Go1-Frayer Model or Concept Maps
Wish you had an easy way to improve student vocabulary? One approach that is effective is the Frayer Model, also known as the four-square model. It’s a graphic organizer that facilitates word analysis. Given its four-square look, it is easy to replicate with technology.
That’s because semantic maps offer a visual way of viewing “meaning-based connections between a word or phrase and a set of related words or concepts” (source: Reading Rockets).
Step #1 - Discover Why
“The Frayer Model draws on a student’s prior knowledge. It assist students in building connections among new concepts.
The Model creates a visual reference. Students are able to learn to compare attributes and examples” (adapted from source).
The Frayer model puts the vocabulary term students need to learn in the center of the diagram. Students then consider and describe the word or concept. Per the Reading Educator, some of the ways include:
Defining the term
Describing its essential characteristics
Providing examples of the term
Offering non-examples of the term
Listing subordinate, superordinate, and coordinate terms
In the early days of the Frayer Model, a graphic organizer was not used. Others adapted it and reduced the framework to five steps (source), shown in the organizer (left).
Step #2 - Explore On Your Own
Twitter from @SizerSchool featuring Mrs. Hartenstein’s high school Academic Support class. For Halloween, students chose spooky words and made Frayer models with each.
To use the Frayer Model with students, introduce them to the graphic organizer. Allow them to complete the graphic organizer on their own, in small groups, or large group.
As the teacher, model the use of the four-square template with your students by using these four steps:
Discuss key vocabulary before reading a text.
Have students identify desired concepts in the text.
Invite students to complete the chart for each key concept.
Have student share what their takeaways are with the group (adapted from source).
Step #3 - Give It A Go
As we work throughout the next hour, fill out a Frayer Model that captures ONE word or phrase you may be unfamiliar with. Use one of these Google Slide templates to get started, then share your creation using the link to the right.
Special thanks to Meredith Akers for making a Frayer Model Collaborative Slide Deck. She shared her version via Twitter, and you can make a copy of it easily.
