Frayer Model 

Purpose:  To promote vocabulary development and student thinking

Description: Using the Frayer Model, students will activate their prior knowledge of a topic, organize knowledge into categories, and apply their new knowledge to the compartmentalized structure.

Procedure:

  1. Brainstorm a list of ideas related to your topic.
  2. Have students read a selection or participate in an activity related to your topic.
  3. Pass out a blank copy of the Frayer Model.
  4. Using their brainstormed words and new knowledge of a topic, students will group their words into one of four categories: Essential Characteristics, Non-essential Characteristics, Examples, and Non-examples.
  5. Have students add additional words to the Frayer Model until all four categories are substantially represented.

Hint: Once students have learned how to utilize the Frayer Model for understanding topics in depth, the model can be used as a form of assessment or even at the beginning of a lesson as a brainstorming activity.

Buehl, D. (2001). Classroom strategies for interactive learning. Newark, DE: International Reading Association

 

Sample Frayer Model 

Frayer Model Activity Sheet

from Instructional Strategies for Engaging Learners
Guilford County Schools TF, 2002

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