A Frayer Model is a specific type of graphic organizer. It was originally created in 1969, but with the widespread use of graphic organizers in the classroom, it is still widely used today. Most people are familiar with using this type of organizer for learning vocabulary words, but it can be used for more than that. The Frayer Model graphic organizer is versatile and can be used across various grades and subjects to help students to not only build on vocabulary words, but also to expand their knowledge of various concepts.
The Frayer Model is organized so that four boxes or sections surround a general concept or vocabulary word in the center of the organizer. The four boxes surrounding it are labeled Definition, Characteristics, Examples and Non-Examples by default.
The Frayer Model is a beneficial vocabulary graphic organizer for all grades. In the lower grades, depending on the students’ abilities it may be beneficial to complete it as a class, with the teacher leading the discussion. Below are two examples of Frayer Models that might be used in the elementary grades in Math and ELA for vocabulary words or concepts. Some elementary students could make these on their own, while others would benefit from seeing a completed graphic organizer for more in-depth understanding.
Frayer Models are not only great for all grades, but for all subjects. All subjects will have vocabulary or concepts unique to it that students will be required to know, and vocabulary is just the beginning. The default cell layout for the Frayer Model is four cells with the above vocabulary titles. The titles can be changed from the default with a simple click. Additionally, you can easily change the cell layout to cell only, cell and description, or cell, title and description.
While the Frayer Model is most often used for vocabulary building, use this format for anything. The Frayer Model is a useful graphic organizer for brainstorming different characteristics or ideas that surround one topic. The four cells allow for a very targeted approach to brainstorming, which is ideal for students who may get carried away and need to stay focused. This graphic organizer can be used before a project begins, to brainstorm ideas that will shape research, or it can be used after a project to help retain information gathered throughout the process.
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ELA History Foreign LanguageMany concepts in English Language Arts are difficult to understand at first. With Frayer Models, you can break down the components of a concept into the traditional parts (Definitions, Characteristics, Examples, and Non-Examples), or you can separate the concept into four major parts.
