Instructional Strategy

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INSTRUCTIONAL STRATEGY

Frayer Model

Grade:

K-2, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12, UNIV

Type:

Acquire Vocabulary
/ Develop Language (MLL)
< 20

Minutes

When:

During reading

Materials:

Frayer Model graphic organizer, whiteboard or display, writing utensil
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Description

Lightbox reading Synonyms and Antonyms surrounded by letter tiles.
© stevanovicigor—iStock / Getty Images Plus/Getty Images
The Frayer Model is designed to enhance vocabulary and concept understanding by activating students’ background knowledge. Using a four-square layout, students define the word or concept, identify its synonyms and antonyms, and demonstrate their grasp of the new vocabulary by using it in a sentence.
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Procedure

Prepare for the Activity: Distribute the Frayer Model graphic organizer. Review the following steps for using the Frayer Model to clarify the meaning of new and unfamiliar vocabulary in the text(s), and model the process for completion as appropriate for your students.
1
Ask students to write the vocabulary word in the center of the organizer.
2
In the Definition quadrant, invite students to write the word’s definition as it is used in the lesson’s text.
3
In the Synonyms quadrant, ask students to write words that are similar to the vocabulary word. This helps them visualize the word’s connections to words they already know.
4
In the Antonyms quadrant, encourage students to write words that mean the opposite of the vocabulary word. This is useful for understanding the word through its contrast to familiar terms.
5
In the Sentences quadrant, invite students to write at least one sentence using the vocabulary word in its specific context. This should be done last, to ensure students have gained a good understanding of the word from the other sections.
As appropriate, encourage students to draw representations of their thinking instead of writing.
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Differentiation

Scaffolded Organizer: To scaffold the task and further guide students’ vocabulary acquisition, provide a partially complete Frayer Model organizer that includes one synonym, one antonym, and one sentence. Invite students to use these examples to create their own sentences.
Case in Point: Invite students to further their exploration of the new vocabulary by using the word(s) in a brief real-life scenario, ideally within the context of the content area. Prompt students to extend their sentences in the Sentences quadrant of the Frayer Model to write a brief paragraph for their real-world connection.
Cross-Curricular Connections: Encourage students to apply new vocabulary in various subjects, linking words to concepts in science, history, or math. This approach enhances learning, fosters critical thinking, and demonstrates word relevance in different fields.

Multilingual Learning Support

Beginning Proficiency: Support vocabulary acquisition through a modified Frayer Model approach that allows students to write definitions in both their home language and English. Encourage students to use simple words and phrases they know and provide visual dictionaries and translation tools to help them understand new vocabulary. In the “Synonyms” and “Antonyms” sections, encourage students to list words in both languages, helping them build connections between familiar concepts and new English vocabulary. For the “Sentences” section, offer basic sentence frames (e.g., “A…is…”) and allow students to draft first in their home language before attempting English. Support drawing and labeling in both languages as an alternative to written expression.
Intermediate Proficiency: Enhance students’ vocabulary development by strategically incorporating bilingual elements throughout the Frayer Model by having students write the primary definition in English while adding clarifying notes in their home language. In the “Synonyms” and “Antonyms” sections, encourage students to create word webs that show relationships between English words and their home language equivalents. Provide structured sentence frames with increasing complexity (e.g., “The…is…because…”) to support sentence creation. Guide students to identify cognates when possible, helping them recognize patterns between languages.
Advanced Proficiency: Deepen students’ conceptual understanding by using the Frayer Model to explore nuanced vocabulary meanings across languages. Invite students to analyze how the word’s definition might vary between English and their home language, noting cultural or contextual differences. In the “Synonyms” and “Antonyms” sections, challenge students to identify subtle differences in meaning between related words in both languages. For younger students, focus on clear, accurate English definitions while maintaining home language connections. For older students, encourage exploration of academic vocabulary, multiple word meanings, and idiomatic expressions in both languages. Guide students to write sophisticated sentences that demonstrate deep understanding of the word’s usage in different contexts. This approach maintains academic rigor while leveraging students’ bilingual abilities to enhance vocabulary mastery.
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Variations

Alternative Quadrants: Depending on the content area and lesson context, the quadrants may vary. In addition to providing the basic definition, Frayer Models can contain sections such as Key Characteristics, Visual Representations, Examples, and Non-examples. Alternative sections allow students to explore a range of word relationships to determine or clarify the meaning of unfamiliar words.
Frayer Model Posters: For a collaborative and hands-on approach, distribute sheets of chart paper to pairs or small groups and ask students to recreate the Frayer Model using colored markers. Display these Frayer Model posters in the room so that students can refer to them as they engage with the texts through reading, writing, and discussions.
Role-Play and Dramatization: Ask students to perform skits to act out the meanings, synonyms, and antonyms of vocabulary words. This activity demonstrates the words’ use in real-life scenarios and enhances students’ understanding through acting.
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