulary word to work with. 

5. ENCOURAGE DISCUSSION: Facilitate discussions about the vocabulary words, encouraging students to share their ideas and reasoning. 

6. PROVIDE EXAMPLES AND NON-EXAMPLES:  Help students identify examples and non-examples of the vocabulary word. 

7. DEEPEN UNDERSTANDING:  Extend the activity by asking students to describe the rationale for their examples and non-examples. 

8. SHARE:  Have students share their completed Frayer Models with the class or in small groups.

9. USE FOR REVIEW & REFLECTION:  

   1. 1. Use the shared Frayer Models to review the key vocabulary and reinforce understanding.

      2. Make copies of the completed Frayer Models for students to use as study aids.

      3. Encourage students to create their own Frayer Models for other vocabulary words or concepts.

• Begin with familiar content, then increase the complexity

• Allow students to use connections instead of examples

• Use sentence stems or word banks to support writing

• Provide a completed Frayer Model except for the center section (word, concept, topic). Have students determine the word based on the clues.  Use assigned partners to discuss and then share answers, justifying their thinking

• Provide clues for the concept/topics and have students guess what the main word will be.

• Use more complex academic vocabulary, topics, and concepts.  Have students individually complete the Frayer model, then share with others through a student talk strategy such as Give One, Get One.  Students add to their Frayer model after sharing with each other.

• Use as a reciprocal teaching tool in other collaborative structures such as a jigsaw.

• Tech:  students can import pictures or graphics from online resources.